The world's their oyster

HINERANGI VAIMOSO | 13th March 2010

Bluff oysters are back - and they're fat and down in price this season at Hawke's Bay Seafoods.

General manager Marcus D'Esposito said 400 dozen of Bluff's finest - that's 4800 in total - had been shipped up daily from the South Island to keep up with local demand.

``I think demand has increased this year. The season opened last week and we've already sold a lot more this year,'' Mr D'Esposito said.

``They're really fat oysters this year. Would have been a good season down there.''

Mr D'Esposito's company, with branches in Napier and Hastings, supplies 20 major restaurants throughout Hawke's Bay as well as a few supermarkets.

He said while the size and quality had been a major drawcard this season, so too has the price.

In 2009, it cost $24.90 for a dozen of the delicacies.

This year, a pottle will cost $23.90.

``We thought, let's put the price down and see what happens,'' he said.

``And now they're booming.''