The Red Mullet season has started in Italy, and this year there is a twist to it. For the first time Spanish buyers will be thrilled to buy the Red Mullet and other fish species, directly from the fish auction of Cattolica, through the Pefa.com network. Cattolica, the first Italian fish auction to join the Pefa.com network, is now opening its doors to on-line buyers.
Cattolica auction is on the Adriatic Coast in the region Emilia Romagna, in the province of Rimini. La Casa del Pescatore is providing the administration for the auction as well as the other activities around the port, including fuel for the vessels and shops for the fishermen. Cattolica auction is a very important niche market in the region, specializing in the export of vongole (chamelea gallina) and pesce azzurro (engraulis encrasicolux and sardina pilchardus) to Spain. The cooperative Casa del Pescatore of Cattolica was founded in 1930. In 1950 a mechanical clock was installed and updated in 1989. Today Cattolica has a fleet of 100 vessels fishing with different fishing methods depending on the species they want to catch.
La Casa del Pescatore has chosen for Pefa.com's network to increase their yearly turnover and customer base. With full access to the Europe-wide network of buyers, the cooperation with Pefa will open up trade for Cattolica. With products like sardines, anchovies, red mullet, squilla mantis and baby clams, Cattolica has a big potential in the European Market and by using Pefa's system,Cattolica can create direct access to the different markets. Spanish wholesalers, who already know these products, are keen to purchase directly from the auction.
