PETERHEAD Port Authority joined over 50 Scottish seafood companies at this year’s Seafood Expo Global (SEG) in Brussels for the first time, with the aim of harnessing new relationships with worldwide customers.
As the world’s biggest seafood show, SEG provided an opportunity to remind the global industry that Scotland is open for business.
In the current political climate, an opportunity to meet new customers and share information is vital for the continued growth and success of any business. We must be present; people need to know about us, the Scottish seafood industry, our country’s unique and exquisite produce, and our advanced infrastructure which enables Scotland to provide some of the best seafood in the world. It will probably come as a surprise to some, but Scottish seafood often fetches some of the best market prices in Europe.
In 2018, the total catch value at Peterhead was over £202 million - an increase of nearly £7m from 2017. This is largely due to significant investment into the harbour area over the last two years and setting ourselves apart from the competition by offering a more efficient and seamless process from catching and landing to selling and distributing.
The strengthening of the harbour walls, deepening of the harbour and new state-of-the-art fish market have all helped increase the level of service and value to customers. Plus, investment in widening the channel to the north harbour has expanded opportunities for repairs and maintenance. The upgrades are already paying dividends for the fishing sector and creating a ‘one-stop-shop’ for fishing and repairs.
But it’s not all about material or structural changes.
The industry is servicing a changing population who want to know more about traceability and sustainability.
Customers are more informed and educated which means the industry must demonstrate what they are doing and understand what our partners are doing. Providing transparency of a robust supply chain and visibility in how fish is managed and processed respectfully, hygienically and in a sustainable way is key to ensuring future growth and engaging other countries fishing fleets.
One of the key areas in ensuring the seafood sector continues to grow is innovation.
Whilst at Brussels, I was able to listen to feedback from existing customers and take from this new ways to do business that will improve the efficiency of the seafood supply chain. The real-time movement of information, for example, is almost as important as the product itself. Customers who can keep track of fish that is landed, check quality and grade and monitor delivery schedules will reap the benefits of improved communications.
Having open conversations with organisations within Europe who may already have this knowledge will ultimately help boost the Scottish seafood industry.
Peterhead and Scotland boast a rich fishing history, but we must take control and ensure the industry is future-proofed.
The message needs to be reinforced that Scotland is a worldwide player, underpinned by a passionate and motivated workforce. It is by attending trade shows like Seafood Expo Global that we will continue to get Scotland’s name out there and gain greater international recognition and business.
The Scottish seafood industry is working towards one goal – achieving continued success and sustainability for future generations.
Simon Brebner is the chief executive of Peterhead Port Authority
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