The 60 peso/plate grilled sugpo that the Filipino gourmet smack his lips over in Manila may literally reflect the "phenomenal growth" of the Philippines' prawn industry, but prawn farmers themselves hedge against making any rosy prognostications. The prevailing attitude of guarded optimism within the industry arose over assessments by world market experts of slower growth, increased competition, and the possibility of a glut by 1990. Prawn and shrimp production volume has risen worldwide by as much as eightfold in the span of five years, from 4,483 metric tons in 1980 to 27,442 metric tons in 1984.

Prawn culture sparks renewed public interest. (1987, December 10). The Manila Times, p. 9.