European demand for live Maine's live lobster continues to grow SEAFOODNEWS.COM [Bangor Daily News] By BIll Trotter - December 24, 2014 - ELLSWORTH, Maine, An increase in lobster exports, and high demand in Europe in particular during the holiday season, are expected to result in a lot of live lobster being shipped out of Maine this month and a lot of green revenue coming back in. The heaviest lobster landings in Maine occur each year between early July and the end of October, during the state's annual tourism season, with August often being the most productive month. But November consistently is a more productive month than any in the winter and spring, and the popularity of fancy meals during the holidays helps sustain live lobster sales toward the end of each calendar year.

The demand in Europe during the holidays even affects dealers who don't ship overseas. The spike of lobster shipped across the ocean means there's less to go around in the states, which helps to boost prices charged by retailers and wholesalers, industry officials indicated.

Matt McAleney, general manager of New Meadows Lobster in Portland, said last Friday that the holiday season means long days in the loading bays for anyone who deals in live lobster, regardless of where they send it.