The aim of the present study was to evaluate the marketing policies of lobsters as influenced by different practices related to product quality in seven supermarkets located in Italy. Retailers were divided in two categories: large scale and medium scale. The two groups were compared to screen for differences and to assess differences in score distribution attributed to different practices related to product quality. Our results showed no statistical differences (p > 0.05) between the two categories. Lobsters were often marketed alive on ice and/or stocked for long periods in supermarket aquariums, highlighting the need to improve the specific European regulations on health, welfare, and quality at the market stage. Retail shop managers should be encouraged to develop better practices and policies in terms of marketing of lobsters. This will help in keeping the animals in good health and improve product quality at the marketing stages.
Keywords: aquarium; crustaceans; ice; supermarkets.