Taste of US West Coast seafood for Grimsby as Oregon’s eyes are on UK market

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Grimsby has been given a taste of US West Coast seafood as new trade routes are explored.

Lesser known species from the Pacific could be introduced to the UK market as a result, as work continues on establishing links between a resurrected fishery and the town.

Erick Garman, trade manager for the Oregon Department of Agriculture, has visited the cluster, underlining the gateway status for the UK market. Importers, buyers and distributors have been given an overview of the species available, and the potential volumes, ahead of a tasting session. Trials are now being conducted with pub and restaurant chains, as work continues with major industry operators on securing deals.

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Mr Garman said: “We have been working on this project for about 18 months. We’ve been to London, had meetings at the global expo in Barcelona, and a visit to Oregon has taken place.

“The next step was to see the process in the UK, and we’ve come to Grimsby because it is the heart and soul of the UK fishing industry, the centre of processing. We’ve seen a lot of familiar faces who we are building relationships with, and we feel we’re really starting to get the word out about the products and the availability.

“We’re looking at all options, whether it is retail or serving restaurants, or even for further processing.”

The Pacific North West region is described as being home to some of the most well-managed fisheries in the world. With Marine Stewardship Council accreditation now spanning a decade. Pacific sablefish, Pacific dover sole, Pacific hake, Pacific rockfish, and coldwater prawns are all being considered.

Erick Garman, trade manager for the Oregon Department of Agriculture, addresses importers, buyers and distributors at an event to highlight North West Pacific-caught species to the UK and market at Healing Manor Hotel.
(Image: Hopscotch)

Frozen, and set to be transported via container primarily for cost-effectiveness, then distributed via different channels, it comes at an important juncture.

“The timing is really good, with a lack of white fish in the region with the Russian situation,” Mr Garman said. “We’re really at the point now of ‘how can we make this work?’. There are a lot of options on the table, we’re getting to know the importers here, getting close with them and gaining a better understanding of what they need.”

Simon Dwyer of Seafood Grimsby and Humber Alliance hosted, with familiar cluster figure Mike Berthet aiding market research in the UK. He is also behind plans for Grimsby’s first land-based salmon farm, currently in the planning process.

Mr Berthet said: “It is a cracking string to anyone’s bow to have access to more white fish species that are acceptable to the UK palate.

“The fisheries have been closed for 20 years, but have been brought back and they simply can’t place it all in the US market.”

Healing Manor was the venue for the gathering and the tasting, with specialist seafood chef John Smythe showcasing the taste, texture and versatility. Follow-up activity is now being planned.

Original artice – https://business-live.co.uk/all-about/yorkshire-humber

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Taste of US West Coast seafood for Grimsby as Oregon’s eyes are on UK market

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