Africa-Press – Seychelles. Head of Product Development and Quality Assurance, Margaret Ally, told SNA: “As people become more aware and concerned about their health, we have seen an increase in interest and the demand for fish products among our residents when we carry out promotional campaigns.”
Ms. Ally said that through activities with school students, “we are seeing a change in mentality towards fish and fish products, as they become more appreciative of the many products that can be derived from fish while maintaining a good taste. However, product availability and supply may still be limited.”
She pointed out that many people like this idea because of its convenience, especially in everyday life, and that it is much easier to buy cubes of fish than to buy a whole fish to clean at home, but any added value will increase the price.
Through a promotional campaign, the SFA discovered which products people like the most. However, Ms. Ally admits that there is still work to be done before this concept is fully integrated in the country.
She said the industry has seen the development of a single cannery to nine other licensed local fish exporters. Their products vary but are mainly fresh whole tuna fillets or loins and demersal fish.
“When it comes to the local market, we have noticed that consumers appreciate value-added products like fish burgers, smoked fish and fillets, which are healthier and more convenient options for the community. There is still a lot of work to be done and it also depends on market acceptability. “, which may take some time. With the allocation of land and processing facilities, as well as through campaigns, the government continues to support and encourage the development of value addition,” added Ms..Ally.
Demand is strong and, for the moment, local production is not enough to meet real demand.
“A lot is being done by local companies to bring value-added products to market, but we can still see imported, non-seafood products dominating retail stores, so no, until the “fish products as fresh and healthier options for our population dominate, on the shelves of local retailers there are not enough value-added fish products,” Ms. Ally said.
She added that the fish processing sector plays a major role in the Seychelles economy and exports of canned fish, excluding processors for the local market, played a role in the flow of foreign exchange foreign.
Ms. Ally said the importance of the fishing sector was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, not only for export, but also for how fishermen and fish processors ensured fish supplies. in retail stores.
“We have seen many people willing to venture into the business of value-added fish products, thereby creating wealth opportunities. We have Zone 14 at Île du Port dedicated to added value, which will create employment opportunities and promote the development of our economy. “It is important to note that any treatment applied to the fish from the moment it is caught is a form of value addition,” she said.
For More News And Analysis About Seychelles Follow Africa-Press
