The Provincial Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, 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 analysed 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% 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.
