Pelagic
Atlantic mackerel
Scomber scombrus
The autumn fishery delivers the highest fat content of the year. Graded strictly by weight for the Japanese and Korean trade.
Norwegian mackerel is caught in a concentrated autumn fishery, purse-seined and frozen whole round within hours of landing. Fat content peaks in September and October at the end of the feeding season, and that is what the premium Asian markets buy — a 500–600 g autumn fish and a 400–500 g spring fish are not interchangeable at any price.
Grading is unusually strict. Lots are sold in 100-gram bands, and a lot that fails its declared band on arrival is a full claim, not a discount negotiation. Pre-shipment grading inspection is included in the Signature service level and available as a priced service on the others.
Season through the year
- January: Out of season
- February: Out of season
- March: Out of season
- April: Out of season
- May: Out of season
- June: Out of season
- July: Out of season
- August: Available
- September: Peak season
- October: Peak season
- November: Peak season
- December: Available
- Peak season
- Available
- Limited volume
- Out of season
Main fishery September to November. Limited spring landings.
Where this product trades
Commercial specification
- Scientific name
- Scomber scombrus
- Production
- Wild-caught
- Condition
- Frozen
- Size and weight class
- 300–400, 400–500, 500–600, 600+ g whole round.
- Packing
- 20–25 kg cartons or 1 tonne blocks, frozen at sea or on shore.
- Minimum volume
- One 40 ft reefer container (approx. 25 tonnes).
- Product forms
- WR — Whole roundUngutted, as landed
- FLT — FilletSkin-on or skinless; trim level and pin bone status stated separately
- FLAP — Flaps / butterflyPelagic cut for Asian markets
- Shelf life
- 12–18 months at −18 °C. −25 °C strongly preferred.
- Temperature
- −18 °C minimum, −25 °C for fat-stable storage.
- Certifications available
- BRCGS Food Safety
- IFS Food
- Halal certification
- EU establishment approval number
- Health certificate
- Catch certificate (IUU)
- Incoterms 2020 normally quoted
- FCA · FOB · CFR · CIF
Send the specification and we return standardised offers from verified suppliers — same weight basis, same Incoterm, freight and fees separated out.