30.04.07
South West companies net new business at European seafood show

The South West of England's fish processing industry made a big splash at the European Seafood Exposition in Brussels last week, at the world's biggest fish trade show (April 24-26).

Representatives of the region's flourishing and varied fish processing businesses made a three-day visit to the home of the European Commission as part of a high powered promotional campaign.

The campaign at the Seafood show, which attracts 1,200 exhibits from over 120 countries, was partly funded by the South West Regional Development Agency (RDA) and co-ordinated by Seafood Cornwall.

"It is a show which brings together some of the biggest names and opinion formers within the fish processing industry worldwide and as approximately 70% of the fish landed in the region is exported, it was an opportunity we could not afford to miss," said Nathan de Rozarieux from Newlyn based Seafood Cornwall, which has helped put together a team of fifteen delegates, including representatives of ten commercial fish processing businesses across the region. The stand at the event showcased four companies from the region: The Blue Seafood Company from Paignton, Coombe Fisheries from North Devon, Riddlers from Newton Abbott and Ocean Fish from Victoria, Nr Roche, in Cornwall.

The Blue Sea Food Company, one of the UK's largest crab companies, enjoyed a successful week at Brussels. They expect to generate £200k to £300k of new business as a result of the show. Exhibiting for the first time they were displaying their brand, Wild Bay, and received a great deal of interest from companies across France and Germany for their new retail products.

Ocean Fish, the award winning company at the heart of the Cornish fishing industry, also enjoyed a great week at Brussels promoting their business. With unparalleled access to the finest fish in the South West, Ocean Fish already supply a range of products into the UK and European markets, with customers including Waitrose and Auchan. They have spent valuable time meeting both current customers and potential new ones.

Fish for Thought is a new business which exhibited at the show for the first time. They work closely with Ocean Fish and are targeting the top end retail, hotel and restaurant markets.

Riddlers Fish from Newton Abbot were also celebrating a number of significant achievements including reaching the British Retail Consortium Global Standard Food Certification at grade 'A', the Seafish Quality Processor at 'Higher Level' and the Marine Stewardship Council 'Chain of Custody' certification.

"In addition to promoting the capabilities of the Riddlers' processing operation and quality of West Country sourced produce, we found that networking with industry colleagues, consideration of new technologies and exploring opportunities to further enhance the satisfaction of our customers were of particular benefit," commented Company Director, Eric Riddler.

For further information please contact Sarah Henshall, Project Officer, Cornwall Fisheries Resource Centre on 01736 364324 or email sarah@cfrc.org.uk.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in Seafood Cornwall through the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance Fund (FIFG).

Editor's notes:

Seafood Cornwall is funded by the Objective One Fisheries Programme, Seafish and Cornwall County Council. It offers advice to industry on fish quality issues and is working to improve marketing and promotion of fish and seafood. Seafood Cornwall is based at the Cornwall Fisheries Resource Centre, 78b The Strand, Newlyn, contact Nathan de Rozarieux, 01736 874304. For more information about the project visit www.seafoodcornwall.org.uk.

The South West Regional Development Agency was established in 1999. Our most important role is to ensure the long term economic success of the region, by promoting the right skills among its workforce, the most innovative businesses, and a high quality environment. For further information contact: Craig Whibley, telephone 01392 229641, craig.whibley@southwestrda.org.uk.

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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