Live carp sales will kick off next week across most locations, with prices remaining unchanged from last year. However, shoppers might notice fewer traditional street vendors as major supermarket chains like Billa, Lidl, and now Tesco have banned carp tanks outside their stores, citing animal welfare concerns.
“While we’ll see fewer vendors this year, sellers are actively securing alternative locations throughout towns and cities to ensure Christmas traditions continue,” explains Rudolf Provázek, chairman of Fish Market Třeboň. The reduction in stands isn’t expected to be dramatic.
Price-conscious shoppers can expect to pay between 110 to 150 crowns per kilo at street stands, with regional variations – the Moravian-Silesian region offering the lowest prices, while major cities like Prague and Brno commanding premium rates. The best deals can be found at fish farms, where prices can drop below 100 crowns per kilo, with some locations like Nouzov fish farm in Central Bohemia selling carp for just 90 crowns per kilo.
Fish processing services – including killing, gutting, scaling, and portioning – are significantly cheaper at fish farms, costing around 80 crowns, while street vendors may charge considerably more. Consumers are advised to verify processing costs beforehand and watch the weighing process carefully to avoid overcharging.
For the freshest taste, experts recommend purchasing carp just one or two days before preparation. Unlike beef, which ages for weeks, carp reaches optimal flavor after just 10-15 hours, making direct purchases from fish farms or street vendors preferable to supermarket options.