Fisheries and Aquaculture
February 9, 2008Provincial Funding Provided for
Mussel Packaging Project
The Provincial Government has provided $18,300 in funding to Allen�s
Fisheries for testing of the various types of atmospheric mixtures
available for ensuring the best shelf life of mussels. This project is
necessary to carry out research and development work so that local
mussel products can compete with those from jurisdictions that are
already supplying mussels in modified atmospheric packaging (MAP). The
funding is being provided under the Fisheries Technology and New
Opportunities Program which is part of the Fishing Industry Renewal
Strategy.
�Ensuring we avail of the most modern packaging methods for seafood
products is critical in order for our local producers to remain
competitive in the global seafood industry,� said the Honourable Tom
Hedderson, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. �Our government
developed the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program to
ensure that our fishing industry is engaging in research and development
work that will maintain and improve our competitive position throughout
the world.�
Allen�s Fisheries is located in Benoit�s Cove in the Bay of Islands area
of the province. The company has successfully developed markets in
Atlantic Canada, Ontario, Quebec and the United States, and is working
toward growing markets in other areas. Grocery retailers are
increasingly demanding MAP because it provides for a greater shelf life
of the product and improved product quality. This packing also enables
the retailer to store the product themselves rather than having to rely
on a third-party warehouse facility.
�This funding will be of tremendous benefit not only to Allen�s
Fisheries but to the province�s mussel industry in general,� said Terry
Loder, MHA for Bay of Islands District. �This modern packaging method
will improve the shelf life and consequently, enhance the overall
quality of this product. It is essential that we constantly strive to
improve the appeal of our products to potential consumers if we are to
effectively compete in both national and international markets.�
As part of this project, the company will identify a suitable mixture
for MAP that will suit the needs of the seafood processing sector. The
project will involve the analysis of six different types of MAP. The
test groups will be analyzed for odour, appearance, total weight, weight
of the mussels, weight of drained liquid and the acid level of the
liquid, among other things.
�This is a very beneficial project to the mussel processing business in
Canada,� said Richard Allen of Allen�s Fisheries. �This project will
also benefit mussel growers in the province. Our company is pleased to
be working with the Marine Institute to develop this technology and we
appreciate the support from all of our partners in this endeavour.�
MAP for mussels was first used 10 years ago by a leading European mussel
company based in the Netherlands. Since that time, the Northern European
mussel industry has shifted from the traditional mesh bag to a more
user-friendly pack. Today, MAP processed mussels comprise 60 to 70 per
cent of the foodservice and retail markets in the Netherlands, Germany,
Belgium and France. These countries represent Europe�s largest mussel
importers in terms of dollar value.
In recent years, some major retail chains in Canada have shown an
interest in MAP packaging for mussels and are encouraging suppliers to
adopt this type of packaging which has many benefits including improved
handling, increased shelf life, better merchandising and more consumer
appeal. Some provincially-based seafood companies have explored the
option of MAP. However, there is now increasing demand from the domestic
market to adopt it.
The Fishing Industry Renewal Strategy sets out a new path toward a
renewed, self-sustaining fishery for Newfoundland and Labrador. The
Provincial Government committed a multi-year investment of $15 million
in direct funding, and a total undertaking to an estimated $140 million,
to facilitate transition in the province�s fishing industry.
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Media contact:
Lori Lee Oates
Director of Communications
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
709-729-3733, 690-8403
oatesll@gov.nl.ca
2009 02 09
11:40 a.m.