The Scottish seafood industry has a fantastic future with huge potential for market growth, guests at the official opening of Macrae’s new £10m seafood processing facility at Livingston heard yesterday.
The state-of-the-art factory for Macrae – which is a Young’s Seafood company – produces a diverse range of quality chilled prepared Seafood for Waitrose.
Speaking at the opening, Mike Parker, chairman of Macrae and deputy chief executive of Young’s, said fish is already one of the most buoyant sectors of the food industry – with a £2.2bn market in the UK and chilled the most dynamic part, growing at 10% a year.
“This represents both an opportunity and a challenge for our industry as we try to map a future path that capitalises on this tremendous consumer appetite for fish, but manages development in a sustainable way – particularly with an eye on the future of precious wild fish resources in Scotland and further afield,” he said.
The importance of sustainable fisheries is a key issue underpinning the Young’s operation and the company has long been a strong supporter of responsible fishing practices, particularly core initiatives such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)’s work to accredit sustainable fisheries.
Mr Parker added that Scotland is fundamental to the UK development plan for Macrae and Young’s, having invested around £50m in Scottish facilities and infrastructure over the past three years.
“We buy around £80m of Scottish seafood every year. Going forward, these species are particularly important because they are also an excellent fit with the way we expect the market to develop. The growing focus on health is well served by fish such as mackerel and herring – and of course farmed salmon. And we believe there is huge market potential for regionally caught fish, for traditionally smoked, and for premium chilled products using salmon, shellfish and particularly langoustine.”
Mr Parker concluded: “Never has the industry been better placed to develop its full potential. With a responsible approach to precious natural resources, intelligent development of sustainable fishing and aquaculture, and the energy and vision to capitalise on that market potential, we believe Scotland has a fantastic seafood future ahead.”
