Wholesale Oyster Prices - Buy Oyster in Bulk
Discover wholesale lobster prices and buy lobster in bulk for your business or personal use. Get the best deals on fresh, high-quality lobster from trusted suppliers. Order in bulk today!
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Whether you're sourcing for a seafood restaurant, hotel chain, catering service, or gourmet retail business, oysters are a premium delicacy that command strong margins—but also come with varying price tags. Buying oysters in bulk can give you a major edge in pricing, freshness, and reliability. So, how much do oysters cost at wholesale level? Let’s shuck open the facts.
What Are the Current Wholesale Oyster Prices?
As of 2025, wholesale oyster prices vary by species, origin, size, and whether they're sold live-in-shell or pre-shucked. Here's a rough estimate of current price ranges:
- Live In-Shell Oysters (Pacific or Atlantic): £0.50 – £1.50 per oyster
- Pre-Shucked Oysters (by volume): £8 – £16 per dozen
- Premium Varieties (e.g., Belon, Kumamoto): £1.80 – £3.50 per oyster
- Bulk Box (100-count live oysters): £50 – £120
Prices fluctuate based on seasonality, grade, and origin, so wholesale buyers often negotiate based on quantity and delivery frequency.
Factors Affecting Wholesale Oyster Prices
1. Species and Size
Different oyster species come with distinct flavor profiles and pricing. For example, Pacific oysters are typically cheaper than European flats or Kumamotos. Size grading also affects pricing—larger oysters often fetch a premium.
2. Harvest Method
Farmed oysters tend to be less expensive and more consistent in size than wild-caught ones. Hand-harvested oysters, while environmentally preferred, may cost more due to labor intensity.
3. Origin and Transportation
Oysters sourced locally (e.g., from UK waters) may be more affordable than imported varieties when shipping costs and customs are factored in. However, imported options may offer specialty breeds not locally available.
4. Seasonality
Oysters are generally more plentiful and affordable in cooler months. In warmer months, especially during spawning, prices can spike due to reduced availability or lower quality.
5. Handling and Packaging
Oysters require cold chain logistics and special handling to remain alive and safe to eat. Packaging that maintains freshness over longer hauls (like foam crates or oxygenated bags) can increase per-unit cost.
Top International Wholesale Oyster Suppliers
1. Connemara Seafoods Frozen Ltd
Based in Ireland, Connemara Seafoods Frozen Ltd is a seasoned seafood supplier rooted in a century of aquaculture expertise. Operating on the shores of Clew Bay, they are known for sustainable sourcing and traceable production practices. Their oyster range includes Live Oysters Edulis and Gigas, which are shipped fresh to clients across Europe and beyond. They also offer a selection of live crabs, mussels, and prawns, making them a go-to for premium shellfish with a strong commitment to environmental responsibility.
2. Future Cuisine Ltd
Operating out of New Zealand, Future Cuisine is a premium seafood provider offering high-quality shellfish, including their renowned New Zealand Pacific Oysters. Sourced from the pristine waters of New Zealand, these oysters are known for their clean taste and meaty texture. Future Cuisine emphasizes sustainable farming practices and consistent product quality, making them a preferred partner for chefs, distributors, and gourmet retailers across international markets.
3. Rijal Sakia Al Hamra
Rijal Sakia Al Hamra is a Moroccan seafood supplier focused on bringing the country’s rich marine biodiversity to the global market. Their product line includes a variety of seashells such as oysters and mussels, sourced from the North Atlantic coast of Morocco. Known for their dedication to flavor and nutritional value, they cater to both wholesale and retail buyers looking for quality Moroccan seafood that meets international food safety and quality standards.
4. Ideal Foods
Ideal Foods, headquartered in India, brings over 25 years of expertise to the global seafood market. Specializing in a wide range of shellfish, they also offer Pacific Oysters that meet high standards of freshness and safety. Their oysters are sourced from clean, well-regulated aquaculture zones and processed with care to retain natural flavors. Ideal Foods is widely recognized for its customer-focused approach, sustainable practices, and consistent product quality.
5. Wanchese Fish Company, Inc.
Based in the USA, Wanchese Fish Company offers a diverse range of seafood, including premium oyster varieties such as James River Oysters and Bodie Island Oysters. With a reputation built on Atlantic Ocean sourcing and sustainable harvesting, they provide both raw and value-added oyster products to retail and foodservice clients. Their oysters are known for their briny flavor, making them a staple on raw bars and seafood menus across the country and abroad.
