A group of nine whitefish skippers and processors for north-east Scotland spent an intensive two days in Grimsby last week, during which contacts between the UK’s main landing and processing centres were further strengthened, reports David Linkie.
Arranged by Julie Snowden, the visit was the latest in Seafish’s supply chain project, the main objectives of which are to share information, educate and improve collaboration and marketing opportunities within the UK.
Three months ago a small delegation of processors from the Humber Bank had a similar awareness-raising visit to Peterhead, the success of which paved the way for the reciprocal visit.
After flying into Humberside airport, the delegation was taken on a tour of Grimsby docks before being joined in the evening by a number of local processors for an informal industry dinner, followed by presentations from Seafish on the Responsible Fishing and ports/harbours schemes.
The party visited Grimsby fishmarket on Thursday morning, when following a traditional smoked haddock breakfast, it left for a tour of Flatfish’s modern processing factory.
At a time when quotas for most species is very tight, the skippers from north-east England were particularly interested to explore the possibility of developing new outlets for alternative fish, particularly plaice, for which the UK has a large quota.
Martyn Boyers, chief executive of Grimsby Fish Dock Enterprises, said; “‘I am pleased the group took the time to come to Grimsby, where we have high levels of expertise in landing vessels, backed by an extremely strong buying power on the market. We now look forward to working together to further explore some of the possibilities discussed during the visit.
Steve Norton, chief executive of the Grimsby Fish Merchants Association, said: “Our message is that Grimsby is the gateway to the rest of the country for seafood. With over 40 million potential customers within four hours’ drive of here, Grimsby is very much the ‘gateway to UK consumers’.”
“We have been very encouraged by the visit, and look forward to continuing to build mutually beneficial working relations with our Scottish colleagues.”
In thanking Seafish and everyone at Grimsby for their hospitality and providing such a warm welcome, Peterhead skipper Jimmy Buchan, highlighted the importance of working together to maximise catching and processing opportunities, in a chain where everything is driven by price and security.
Read more from Fishing news here
A group of nine whitefish skippers and processors for north-east Scotland spent an intensive two days in Grimsby last week, during which contacts between the UK’s main landing and processing centres were further strengthened, reports David Linkie.
Arranged by Julie Snowden, the visit was the latest in Seafish’s supply chain project, the main objectives of which are to share information, educate and improve collaboration and marketing opportunities within the UK.
Three months ago a small delegation of processors from the Humber Bank had a similar awareness-raising visit to Peterhead, the success of which paved the way for the reciprocal visit.
After flying into Humberside airport, the delegation was taken on a tour of Grimsby docks before being joined in the evening by a number of local processors for an informal industry dinner, followed by presentations from Seafish on the Responsible Fishing and ports/harbours schemes.
The party visited Grimsby fishmarket on Thursday morning, when following a traditional smoked haddock breakfast, it left for a tour of Flatfish’s modern processing factory.
At a time when quotas for most species is very tight, the skippers from north-east England were particularly interested to explore the possibility of developing new outlets for alternative fish, particularly plaice, for which the UK has a large quota.
Martyn Boyers, chief executive of Grimsby Fish Dock Enterprises, said; “‘I am pleased the group took the time to come to Grimsby, where we have high levels of expertise in landing vessels, backed by an extremely strong buying power on the market. We now look forward to working together to further explore some of the possibilities discussed during the visit.
Steve Norton, chief executive of the Grimsby Fish Merchants Association, said: “Our message is that Grimsby is the gateway to the rest of the country for seafood. With over 40 million potential customers within four hours’ drive of here, Grimsby is very much the ‘gateway to UK consumers’.”
“We have been very encouraged by the visit, and look forward to continuing to build mutually beneficial working relations with our Scottish colleagues.”
In thanking Seafish and everyone at Grimsby for their hospitality and providing such a warm welcome, Peterhead skipper Jimmy Buchan, highlighted the importance of working together to maximise catching and processing opportunities, in a chain where everything is driven by price and security.
Read more from Fishing news here