The number of fishmongers and fish stalls has been fairly stable since 2017. For example, on January 1, 2022, a herring or kibbeling sandwich could be purchased at 855 places in the Netherlands, according to the latest data from the Chamber of Commerce (KvK).
People in Doetinchem may contact the Zeefat family, among others. This family has had a fish stall on the market since 1964 and last June Shivan Khalaf and Miranda Zeefat opened a fish shop just outside the center. But although people managed to find their way to the store, the couple decided to close their doors earlier this month.
Rising energy prices, more expensive purchases
A fate that hit the De VisBaas fish market in Doetinchem shortly before. The Chamber of Commerce cannot yet say how many fishmongers and fishmongers have closed this year.
“Rising energy prices and more expensive purchases have made everything too expensive,” sighs Shivan Khalaf. “When we started, we paid a few hundred euros for energy in the shop. It had tripled to 1000 euros in September and it would have been even more.”
To keep the store open, prices would have to increase significantly. “Customers would then have to pay nine euros for two ounces of kibbeling, double what it is now. We didn’t want that,” explains Khalaf’s decision to close the shop.
‘This is not going well’
Keuning of the trade association predicts that more fishmongers and stalls will follow the example of Shivan Khalaf and Miranda Zeefat. “About 30 percent now have a fixed energy contract, but by the end of 2023 that will still apply to less than one in ten stores. And since rents are tied to inflation figures, we don’t rule out rent increases from 7 to 8 percent “.
Keuning also points out that the minimum wage will increase in January. “Consequently, even the highest scales will earn more. Add to that the more expensive flour and cooking oil due to the war in Ukraine and it is clear. It is not going well.”
Dennis Beckers of Hoekmans Vis has had his own fish stall in Borculo and other places in Achterhoek for decades. He supports Keuning’s words. “Now it’s very difficult. For me, energy prices have gotten five times higher. It’s going very fast.”
Freezer turned off
Beckers has taken a number of drastic measures. “We have turned off our freezer, we no longer sell frozen products. Fried fish, shrimp croquettes and squid have disappeared from our range.”
This has been replaced by meals and catering products, where fish is the most expensive ingredient, but which also contain vegetables, for example. “There’s a little more leeway on that, so it offers more possibilities,” Beckers explains.
In addition, it had to raise the prices of its remaining fixed fish supply by an average of twenty-five percent. “Two hundred grams of kibbeling used to cost € 3.90, now € 5. A herring sandwich has gone from € 3.50 to € 3.75,” says Beckers.
Rising prices
After the closure of the fish shop, the Zeefat family returns to focus on fish stalls in Doetinchem, Hengelo (O) and in Germany. They also intervened.
“The purchase is expensive, so we offer less fresh fish. Now we are focusing on herring, fried fish, croquettes and steamed products such as mackerel,” says Khalaf, who, like Beckers of Hoekmans Vis, has raised prices.
“A herring sandwich costs 50 cents more and now costs three euros. Two hundred grams of croquettes now cost 4.50 euros instead of 4 euros. This includes the sauce.”
Wave of bankruptcy
Both Khalaf and Beckers are wary of raising prices again for fear of driving consumers away. Beckers is strict in his purchases and sales. “By keeping track of all sales, I can accurately buy up to four pounds a week. Ninety percent of my sales go to repeat customers. Now I know exactly what I’m selling.”
Personally, Beckers thinks the low point has been reached. But Keuning of the VNV doesn’t assume that. “A wave of bankruptcy is coming; several fishmongers won’t make it.”
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