Oyster Prices – Historical Graph

Real-time chart of historical daily oyster prices. The prices are shown in dozen.
The current price is and is last updated on .
  • The average price in the past 3 days is
  • The average price in the past 7 days is
  • The average price in the past 30 days is
  • The average price in the past 365 days is

Oyster Prices Explained

Oyster prices leveraged on the rising consumer demand for protein-rich food and nutritious seafood, its health benefits, and the growing interest in sustainable and eco-friendly aquaculture practices. Also, the gradual expansion of exotic food markets  contributes to its global consumption. 

On the supply side, improve breeding techniques and disease management in aquaculture fuels its market growth. 

Why are oyster prices fluctuating?

1. Seasonal Variability

There may be variations in the availability of oysters all year round as they are frequently collected during specific seasons. Also, their growth, availability, and prices depend on the changes in environmental factors, weather patterns, and water temperature.

For instance, in France and other Mediterranean countries where summer is not the prime oyster-producing season, retailers suffer from a shortage of stock. However, coastal producers make the most of direct oyster sales during the tourist season by utilizing creative channels like food trucks and automatic temperature-controlled distributors that run around the clock.

2. Demand

Oyster demand fluctuates according to holidays, special occasions, and customer preferences. Also, the rise of healthy diets like vegetarian and pescetarian impact its marketability. As a result, higher pricing results in increased demand at peak seasons and consumers’ healthy needs.

For example, live oysters post an increase in prices due to their freshness. Their value particularly fluctuates during Lenten and Chinese New Year. On the supply side, a shortage of oysters due to high demand forced oyster processors to pay up to $70 per sack, and wholesale costs of oysters increased by up to 40%.

3. Transportation Costs

Generally, oysters are picked along the coast and shipped to markets that are either domestic or abroad. As a result, the price of delivering oysters to the market varies depending on factors including fuel pricing, logistics, and transportation infrastructure.

For instance, higher freight and transportation expenses resulted in a 20–25% increase in prices in Melbourne. Thus, a single natural oyster served in a local restaurant costs about $6 on average.

4. Quality and Size

The size, quality, and species of oysters are among the variables that affect oysters’ value. For example, oysters that are larger or of premium grade command a greater price for their perceived worth and flavor.

As per Silver Point Oysters’ record, live Pacific oysters and shucked oyster meats range in price from $8 to $12 per pound. Additionally, the cost of a dozen live Pacific oysters ranges from $7.50 to $9.15.

Which variables impact the price of oysters?

  • Seasonal Variability
  • Demand
  • Transportation Costs
  • Quality and Size
  • Regulatory Changes
  • Competition
  • Global Factors

Where does oyster come from?

Generally, oysters are native to coastal regions where they thrive in naturally occurring saltwater environments. Among the major oyster-producing areas are:

1. United States – One of the world’s top producers of oysters is the United States. The Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic coasts are where oysters are harvested. Oyster production is significant in states like Louisiana, Virginia, Maryland, Washington, and California.

2. France – Brittany, Normandy, and the Atlantic coast are the popular oyster farming sites in France. The commodity is highly valued for its distinct tastes and textures.

3. Canada – Oyster farms are a thriving industry in Canada, with British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia being the main producing regions.

4. Australia – Australia’s coastlines, particularly those in Tasmania, New South Wales, South Australia, and Western Australia are home to oyster farms.

5. New Zealand – Harvested in coastal regions like the Coromandel Peninsula, Stewart Island, and the Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand is famous for its premium oysters.

6. Japan – Oyster farming has a long history in Japan, with the majority of the country’s production occurring in coastal areas like Hokkaido, Miyagi, and Hiroshima.

7. United Kingdom – Around the United Kingdom, oysters are gathered from coastal places like Cornwall, Scotland, and the Thames Estuary.

8. China – Coastal areas like Guangdong, Shandong, and Fujian produce large quantities of domestic oysters.

What are the uses of oysters?

There are many non-culinary and culinary uses for oysters. Here are a few some uses for oysters:

1. Food – Oysters are considered a delicacy in many international cuisines. They are consumed in various ways, such as:

  • Raw – Frequently served on the half shell with cocktail sauce, spicy sauce, mignonette sauce, or lemon wedges.
  • Cooked – Baked, steamed, fried, or grilled oysters, they are delectable in various dishes.
  • Rockefeller – It is a well-known dish that is baked or broiled after being coated with a mixture of herbs, breadcrumbs, butter, and other spices.
  • Oyster Stew – A rich soup consisting of seasonings, butter, milk or cream, and oysters.

2. Nutritional Benefits – Recognized for its health benefits as it is rich in protein, vitamins (including D and B12), minerals (such as calcium, iron, and zinc), and omega-3 fatty acids, oysters are a great source of numerous nutrients.

3. Environmental Benefits – As filter feeders, oysters are vital to marine ecosystems. By filtering and eliminating silt, algae, and other contaminants from the water, they aid in enhancing the general health of estuaries and coastal environments.

4. Aquaculture – Aquaculture operations around the world raise oysters for commercial purposes. Fishermen and aquaculturists make a living off of oyster cultivation, which also increases the local economy in coastal areas.

5. Bioremediation – In bioremediation projects, oysters are employed to assist clean up contaminated streams and repair harmed marine environments. Also, they are efficient at eliminating excess nutrients, pollutants, and contaminants from the environment because of their capacity to filter vast amounts of water.

What is the future price of oysters?

The growing global demand for premium seafood is booming in the oyster farming industry. Also, technological advancements in farming practices and a growing focus on sustainability and environmental care are transforming the agriculture sector.

In addition, the shift in consumer preferences toward healthier diets is driving innovation and diversity in the oyster farming sector. The commodity’s protein and mineral properties make it a staple food for vegan consumers. Tyson Foods and JBS capitalized on this trend by incorporating oysters into their product lines, offering protein-rich options to health-conscious consumers.

Additionally, the expansion of different sauce formulations presents market growth for oysters. Restaurants and food service providers are increasingly using these sauces to enhance stir-fry and marinades, making them more appealing to a broader audience.

Overall, the Oyster Farming Market Size projected the commodity to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.07%, reaching $9,536.36 million by the end of 2030. Hence, the estimated price for oysters will be from $10.98 to $28.09 per kilogram in 2030.

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