0316-07-002 production and marketing of capelin roe...department of fisheries and aquaculture p.o....

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Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture P.O. Box 8700 St. John=s, NL A1B 4J6 Biosecurity Biosecurity Biosecurity Biosecurity - Processing Plant Processing Plant Processing Plant Processing Plant Packaged Masago. c Introduction The Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program (FTNOP) provided assistance in 2008 to Clearwater Seafoods Limited Partnership (Grand Bank Division) in support of a project to introduce capelin roe caviar (Masago) operations to its facility in Grand Bank. Background Grand Bank Seafoods (a subsidiary of Clearwater Seafoods Limited Partnership, Bedford, Nova Scotia) commenced operations in July of 1991. Since 1992, Grand Bank Seafoods has produced and marketed surf clams (hokkigai) for worldwide sushi and sashimi markets. This has been the plant’s core business. Through the Clearwater Fish Plant in North Sydney, N. S., Clearwater Seafoods Limited has seven years of experience in the production and marketing of Masago (capelin roe caviar). The company proposed to relocate its Masago production from Nova Scotia to their Grand Bank operation in Newfoundland. This location is ideally suited for processing Masago given their experience and expertise in producing and supplying hokkigai to sushi and sashimi markets around the world. However, in order to relocate this operation to Newfoundland, a number of changes to the Grand Bank facility were necessary. Methodology To implement the processing and packaging of Masago in Grand Bank it was necessary to: 1) Implement modifications/renovations to the structural facility. 2) Acquire specialized processing equipment. 3) Develop new packaging. 4) Deliver specialized training to employees. The process of changing capelin roe into high-quality caviar requires specialized structures and equipment. This procedure, developed by Clearwater Seafoods Limited and its Japanese customers, involves defrosting blocks of roe (procured from Iceland) in a specially designed room to keep temperatures consistent and low. Product processing also requires unique insulated vats and nylon netting that is exclusive to the processing of Masago. Production and Marketing of Capelin Roe/Masago Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program Project Summary 0316-07-002

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Page 1: 0316-07-002 Production and Marketing of Capelin Roe...Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture P.O. Box 8700 St. John's, NL A1B 4J6 Production and Marketing of Capelin Roe/Masago Masago

Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture P.O. Box 8700 St. John=s, NL A1B 4J6

Biosecurity Biosecurity Biosecurity Biosecurity ---- Processing Plant Processing Plant Processing Plant Processing Plant

Packaged Masago.

c

Introduction The Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program (FTNOP) provided assistance in 2008 to Clearwater Seafoods Limited Partnership (Grand Bank Division) in support of a project to introduce capelin roe caviar (Masago) operations to its facility in Grand Bank.

Background

Grand Bank Seafoods (a subsidiary of Clearwater Seafoods Limited Partnership, Bedford, Nova Scotia) commenced operations in July of 1991. Since 1992, Grand Bank Seafoods has produced and marketed surf clams (hokkigai) for worldwide sushi and sashimi markets. This has been the plant’s core business. Through the Clearwater Fish Plant in North Sydney, N. S., Clearwater Seafoods Limited has seven years of experience in the production and marketing of Masago (capelin roe caviar). The company proposed to relocate its Masago production from Nova Scotia to their Grand Bank operation in Newfoundland. This location is ideally suited for processing Masago given their experience and expertise in producing and supplying hokkigai to sushi and sashimi markets around the world. However, in order to relocate this operation to Newfoundland, a number of changes to the Grand Bank facility were necessary.

Methodology To implement the processing and packaging of Masago in Grand Bank it was necessary to: 1) Implement modifications/renovations to the structural facility. 2) Acquire specialized processing equipment. 3) Develop new packaging. 4) Deliver specialized training to employees. The process of changing capelin roe into high-quality caviar requires specialized structures and equipment. This procedure, developed by Clearwater Seafoods Limited and its Japanese customers, involves defrosting blocks of roe (procured from Iceland) in a specially designed room to keep temperatures consistent and low. Product processing also requires unique insulated vats and nylon netting that is exclusive to the processing of Masago.

Production and Marketing of Capelin Roe/Masago

Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program Project Summary 0316-07-002

Page 2: 0316-07-002 Production and Marketing of Capelin Roe...Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture P.O. Box 8700 St. John's, NL A1B 4J6 Production and Marketing of Capelin Roe/Masago Masago

Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture P.O. Box 8700 St. John's, NL A1B 4J6

Production and Marketing of Capelin Roe/Masago

Masago product production.

Results With the support of the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program, Clearwater Seafoods Limited:

1) Completed the necessary building modifications to include a new thaw room and processing area.

2) Purchased the necessary specialized equipment to process Masago, including vats and netting.

3) Delivered in-house training to 25 employees at Grand Bank Seafoods provided by experienced employees from the Clearwater Fish Plant, North Sydney, N.S.

4) Designed new packaging and implemented the product. The culmination of this three-month project saw Grand Bank Seafoods begin the production of Masago on March 17, 2008. All primary objectives of the Production and Marketing of Capelin Roe (Masago) project have been met.

Conclusion The successful outcome of the Production and Marketing Capelin Roe (Masago) project has met primary objectives and goals of FTNOP which include: “to diversify and increase the overall viability of the provincial seafood industry” and “to encourage sustainable development.” Grand Banks Seafood continues to produce internationally recognized, high-quality products that now include Masago and is in operation throughout the year. Twenty-five new, full-time positions have been created and are filled by a highly qualified work force. As Masago remains in high demand in Asia, the prospects for future market expansion are good. With the specialized equipment, building renovations and a highly qualified work force, the potential for growth and diversification at this facility has been enhanced by these modifications and upgrades.

The Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program (created under the Fishing Industry Renewal Strategy) provides support for innovative and competitive harvesting, processing, and marketing initiatives to increase the overall viability of the Newfoundland and Labrador seafood industry to be a major economic contributor to the provincial economy. For more information please contact us.

Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

P.O. Box 8700, St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6 Call: 709 729-0118 / Fax: 709 729-1884 Web: http://www.gov.nl.ca

(Or a DFA Regional Office near you)