19 January 2009

Petrol not the only thing going up; Fyshwick Market seafood prices have gone crazy

| YapYapYap
Join the conversation
22

The re-build of the markets has seen one of the two fishos shut-up shop with the remaining monger move into new premises, the result being prawns on the (very) high side of $30 a kg (previously $23 to $30 a kg), $43 a kg for scallops (previously around $34), over $40 for Balmain Bugs (previously around $25), mid-thirties for barra – and more or less the same for ling, only flake and mullet were under $20.

Even the whole fish went as high as $30+. I would’ve bought the blue eye cod, at about $25, but it looked as though it’d made the move from the old premises.

So, can you northsiders either confirm or deny my theory that these prices are the result of zero competition, or are prices (particularly at the Belco markets) similar elsewhere?

[ED – Finally! We get to talk about the price of fish!]

Join the conversation

22
All Comments
  • All Comments
  • Website Comments
LatestOldest
tylersmayhem8:43 am 21 Jan 09

…and WTF is with the latest spike in petrol anyway. Well, I told you it would happen – happy new year!

tylersmayhem said :

Can you imagine the likes of Peter Blackshaw or Vince Sorrenti previously doing their weekly shopping at the markets, having to bump shoulders with the humble folk who are out for cheap produce. I think not.

FYI, having gone to school with his son and actually been around their household… he has gone to the markets before. gasp.

Mrs Danman and I flew first class from America to Australia, after staying at a 3 million dollar condo on South Beach Florida , and I’m 100% blue collar.

I dont think that these 2 things are significant indicators of my wealth (or lack there of)

toby101375 said :

Yeh, last time I saw Peter Blackshaw he was trying to get his assistant to explain to the Harvey Norman sales assistant, who was right next to him, what sort of phone he wanted, he wouldn’t talk to the sales guys directly…the guy’s got breadsticks up him.

no, he doesn’t have a good grasp of technology. if he can afford to have an assistant, and as per other posts, fly first class (gasp!) good on him. he wasn’t born with a silver spoon, and has done a remarkable job of becoming very successful. I have seen him a couple of times at the markets, but had to do a double take – i did not recognise him in his civvies.

tylersmayhem8:28 am 20 Jan 09

actually, Peter Blackshaw does shop at the markets, he has always been a very down to earth person. rubbing shoulders with the great unwashed is just something that happens.

I knew is was silly to actually use a person as an example, but please read around those mentioned, I think my point is still pretty clear.

Yeh, last time I saw Peter Blackshaw he was trying to get his assistant to explain to the Harvey Norman sales assistant, who was right next to him, what sort of phone he wanted, he wouldn’t talk to the sales guys directly…the guy’s got breadsticks up him.

actually, Peter Blackshaw does shop at the markets, he has always been a very down to earth person. rubbing shoulders with the great unwashed is just something that happens.

Yes incredibly down to earth, its why he flew first class to new york last week, and is spending time in his paris apartment this week.
I am sure we all do that when not looking for cheap fish.

So, can you northsiders either confirm or deny my theory that these prices are the result of zero competition, or are prices (particularly at the Belco markets) similar elsewhere?

I don’t buy seafood often so I can’t really comment.
But, the deli in Belco market jacked up the price of one of my favorite cheese from $25/Kg to $37/Kg over just one week. What the…? that’s almost 50% inflation!

I quite liked the markets back in the day. It was dark and rustic but boy it was fun. I haven’t been there in a long time now (as a mature 25 year old independent man my mother does all my fruit and vegetable shopping for me…). I’ll have to check it out and see the changes.

Years ago, I saw old Jolly John Gort hurling abuse at one of teh stall holders, not sure what he was upset about.

tylersmayhem said :

It’s not only Fyshwick, it’s all the frikkin’ markets in Canberra. All of the humble outlets that used to sell food and produce at “farmers market” prices have begged and scraped to the punters who used to steer clear of the markets like the plague.

Can you imagine the likes of Peter Blackshaw or Vince Sorrenti previously doing their weekly shopping at the markets, having to bump shoulders with the humble folk who are out for cheap produce. I think not. Since then the markets appear to cater more for “less sales for big dollars”, than “lots of sales at cheaper prices”. Even look at the decor of the markets to support my claims. Perfectly good polished concrete floors have been replaces with polished oak. That’s our custom dollars paying for that, and the inflated prices that go with it.

Rant over…I don’t shop at the markets any more – thanks!

actually, Peter Blackshaw does shop at the markets, he has always been a very down to earth person. rubbing shoulders with the great unwashed is just something that happens.

My car gets forty rods to the hogshead.

Fyshwick Markets have gone to the dogs. Went there for the first time in ages to get a pizza (the pizzas at the deli are really top notch), and it was ridiculous. Packed, no parking, and this grand new edifice. I wish they’d let it spread out a bit and kept it how it was, only bigger. This is awful, it’s looking distinctly twee, and it’s too crowded.

Yeah, deeza. Spot on.

The Fishmonger in Queanbeyan (near Aldi) is worth the drive. Brilliant fresh fish, cheaper than the ACT and friendly service – give it a try!

tylersmayhem1:07 pm 19 Jan 09

It’s not only Fyshwick, it’s all the frikkin’ markets in Canberra. All of the humble outlets that used to sell food and produce at “farmers market” prices have begged and scraped to the punters who used to steer clear of the markets like the plague.

Can you imagine the likes of Peter Blackshaw or Vince Sorrenti previously doing their weekly shopping at the markets, having to bump shoulders with the humble folk who are out for cheap produce. I think not. Since then the markets appear to cater more for “less sales for big dollars”, than “lots of sales at cheaper prices”. Even look at the decor of the markets to support my claims. Perfectly good polished concrete floors have been replaces with polished oak. That’s our custom dollars paying for that, and the inflated prices that go with it.

Rant over…I don’t shop at the markets any more – thanks!

Both of the seafood places at Fyshwick markets have actually been owned by the same people for the past few years. They have just closed one of them in the refurb.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supply_and_demand

There’s probably not much you can do about it unfortunately other than voting with your feet.

Why would you go to Fyshwick markets for fish ? Go direct to the wholesaler, blue seas in Leeton St.

seekay said :

Then there’s the fact that most of the fish there is not exactly on the fresh side…

someone was telling me that they got barramundi fresh from woolies. $19/kg. gungahlin. Tried to explain that it would have been frozen, barra wouldn’t make a road trip from qld and be fresh….

Then there’s the fact that most of the fish there is not exactly on the fresh side…

The ACCC needs to move in on these gougers right now.

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.