How Much Does Lobster Cost Per Kilo in the Philippines?

Lobster is considered a luxury seafood item in the Philippines With its sweet, succulent meat and status as a delicacy, lobster commands high prices in Philippine markets and restaurants But how much exactly does lobster cost per kilo in the country?

In this in-depth guide, we’ll break down current lobster prices per kilogram in the Philippines. We’ll look at retail costs wholesale rates and factors impacting live and fresh lobster pricing. Read on for everything you need to know about lobster prices in the Philippines.

Retail Prices per Kilo

Lobster is sold by weight, usually per kilogram. Here are current retail prices per kilo for whole lobster in Philippine pesos:

• Live Maine lobster – ₱2,200 to ₱2,800 per kg
• Live Western Australian lobster – ₱4,500 to ₱6,500 per kg
• Fresh European lobster – ₱2,200 to ₱3,500 per kg
• Fresh slipper lobster – ₱9,000 to ₱12,000 per kg

Lobster is generally categorized by species – the most common types found in the Philippines being Maine, Western Australian, and European. Slipper or spiny lobster is also available but at a premium price point due to scarcity.

As you can see, lobster costs between ₱2,200 to ₱12,000 per kilo retail. But specialty stores like The Bow Tie Duck offer imported live and fresh lobsters from Canada, Australia, and Europe. These premium options fetch higher prices per kilo versus local catch.

Popular Lobster Species & Pricing

Let’s look at prices per species in more detail:

Maine Lobster – ₱2,200 to ₱2,800 per kg

• From the cold Atlantic waters of Canada and the Northeast US
• Known for firm, sweet meat with hints of brininess
• Most affordable and accessible lobster species

Western Australian Lobster – ₱4,500 to ₱6,500 per kg

• Wild caught off Western Australia
• Prized for its tender, moist texture and subtle sweetness
• Larger size than Maine lobsters hence a higher per kilo rate

European Lobster – ₱2,200 to ₱3,500 per kg

• Native to the Northeast Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea
• Delicate flavor and premium quality commands top prices
• Available seasonally, mostly as fresh rather than live

Slipper Lobster – ₱9,000 to ₱12,000 per kg

• Found in tropical and subtropical waters globally
• No front claws, named for shape of the flattened antennae
• Most expensive species due to small supply and huge demand

Wholesale Pricing per Kilo

For bulk purchases, lobster can be sourced wholesale at lower per kilo pricing. Here are average wholesale rates:

• Live Maine lobster – ₱1,650 per kg
• Fresh European lobster – ₱1,800 per kg
• Whole frozen lobster – ₱1,200 to ₱1,800 per kg

Keep in mind wholesale pricing varies by factors like:

• Purchase volume – Larger orders over 500 kilos may qualify for discounts
• Source location – Importing from farther destinations increases cost
• Supply availability – Rates fluctuate with lobster seasons and catch sizes

Variables Impacting Lobster Prices

Several key factors determine the retail and wholesale rates for lobster in the Philippines:

Species

• Premium lobster like Western Australian and European are priced higher than common Maine lobster.

Origin

• Lobster shipped long distances like live Canadian lobster demands higher pricing. Local catches are more affordable.

Size

• Larger, heavier lobsters cost more per kilo than smaller specimens.

Processing

• Live and fresh lobster is most expensive. Whole frozen lobster is cheaper.

Season

• During peak catch seasons, prices may dip slightly.

Demand

• High demand from restaurants and consumers elevates pricing.

Specialty Stores

• Luxury stores like The Bow Tie Duck specialize in imported premium lobster at higher price points.

Wholesale pricing gives you a discount on bulk orders. But you pay a premium for specialty lobster, large sizing, live exporting, and seasonal availability. Check with your supplier for current wholesale rates.

Why Is Lobster Expensive in the Philippines?

Lobster is one of the priciest seafood options in the Philippines. But why does it command such steep rates compared to other proteins? Here are the main reasons:

High-End Perception

Lobster is viewed as an indulgent luxury ingredient and status symbol in the Philippines. This perception allows retailers to demand premium pricing.

Imported Supply

Most lobster is flown in live from abroad as the Philippines lacks large local stocks. Import costs get passed onto consumers.

Delicate Handling

To keep lobster alive during transport, customized packaging and refrigerated shipping is required – increasing costs.

Limited Supply

Lobster populations are tightly regulated worldwide. Restricted supply makes economic pricing impossible.

High Demand

As an iconic dish at high-end restaurants and hotels, lobster is in huge demand in the Philippines.

Difficult Harvesting

Lobster trapping at sea is labor intensive. The effort required to catch them factors into pricing.

Due to all these constraints, affordable lobster is unfortunately unrealistic. Prices must remain high to cover the substantial costs from catch to plate.

Tips for Getting the Best Value

Although a pricey protein, you can still get the best bang for your buck when buying lobster:

• Opt for live Maine or seasonal fresh vs. flown in premium varieties
• Buy from local fisheries instead of imported sources
• Purchase wholesale volumes for bulk discount pricing
• Avoid extremely large lobsters which push up per kilo rates
• Buy during peak harvest times for possible cost savings
• Consider whole frozen lobster for a more budget-friendly option
• Split larger lobsters between multiple diners or dishes

While not cheap, following these tips can help you maximize value when indulging in decadent lobster – the king of all seafood!

How Much Meat Can You Expect?

One final tip when estimating your spend on lobster – keep meat yield in mind.

Due to the large shells and body composition, only about 20-30% of a lobster’s total weight is edible meat. The rest is mostly shell and water.

So a 1 kilo lobster will net approximately 200 to 300 grams of extracted meat. Factor the meat percentage into cost calculations for your recipe needs.

Current Prices at The Bow Tie Duck

For the freshest imported live and fresh lobster delivered in Metro Manila, check out The Bow Tie Duck. Here are their latest lobster offerings with pricing per kilo:

• Live Canadian Lobster – ₱5,800 per kg
• Live Western Australian Lobster – ₱5,100 per kg
• Fresh European Lobster – ₱2,995 per kg
• Fresh Slipper Lobster – ₱16,499 per kg

The Bow Tie Duck provides convenient online ordering and same day delivery in temperature-controlled vans. Enjoy premium restaurant-quality lobster from their seasonal selections.

The Takeaway on Lobster Prices in the Philippines

Lobster universally commands premium pricing due to many constraints in getting the delicate seafood from ocean to plate. In the Philippines, you can expect to pay around ₱2,200 to ₱3,500 per kilogram for common live and fresh lobster at retail.

Wholesale pricing offers some cost savings, while large sizing, imported varieties, and seasonal availability further impact pricing. While not an everyday staple, lobster remains a special indulgence in the Philippines – check current rates to stay up to date on this luxurious treat.