Britford Trout Farm has upgraded its harvesting operations with new humane stunning technology, improving fish welfare, product quality and processing efficiency as it prepares to increase production and supply more UK retailers.
The Wiltshire-based family business has replaced its previous manual harvesting process with Ace Aquatec’s Humane Stunner Universal (A-HSU), a system designed specifically for trout.
Capable of processing up to 15 tonnes of fish per hour, the technology has enabled the farm to meet growing customer requirements while strengthening welfare and traceability standards.
“Since installing Ace Aquatec’s humane stunner, we’ve seen significant improvements in both efficiency and product quality,” said Jack Heaven, business partner at Britford Trout Farm. “The harvesting process is smoother and more streamlined, and we’ve received extremely positive feedback from our processor, including reported fillet yield improvements of five to six percent, alongside excellent shelf life and firm texture.”
Established in 1983 by Mark Heaven, Britford Trout Farm has built a reputation for producing premium trout. The investment follows the farm’s expansion into supplying high-grade trout fillets to Waitrose and supports plans to increase annual production from 200 tonnes to 350 tonnes. Deals with other retailers are in the pipeline.
Since installing the new system, the business reports fillet yield improvements of between 5 and 6%, alongside enhanced texture, longer shelf life and more consistent processing.
The investment was supported by the British Trout Association and a £30,000 Fisheries and Seafood Scheme grant, helping make the capital project viable for the family business.
“Our award-winning humane stunning technology has already delivered significant improvements in the volumes and quality of trout fillet supplied by the farm and will help Mark and Jack to continue to grow and supply some of the UK’s largest supermarkets while meeting strict welfare and traceability requirements,” said Tara McGregor-Woodhams, chief sales and marketing officer at Ace Aquatec.
