According to Timmermans, it is “very realistic” that empty shelves will appear here and there in supermarkets in the coming months. The shortage may last until June.
The Belgian Shipowners’ Center confirms the small supply of gray North Sea shrimps. In 2023, the supply was 75 percent (figure until the end of November) lower than in 2022, which was a very good year. But also compared to 2021, the supply in 2023 was up to 30 percent lower. According to director Emiel Brouckaert, it is not exactly clear why fewer shrimps are brought to the surface. Fishermen are already pointing to large schools of young whiting, which feed on shrimp.
Supermarket chain Colruyt also confirms that there is “great scarcity” in the supply of gray shrimp at the moment, resulting in sharply rising purchase prices.