Lobster is considered a luxury food item around the world. With its sweet, succulent meat and delicate texture, it’s no wonder that lobster is highly prized, especially the tails. For seafood lovers, Australian lobster tails are widely regarded as some of the best in the world. But with their elite status comes a hefty price tag. So how much does an Australian lobster tail really cost? Let’s take a closer look.
An Overview of Australian Lobster Tail Prices
In Australia lobster tails are graded based on size and weight. The three main grades are A, B, and C. On average, Grade A tails (the largest) cost $50-100 per tail. Grade B tails range from $30-60 per tail. Grade C tails (the smallest) average $20-40 per tail. However prices fluctuate depending on factors like season, region, freshness, and demand. During peak season when lobsters are abundant, prices tend to be lower. Prices also vary between wholesale and retail markets.
Why Are Australian Lobster Tails So Expensive?
Several factors contribute to the high prices of Australian lobster tails:
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Limited Supply – Australian lobsters are wild-caught, not farmed. Their numbers depend on natural populations, which are limited. This scarcity allows sellers to command higher prices.
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High Demand – With their reputation for quality, Australian tails are in high demand globally, which inflates costs. Overseas markets in Asia, Europe, and the U.S are willing to pay premium prices.
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Export Costs – Most Australian lobster is exported, which adds shipping, storage and distribution costs to the final price.
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Seasonality – Lobsters are less abundant in certain months, further limiting supply during off-peak seasons and raising prices.
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Fishing Regulations – Strict fishing regulations and quotas keep lobster populations sustainable but also constrain supply levels.
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Processing – After catching, lobsters must be transported, stored, and processed quickly before exporting, which adds labor and operational expenses.
Cost Breakdown: Where Does the Money Go?
To understand why Australian lobster tails command such high prices, it helps to know where the money goes from sea to plate:
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Fishing Operation – Paying the boat crew and expenses for fuel, equipment etc. takes a significant cut.
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Processor – Handling, cleaning, packing, freezing, and preparation activities add costs.
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Exporter – International shipping, logistics, import fees, and delivery expenses are very high.
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Distributor – Wholesalers, seafood retailers, and other middlemen take their markup.
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Restaurant/Retailer – The final sellers tack on extra profit margins before serving the customer.
Tips for Finding the Best Deals
For shoppers hoping to indulge in Australian lobster without breaking the bank, here are some tips:
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Buy direct from local fishermen when possible to cut out middlemen.
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Check prices at major retailers like seafood markets and grocery stores. Compare to find the best deal.
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Buy in bulk directly from processors/wholesalers if you can store large quantities.
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Be flexible on lobster size – smaller Grade C tails are significantly cheaper.
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Opt for frozen tails, which are cheaper than fresh. Make sure they are high quality.
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Buy during peak seasons like late summer/early fall when lobster is abundant.
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Consider processed lobster meat to avoid paying for the shells.
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Shop end-of-season sales or look for online discounts to save money.
Is It Worth Paying the High Price?
For most buyers, Australian lobster tails are an infrequent luxury purchase rather than an everyday food item. Given the exorbitant costs, is it worth paying the premium price? For die-hard lobster fans, the resounding answer is yes. The sweet flavor, soft texture, and overall dining experience make these lobster tails worth the splurge on special occasions. However, budget-conscious shoppers may want to explore more affordable seafood options for their regular cooking needs.
In the end, determining whether Australian lobster tails are “worth it” comes down to individual preferences and budget. For those with a passion for seafood and a willingness to pay higher prices for quality, Australian lobster tails deliver an exceptional eating experience viewed by many as the best in the world. But for shoppers seeking cheaper proteins, these lobster tails may be an prohibitive luxury.
COLD WATER
Western Australian tails are considered the best by most in the lobster world. These cold water tails are sweet and tender and highly sought after.
$85 Jumbo Western Australian Lobster Tails from Golden Steer in Las Vegas
FAQ
Are Australian lobster tails good?
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Cold Water Lobsters:Australian lobster tails, particularly those from Western Australia, are caught in cold, pristine waters, contributing to their rich, sweet flavor.
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Flavors:They are described as having a rich, buttery flavor with a tender yet meaty texture.
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Size:Australian lobster tails are known for their large size, with some reaching 16-20 oz, significantly larger than Maine lobster tails, which are typically 6-7 oz.
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Preparation:They pair well with butter, lemon, and can be steamed or grilled.
What is the current market price for lobster tail?
| Buy More + Save | Quantity Range | Per Item Price |
|---|---|---|
| 6-7 oz Lobster Tails | 2 – 5 | $28.00 |
| 6-7 oz Lobster Tails | 6 – 15 | $26.00 |
| 6-7 oz Lobster Tails | 16 + | $25.00 |
Is lobster expensive in Australia?
Rocklobsters are amongst the most expensive seafoods in Australia. Four species are commonly available, depending on your location, all of which share similar traits. Of chief consideration is their price point – expect to pay between $80 and $130/kg year-round for good specimens.
How big are Australian lobster tails?
Taste-wise, you won’t find much difference between a Maine lobster and an Australian lobster. However, visually, Australian lobsters are much larger than Maine lobsters. A Maine lobster tail weighs 6-7oz on average – our Australian lobster tails are double that at 12-14 or 14-16oz!
What are Australian lobster tails?
Experience the taste of luxury with Australian lobster tails, the finest seafood delicacy in the world. Sourced from the pristine waters of Australia, our lobster tails are known for their rich flavor and delicate texture that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
How many Oz is a jumbo lobster tail?
Jumbo size 16- 20 oz. That’s a POUND EACH! West Australian Lobster Tails for sale online! The prized, finest lobster tail in the world. Prized for their rich flavor, these tails are packed with a sweet, succulent and tender taste. Very easy to cook and can be prepared on the BBQ, broiled in the oven or boiled.
What is the best lobster tail?
The Biggest, and BestThe Grand-Daddy of ALL Lobster Tails, The prized FINEST Lobster Tail in the WORLD WEST AUSTRALIAN Lobster tails, are prized for their rich flavor these tails packed with a sweet and tender taste, come from the world-famous Pristine Water of Australia. Jumbo size 16- 20 oz. That’s a POUND EACH!
Where can I buy lobster tails?
The tails are considered a delicacy in almost most restaurants, but they’re also available to buy from grocery stores or seafood markets if you prefer cooking them yourself. How much do lobster tails cost? On average, a pound of lobster tail will usually be priced anywhere from $30 to $50 per pound.
How much does a South African lobster tail cost?
All entrees served with your choice of baked potato or creamy mashed potato. South African Lobster Tail $33.00, Chilean Sea Bass $34.00, Atlantic Salmon $32.00, Sea Scallops $33.00, Jumbo Shrimp Scampi $33.00, Alaskan King Crab legs $66.00
Are Australian lobster tails bigger than Maine lobsters?
However, visually, Australian lobsters are much larger than Maine lobsters. A Maine lobster tail weighs 6-7oz on average – our Australian lobster tails are double that at 12-14 or 14-16oz! How long can I keep my lobster tails in the freezer? All of our products will stay good in the freezer for several months.