By Hamish Clark
New Zealand export-quality fish that was destined for the European market is instead being sold back here in Auckland.
Leigh Fisheries, the largest Kiwi exporter of chilled fish into Europe, has cancelled air freight shipments to Italy, Switzerland and Greece, costing thousands of dollars.
“This is really wonderful for us – terrible for the airlines and the export companies – but great for us; it just doesn't happen,” says Michelle Lee of South City Seafood.
The eruption has caused a headache for Leigh Fisheries – cancelling their latest shipment to Europe – sending it on to the United States instead.
“There has been a financial impact because of the value of our product the best prices are in Europe so the company and the fisherman will be getting a reduced price for the product,” says Greg Bishop, Leigh Fisheries chief executive.
The airlines say freight destined for European markets could be up and running by the end of the week.
Other exports like flowers and fruit and vegetables are unaffected, while 10 tonnes of chilled lamb is stranded at overseas airports.
“There will be some impact on those customers right now,” says Tim Ritchie, spokesman for the Meat Industry Association.
“They will have product in the pipeline over there; hopefully the current difficulties are solved pretty quickly so that trade can continue again.”
While some exporters are facing difficulties, New Zealand king salmon is one that’s benefiting, filling big international orders in Dubai, Singapore and Tokyo with customers there unable to source fish from their northern hemisphere suppliers.
3 News