News / Shetland Fish Products celebrates success
FISHMEAL production company Shetland Fish Products has had a record-breaking year processing more than 14,000 tonnes of salmon and herring trimmings.
August was particularly successful, with the company taking in nearly 5,000 tonnes of raw material.
Managing director Helge Korsager said he was delighted how the company had developed since local shareholders – Shetland Catch, Lerwick Port Authority, Shetland Producers’ Organisation and Seafood Shetland – took full ownership.
He added that since 2009 the company has undergone significant change as blue whiting has been replaced by salmon and herring offal.
“Our processes and process control are now much more sophisticated and are, in fact, on a par with the very best producers in the world.
“In our busiest months of July and August this year, we saw an increase of 133 per cent in volume compared with the same months in 2011.
“During these months we moved around 8,500 tonnes of raw material, which accounts for somewhere between 500 and 600 trucks on the Bressay ferry.
“We also provide vital business in Bressay and contribute significantly to the wider Shetland economy. Last year, we estimate that we made a direct contribution of between £1 and £1.2 million.”
Shetland Catch managing director Simon Leiper said there was potential for further growth as herring quotas were set to increase.
“This year, we have enjoyed our busiest herring season since 2007, and as quotas recover, early indications are that they will increase by a further 15 per cent next year, with the season extending from June until August.
“Herring will be a fundamental part of Shetland Catch’s business going forward, which, of course, is also good news for Shetland Fish Products – and the local economy,” he said.
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