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08/09/2006: "SHARK FIN SOUP ....... bad news for future"
Until recently, shark fin sales had been dominated by the wealthy of Hong Kong, Singapore, Taipei and Japan.
That is changing with mainland China’s new found wealth. There will be over one billion people who will, at some time in the lives, wish to try this prestige dish.
They now have the wealth and shark fin soup is a traditional Chinese method to show off wealth.
Shark fin soup starts as a gloopy, almost tasteless gelatinous concoction which is given flavor by the addition of chicken stock.
The soup has always been the highlight of business lunches and wedding banquets.
Prized for its high value, (the premium fins cost US$1 a gram dry). At US$100 per bowl for soup it’s a status symbol that confers prestige on the host.
If they don't offer shark fin soup at an important business lunch, the deal may not proceed.
China is said to be unstoppable, (fun-raising) environmentalists warn.
"With its new wealth and 1.3 billion people all are going to want to share this so-called prize food that others have had in the past", was one quote recently.
It would seem bad news for the future of many sharks. But there is a solution in the clever city of Taipei, Taiwan where many idea's originate.
Fake shark fin soup is already being sold and is also more affordable so perhaps this will be the solution? But will be be good enough to satisfy those prestige businessmen's lunches?