6. Mackay Reef Fish Supplies Pty Ltd
Mackay Reef Fish Supplies is a prominent Australian seafood supplier known for their focus on freshness and variety. Their oyster offerings are sourced from the clean coastal waters of Northern Australia, ensuring excellent taste and texture. In addition to oysters, they also distribute a wide selection of reef fish and shellfish to both local and export markets. Their strict quality control and flexible wholesale services make them a trusted partner for seafood distributors worldwide.
7. Maine Shellfish Co., Inc.
Located in the USA, Maine Shellfish Co. (under the Ipswich Shellfish name) delivers premium oysters to wholesale buyers. Their lineup includes Frozen Oysters, Breaded Oysters, and IQF Oysters that maintain flavor and texture through advanced freezing techniques. Serving both retail and foodservice industries, the company emphasizes sustainable sourcing and direct delivery, ensuring that clients receive top-quality oysters for every culinary application.
8. Zeevisgroothandel V.S.V. Van Slooten Vis IJmuiden B.V.
Hailing from the Netherlands, Van Slooten Vis is a respected name in the seafood wholesale industry. Known for their efficient logistics and adherence to strict safety protocols, they offer a consistent supply of fresh oysters to customers across Europe. Their proximity to key Dutch ports allows for rapid distribution, maintaining peak freshness for high-end foodservice providers and specialty seafood shops.
9. George Hughes & Son
This UK-based fishmonger and seafood supplier offers a hand-selected range of shellfish, including oysters sourced from reputable Scottish waters. George Hughes & Son is well-regarded for its personal service and dedication to quality, offering in-house filleting and vacuum packaging for convenient storage and extended freshness. Their oysters are a popular choice among gourmet restaurants and private customers who value taste, traceability, and artisanal sourcing.
10. Piet van Oost
Operating out of the Netherlands, Piet van Oost is a trusted name in fresh seafood distribution, with a broad portfolio that includes mussels, oysters, and lobsters. Their oysters are sourced through a combination of aquaculture and traditional harvesting, ensuring both quality and sustainability. With daily deliveries and a reputation for customer service, they cater to wholesale markets across Europe, supplying fresh shellfish to restaurants, retailers, and foodservice businesses.
Wholesale Oyster Prices vs Retail Oyster Prices
Retail prices are typically double or even triple the wholesale price. For instance, a live oyster that costs £1 at wholesale might retail at £3 to £4 in a restaurant. A dozen shucked oysters that go for £10 in bulk could be sold at £25 or more in a seafood market or high-end grocery.
Premium oyster varieties often come with a steeper markup, especially when sold as luxury items. Restaurants rely on oysters for profitable appetisers, raw bar platters, and seafood pairings, so bulk buying gives them a significant advantage.
Oyster Consumer Trends
1. Rise of Raw Bars and Seafood Platters
Raw oyster bars and seafood platters have become popular at both upscale and casual dining venues. This trend has led to an increase in demand for high-quality, consistent oysters with full traceability to ensure freshness and authenticity. Many restaurants are now offering oysters as a premium, high-end dining option.
2. Gourmet Retail Expansion
Upscale grocery stores, seafood markets, and fishmongers are witnessing a surge in consumers buying oysters for at-home indulgence, especially during the holiday season. This growth in gourmet retail reflects a broader interest in luxury foods, with more people willing to spend on premium oysters for special occasions and home gatherings.
3. Sustainability as a Selling Point
Oysters are considered one of the most sustainable seafood options due to their minimal environmental impact. As sustainability becomes increasingly important to consumers, more people are seeking oysters that are farmed using eco-friendly practices or certified by sustainability programs. This shift is influencing wholesalers who focus on eco-conscious sourcing and traceability.
4. Online Seafood Sales
Online seafood marketplaces and delivery services have seen significant growth in recent years, offering oysters in bulk to both restaurants and direct consumers. The ease of buying seafood online, especially for special occasions, has expanded the market, with logistics companies emphasizing the importance of cold-chain transport to maintain quality and freshness during delivery.
5. Oysters in Events and Catering
Oysters have become a trendy addition to weddings, pop-up events, and private catering services, particularly through oyster shucking stations. This growing demand for oysters at special events has fueled seasonal bulk orders, with caterers and event planners eager to provide unique and luxurious experiences. The popularity of oysters is driving significant orders in the catering industry.
FAQs
1. Why are oysters so expensive?
Oysters are expensive because they are labor-intensive to farm or harvest, require careful handling, and are often sold live. Additionally, certain varieties are considered luxury items, which raises their market value.
2. How long do oysters last?
Live oysters can last up to 7–10 days if stored properly in a cool, moist environment. Shucked oysters have a shorter shelf life—typically 3–5 days when refrigerated.
3. Where to buy oysters in bulk?
You can source oysters in bulk from seafood wholesalers, fish markets, specialty B2B suppliers, and increasingly through online seafood platforms that cater to restaurants and events.