Tesco says shoppers are angling for something different

A change in fish shopping habits at Tesco has led to a sharp rise in demand for more unusual species.

In the last year, the grocery multiple has seen a big increase in sales of these more unusual dinner table fish:

Grey mullet – up by nearly 600%

Megrim – up by more than 400%

Mackerel – up by nearly 200%

Monkfish tail – up by more than 50%

Swordfish steak – up by nearly 50%

Ray wing – up by more than 40%

Whole crab – up by nearly 25%

The supermarket chain claims the increase is a result of a new scheme to trained staff on its 650 fish counters across the country to help shoppers discover alternative varieties, and offer advice on recipes and serving tips.

Tesco fish buyer Andrew Haigh said: “We now offer more fish choices than ever before, which has helped our customers explore and discover some of the more unusual but fantastic tasting varieties that are now readily available.

“We are seeing that shoppers’ tastes are changing, which is taking pressure off demand for the UK’s traditional favourites like cod and haddock.”

Tesco added that interest in lesser known species has also been driven by the popularity of TV cookery series such as ‘Saturday Kitchen’ and ‘MasterChef’ as well as through the work of food campaigners like Jamie Oliver and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.