The UK smoked fish industry has received European funding to encourage and promote sales and awareness of its traditional seafood products.
The funding comes from the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) and is administered by the UK’s Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and the Seafish Industry Project Fund. The project, which was created by a team of important industry partners including Seachill, The Fish Mongers Company, Coln Valley and The Smokeyard Artisan Smokehouse, will be led by the Grimsby Fish Merchants Association.
Steve Norton, chief executive, GFMA, said: “Traditionally smoked fish is a fantastic product that is often overlooked and undervalued by the consumer; this project will highlight the positive benefits and attract a new, younger consumer to a wonderful versatile product that is part of Britain’s food heritage.”
Julie Snowden, project manager, Sea Fish Industry Authority, added: “It’s great to be able to support this unique product and creative initiative which will encourage the consumer to consume more seafood which we are always striving to achieve.”
It will be used to expand the identity of the industry, develop an interactive website and push attendance at a number of specialist food events. The overall aim of the project, which will run from August 2012 to December 2013, is to improve the profile of the specialist industry in UK high-end retail and food service markets.
