Irish seafood processors explored the latest technologies in whitefish processing during a visit to the Faroe Islands led by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM).
Representatives from Green Isle Seafoods, Albatross Seafoods, Ballycotton Seafoods, Northcape Seafood, Kish Fish and CS Fish attended the two-day field mission where they gained insights into haddock and cod filleting equipment for fresh and defrosted whitefish, BIM says.
The BIM-led visit was organised as part of its Seafood Innovation Network, which works collaboratively with the sector to identify ways to innovate and modernise.
The group participated in hands-on equipment trials at Sandoy Seafoods with the Primo F5 and F6 whitefish filleting machines for cod and haddock.
They also visited several processors including Nevid Fishexport, Faroe Origin, Vadhorn.fo, JFK Koisin and the Petur Larsen HQ facility to see how they are using innovative technologies to fillet and portion whitefish.
Irish seafood processors toured several Faroese processing facilities, such as Nevid Fishexport, Faroe Origin, Vadhorn.fo, JFK Koisin, and the Petur Larsen HQ, to observe their use of innovative technologies for filleting and portioning whitefish
A visit to Torshavn fish auction gave the group an opportunity to understand the Faroese auction system and co-packing and distribution process and services.
John Fagan, BIM Research and Development Technologist, said that “global technology visits are crucial in identifying the most relevant and advanced processing technologies for the Irish seafood sector”.
“They allow our clients to trial potential opportunities before making an investment, eliminating much of the risk associated with making this type of investment,” he said.
“Another major opportunity is the chance to network with other Irish processors and exchange insights and perspectives for potential collaboration,” he added.
“We will continue to scan the global market for commercially relevant processing technologies and create further opportunities for our clients to see these in use, to test them, and to help determine whether they’re the right fit for their business and worthy of investment,” Fagan said.
The field mission was part-funded by the Seafood Capacity Building Scheme, jointly funded by the Government and the EU under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund.
