Cost of Frozen Croaker Fish in Nigeria (July 2024)

Croaker fish is common in Nigerian homes, so if you like seafood, you’ve probably had it, but like with any commodity, knowing the cost of frozen croaker fish in Nigeria important, especially when planning your croaker fish recipes and budget.

In this post, we will talk about the cost of frozen croaker fish per 20kg carton, which is the normal carton weight per kilogram, we will also look at the different factors that affect how much frozen croaker fish costs in Nigeria in July 2024.

See Also:  Carton Price Of Frozen Chicken In Nigeria (July 2024)

Average Cost of Frozen Croaker Fish in Nigeria

The cost of frozen croaker fish in Nigeria may be different based on your location, quantity, and quality of the fish.

Below is the breakdown of the price of frozen croaker fish based on quantity.

• Full carton (20kg): ₦80,000 to ₦95,000
• Half carton (10kg): ₦40,000 to ₦47,000
• Quarter carton (5kg): ₦20,000 to ₦25,000

If you are buying Wholesale frozen croaker fish in Nigeria, the price would be lesser. You can always get the cheapest frozen fish in Nigeria from cold-rooms.

How much is croaker fish per kg in Nigeria?

In Nigeria, the price of croaker fish per kg can change based on where it is bought, how fresh it is (fresh croaker fish is usually more expensive than frozen), and its size.

However, based on market research, here’s a general idea of the price range you can expect:

• ₦3,000 to ₦3,500 per kg for fresh or frozen croaker fish.
• Hellocart Nigeria lists 1kg of croaker fish at ₦3,050

The usual price for frozen croaker fish in stores is N3,000 to N3,500 per kilogram

How many kg is in a carton of croaker fish?

The weight of a carton of croaker fish can change depending on the particular packaging and the seller at any given time.

To put it into perspective, an average carton of frozen croaker fish weighs 20 kilograms.

 Certain cartons are larger or smaller than others, ranging from 5 to 20 kilograms.  

However, most times, a carton of croaker fish will weigh 20kg, while half a carton will weigh 10kg, and a quarter carton weighs 5kg.

Why Is Croaker Fish Expensive?

There are different types of frozen fish in Nigeria but croaker fish stands out due to its nutritious value and taste.

Croaker fish costs a lot for many reasons, such as:

• Large demand in China: The main reason for the high price of croaker fish is the large demand for its swim bladder, which is a treat in China.
• Low supply: Croaker fish are hard to catch, so there isn’t a lot of them available. This makes them expensive.
• Market for exports: Most of the croaker fish is sent to China, where it is very popular, and this makes the price go up.
• Not enough regulations: There aren’t many regulations for the fish industry, which can cause too much fishing and a smaller supply of croaker fish, which drives up the price.
• Medicinal properties. In China, people think that the dried fish maw has therapeutic properties. This makes it more valuable and raises the price of the fish.
• Species and size: The price of croaker fish depends on the species and the size of the fish. Some species and bigger fish are more expensive.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Frozen Croaker Fish in Nigeria

Changes with the seasons

Croaker fish is available at different times of the year, just like many other seafood products.

Prices tend to go down during the busy fishing season because there are more goods on the market. On the other hand, prices can go up a lot during off-peak times.

Market Location

The end price is affected by how much it costs to ship croaker fish from the coast to markets in the middle of the country. Logistics, like the cost of cooling and shipping, are very important in figuring out the sale price.

Importing vs. Local Production

Nigeria’s fishing industry is strong, but you can also find croaker fish from other countries in the market.

It is common for imported fish to cost more because of frozen fish import regulations in Nigeria like taxes, fees, and handling costs. This affects the market price.

Market Demands

Prices can go up when there is a lot of demand, especially in cities where fish is common. Demand and, by extension, prices can be affected by things like population growth and changing dietary preferences.

Size and Quality

 Larger and higher-quality croaker fish will tend to cost more. Consumers are often willing to pay a higher price for fish that is well-preserved and free from damage.

How to Save Money When Buying Frozen Croaker Fish

Bulk Buying

It is possible to save a lot of money by buying frozen croaker fish in large quantities. A lot of stores and wholesalers offer discounts on big orders, which lowers the price per kilogram total.

Off-Peak Seasons Shopping

You can also save money by buying things at times when fishing is most popular. Prices tend to be cheaper at these times because there is more supply.

Comparing Prices from Several Sellers

You can also find the best deals by taking the time to look at prices from different sellers. Prices are often similar in online markets and local fish markets. Doing some study can help you save a lot of money.

Where And How To Buy Croaker Fish In Nigeria

There are several options opened for you to explore when thinking of buying croaker fish in Nigeria.

When considering where to buy frozen croaker fish in Nigeria, your first option should be the cold rooms.

Let’s look at some other options:

Local Fish Fishermen and Suppliers:

If you are not living far from a fish market, you can buy fresh croaker fish at a considerably cheaper price directly from these local fishermen when they bring the fish to the market for sale.

Importers

These are businesses that bring in frozen croaker fish from other countries to make sure they always have a supply, even when the local catch is low.

You can buy directly from these importers if you are planning to buy croaker fish in bulk.  The price is relatively cheaper when buying from importers.

Retail Chains and Supermarkets:

These places usually have a lot of frozen fish goods for people in cities. You can walk into any retail store to buy croaker fish, only the price will be a little higher compared to buying from importers or fishermen.

Online Markets:

More and more people are buying cold fish through e-commerce sites because they are convenient and have good prices. Marketplaces such as Jiji or 24-hour market offer a convenient way of buying frozen croaker fish from suppliers.

Health Benefits of Consuming Croaker Fish

Most of the croaker fish available in the market are frozen types, so people always ask, is frozen croaker fish healthy? The answer is yes, it is healthy. However, the health benefits of croaker fish can be impacted by your cooking method. Baking, grilling, or broiling are healthier options compared to frying.

Let’s see the health benefits of croaker fish

Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

For heart health, omega-3 fatty acids are very important. Eating croaker fish can lower your blood pressure, lower your chance of heart disease, and lower your triglyceride levels.

High amount of protein

For muscles to grow and heal, they need protein. Good sources of protein can be found in croaker fish, which makes it a great choice for a healthy diet.

Important Minerals and Vitamins

Croaker fish is full of minerals and vitamins that your body needs, like selenium, vitamin D, and B vitamins. These nutrients help the body do many things, like keeping bones healthy and the immune system working well.

Conclusion

Understanding the cost of frozen croaker fish in Nigeria involves considering various factors, from seasonal variations to economic influences. By staying informed and making savvy purchasing decisions, you can enjoy this nutritious and delicious fish without breaking the bank.