Why have wild salmon caviar prices increased?

Recently, many of our customers have noticed an increase in the price of pink salmon and chum salmon caviar. We understand that this raises questions and would like to explain transparently what is behind the changes in wild salmon caviar prices.

The main reason is the limited availability of raw materials. Unlike aquaculture products, the supply of wild salmon cannot simply be increased in response to rising demand. It depends on the fish’s natural life cycle, ocean conditions, the number of salmon returning to their spawning grounds, and the applicable fishing regulations and restrictions.

Salmon harvest as of 25 August 2026 compared with 2025

These are preliminary figures from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and may still be revised:  ADF&G Blue Sheet 2026,ASMI: data as of 23 August 2025.

Why do catch volumes fluctuate?

Wild salmon grow and develop in their natural environment. Their populations are therefore influenced by a wide range of environmental factors.

Water temperature, ocean currents, food availability, and overall ocean conditions all affect the growth and survival of young salmon. According to NOAA Fisheries, changes in temperature and food availability can create either favourable or unfavourable conditions for individual Pacific salmon populations.

As a result, the number of fish returning to their spawning grounds can vary considerably from one season to another and between different fishing regions. Catch volumes therefore fluctuate accordingly.

Wild salmon fishing is strictly regulated

Catch volumes are determined not only by commercial demand, but above all by the condition of wild salmon populations.

In Alaska, fisheries are managed to ensure that sufficient numbers of salmon reach their spawning grounds. Depending on how the season develops, fisheries authorities may adjust fishing periods, open or close specific areas, and revise permitted catch volumes. These measures help protect wild salmon populations over the long term.

When salmon numbers are lower in a particular season, producers cannot simply increase the amount of raw material they purchase: availability depends directly on actual catch volumes and the regulations in place.

How does this affect the price of caviar?

Caviar represents only a small part of the products obtained from harvested salmon. When pink salmon or chum salmon catches decline, less roe is available for caviar production.

With demand remaining high, limited supply leads to higher purchasing prices throughout the entire supply chain – from fishing and processing to the delivery of the finished product.

The price of pink salmon and chum salmon caviar therefore depends directly on conditions in the wild salmon market and the results of each fishing season.

The price increase is not an isolated decision by Lemberg, but a consequence of changing market conditions affecting the entire wild salmon industry.

Why is the price of trout caviar more stable?

The situation with trout caviar is different.

Salmon trout are predominantly raised in aquaculture. They are among the most important farmed fish species in Europe: in 2024, trout were produced in 25 EU countries.

Aquaculture allows production volumes to be planned more accurately and is considerably less dependent on the natural fluctuations typical of wild salmon fisheries.

As a result, the price of trout caviar generally remains more stable than that of pink salmon or chum salmon caviar. However, it can still be affected by the cost of feed, energy, production, and logistics.

Lemberg quality remains unchanged

Changes in the market do not affect our commitment to quality.

Lemberg continues to select its raw materials carefully and work exclusively with trusted suppliers. When setting our prices, we take the actual cost of the product into account and aim to offer our customers high-quality caviar at a fair price.

Thank you for your trust and understanding.

Published date: September 10, 2026