The mussel season has started. And with it, the waltz of promotions.
Mussels are undeniably a summer staple. The season started a few days ago and they can be found on the menu and in all the sauces in restaurants. If we are sometimes surprised at the price of the saucepan in brasseries and other establishments that specialize in it (around 25 €), it is quite the opposite in mass distribution where the war of promotions makes rage. Hostilities got off to a strong start with Albert Heijn’s offensive, who offered 2 kilos of Zeeland mussels at €4.99. That is less than €2.50 per kilo. Who says better? True to its policy of the lowest prices, Colruyt has aligned itself as long as an Albert Heijn supermarket is nearby. Outside this zone, you will have to pay €7.79 for two kilos of Super Zeeland mussels.
At Delhaize, the 2 kilos of Super are displayed at €8.49. As for Carrefour, it is neck and neck with Colruyt, also offering 2 kilos at €7.79. Aldi is also offering a promotion from 18/07 with a 30% discount on 2 kilos of Super, i.e. €5.45 instead of €7.79. Similarly, Lidl will offer a 25% reduction on the 2 kilos of Super this Friday and Saturday only: €5.99 instead of €7.99.
If you go up in category (caliber), prices climb quickly. Extras are the smallest, followed by Supers, then Jumbos. Count around 7 € per kilo for the latter. As for those you taste in the restaurant, it is generally, for any self-respecting address, the biggest: the “Goudmerk”. They trade around €10 per kilo and should maintain this price throughout the season. Unlike smaller sizes, they are rarer and can even run out during certain periods. The others are available in abundance and allow supermarkets to buy large volumes and practice attractive promotions.