Chilled fish preserves refer to a method of preserving fresh fish by keeping it at a chilled temperature, typically around 0-5 degrees Celsius (32-41 degrees Fahrenheit), which slows down bacterial growth and extends the shelf life of the fish. This method is commonly used for fish that are intended to be consumed raw or lightly cooked, such as sushi or sashimi.
Chilled fish preserves can be achieved through a variety of methods, including refrigeration, freezing, or packing the fish in ice or cold water. The fish can be stored whole or filleted and may be treated with preservatives or vacuum-sealed to further extend its shelf life.
It's worth noting that while chilled fish preserves can help maintain the quality and freshness of the fish, it's still important to handle and store the fish properly to prevent contamination and ensure its safety for consumption.
The market scope for chilled fish preserves can vary depending on the region and market segment, but overall, it is a growing market. Consumers are increasingly seeking out high-quality, fresh seafood, and chilled fish preserves offer a way to provide this while also extending the shelf life of the product.
One key market segment for chilled fish preserves is the sushi and sashimi market. These dishes rely on high-quality, fresh fish, and the use of chilled fish preserves can help ensure that the fish maintains its quality and freshness until it is served.
Another important market segment is the food service industry, including restaurants, catering services, and hotels. These businesses often need to maintain a consistent supply of fresh fish, and chilled fish preserves can help them do this while also reducing waste and saving on costs.
The retail market for chilled fish preserves is also growing, as consumers increasingly seek out fresh, high-quality seafood for home cooking. This includes both fresh fish that has been chilled or vacuum-sealed for extended shelf life, as well as frozen fish that has been preserved through rapid freezing techniques.
There are several major players in the market for chilled fish preserves, including:
1. Mowi ASA
2. Marine Harvest ASA
3. Lerøy Seafood Group ASA
4. Cooke Aquaculture
5. Thai Union Group
6. Bakkafrost
7. SalMar ASA
8. Scottish Sea Farms
The commercial production of chilled fish preserves typically involves several stages, including:
1. Sourcing and harvesting the fish: The first step is to source the fish from a supplier or fishery. Depending on the type of fish being used, it may be wild-caught or farmed.
2. Preparing the fish: The fish is then prepared for preservation, which may involve filleting, deboning, and/or trimming. The fish may also be treated with preservatives or other additives to help extend its shelf life.
3. Chilling the fish: The fish is then chilled to a temperature of around 0-5 degrees Celsius (32-41 degrees Fahrenheit), which helps to slow down bacterial growth and extend the shelf life of the fish.
4. Packaging the fish: The chilled fish is then packaged in a way that maintains its freshness and quality. This may involve vacuum-sealing the fish, packing it in ice or cold water, or using other specialized packaging methods.
5. Transporting the fish: The packaged fish is then transported to distributors or retailers, where it is sold to consumers or used by food service businesses.
In some cases, the commercial production of chilled fish preserves may also involve freezing the fish. Rapid freezing techniques can help to preserve the quality and freshness of the fish and can be a more efficient method of preservation for certain types of fish.
Overall, the commercial production of chilled fish preserves requires careful handling and processing to ensure the quality and safety of the fish and may involve specialized equipment and facilities to maintain the required temperatures throughout the production process.