Why Sea Urchins Are So Expensive — And What It Means for NZ Seafood and Exports

Sat, 21 Jun 2025 18:00:02 +1200

Why do sea urchins command such sky-high prices around the world? This deep dive into the economics of uni (urchin roe) reveals the complex ecosystem of rarity, harvesting, demand, and culinary prestige — all of which have strong ties to New Zealand’s growing premium seafood export market.

In New Zealand, sea urchins — known locally as kina — are not just luxury food items, they’re also culturally significant, especially among Māori communities. As global demand for fresh, sustainable, and exotic seafood surges, Kiwi divers and exporters are exploring how kina can tap into the same global gourmet niche as Japanese uni.

This video offers valuable insight for NZ aquaculture entrepreneurs, sustainability advocates, and hospitality professionals looking to capitalise on the rising global appetite for rare ocean delicacies. It also raises important questions about marine conservation, overfishing, and how New Zealand can balance commercial opportunity with environmental responsibility.

Whether you're a Kiwi foodie, seafood exporter, or just fascinated by the economics of luxury cuisine, this story shows how something so small — and spiky — can have huge value.

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