What is the single most significant factor influencing the final price point of genuine caviar?
Answer
The species of sturgeon
Although several elements contribute to the overall cost, the intrinsic characteristics derived from the specific sturgeon species represent the primary driver of the final market value. Different species—such as Beluga, Osetra, or Baerii—produce eggs that inherently possess unique attributes relating to their texture, flavor complexity, and visual color. These natural variances dictate the fundamental market positioning of the roe before secondary factors like grading or branding are applied.

Related Questions
What time frame is required for a female sturgeon to mature enough to produce high-quality eggs for harvesting?Which sturgeon species is often cited as the most accessible entry point for true sturgeon caviar?Which species is historically the gold standard, now extremely expensive as farmed versions dominate legal trade?Approximately what is the starting price range for a 30-gram tin of Siberian (Baerii) farm-raised sturgeon roe?What price tier, per ounce, is associated with the absolute highest grades of classic Osetra or the rare Almas roe?What is the single most significant factor influencing the final price point of genuine caviar?What is the typical cost range for imitation 'caviar' products like lumpfish or capelin roe for a similar-sized container?What is the superior quality assurance strategy when exploring new caviar producers or species?For a 30-gram tin, what price range typically covers quality Osetra or high-grade Siberian selections?Besides species and grading, what market influence causes established houses to command a premium price for their roe?