As crawfish season approaches, it’s only natural for us to start comparing crawfish delivery prices. The last few seasons hardly set a precedent. In most cases, this was due to the seafood industry’s volatility, especially amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
In 2019, prices increased for the freshwater crayfish. In particular, consumers placed a heavy demand on farm-raised crawfish. As a result, the producers increased the prices as the need expanded and outpaced the crawfish supply. Meanwhile, consumers witnessed a price spike amongst menhaden, crabs, and oysters.
Then, in 2020, COVID-19 undercut the Louisiana crawfish industry. As restaurants halted their dine-in option, producers could only sell 10 to 15% of their catch. By the end of March of 2020, live crawfish prices dropped as low as $1.99 per pound for medium-sized crawfish and $2.99 per pound for large crawfish.
What are 2021 Crawfish Delivery Prices?
Due to the apparent instability, you may be wondering why you are seeing more crawfish on your menus. Or perhaps you are confused how crawfish prices increased from spring of the previous year. However, the price changes are evidently ongoing and may even affect your 2022 delivery experience. In March of 2021, the average price per pound for boiled crawfish was $4.94. Meanwhile, producers in March set the live crawfish price at $3.77, which was an increase from the same time in 2020.
As mentioned above, the heightened demand in part caused producers to increase the prices of their catch. However, shortages of other types of seafood led to that greater crawfish delivery demand. Part of the issue came as a result of the devastation from Hurricane Ida. The August 2021 hurricane fractured the seafood industry. Between the damage done to the production equipment and their inability to sell certain seafood in the previous year, a great number of restaurants and vendors still cannot afford to sell seafood like crab.
So, they are turning to selling crawfish. One restaurant in Washington, D.C. felt the brunt of crab pricing surges. They removed their popular crab cakes from their menu rather than continuing to raise prices. Then, as a replacement, they added crawfish tails to the menu.
How to Improve Your Crawfish Delivery
Many companies specialize in selling crawfish. In fact, you will find that many of our affiliates offer delivery options for crawfish purchases. Choosing to order crawfish online can help you save money in a couple of significant ways.
You can increase your order size. The great part about ordering online is that you are not beholden to quantity limitations like you are in a restaurant. Given the rise in crawfish prices, you should consider stocking up when prices wane. You can then freeze your crawfish. The freshwater crayfish can last for up to three months in the freezer.
You may find free shipping. Many of our affiliates offer free or reduced shipping on their deliveries. Simply review their standard guidelines for how much your order must cost and check your geographic location to guarantee that you qualify.
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