Unusual Fish Species Making A Splash At Tesco

16 Aug 2016 --- UK fish lovers are demanding more unusual varieties of fish on their plates according to retailer Tesco which has seen swordfish and monkfish sales soar.

A change in fish shopping habits has led to Tesco selling much higher volumes of what used to be considered uncommon species of fish. 

Alongside swordfish and monkfish, shoppers have also been keen on grey mullet, megrim and brill. 

The increase is a result of a Tesco scheme which has focused on strategy to boost fish counter staffing levels with 650 fish counters across the country. Teams have been trained to help shoppers try out new and alternative fish, offer helpful advice and serving suggestions and cooking tips.

Tesco data shows grey mullet up by almost 600 percent, megrim up by more than 400 percent, mackerel up by almost 200 percent, monkfish tail up by more than 50 percent, and swordfish steak up by almost 50 percent. Ray wing has seen an increase of 40 percent, whilst whole crab sales have risen 25 percent. 

“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 like, monkfish tail, swordfish and megrim,” explains Tesco fish buyers Andrew Haigh.

“All of our fish counters colleagues are specially trained so they can help customers, angling for something different, with their fish choices and offer cooking, recipe and serving tips.”

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

In recent months, Tesco has introduced Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified fish to all fish counters across 28 different types of chilled prepacked fish.

Interested in buying lesser known fish has also been bolstered by popular TV chefs cooking with unusual species and food campaigners like Jamie Oliver and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.