Turbot a rising star for chefs in Europe

Gastronomy, which seeks to expose and cultivate the relationships underpinning food and culture to define “good eating” for regions all over the world, has found a new star in the seafood realm, according to Grégoire Aubin, the commercial director for France’s Gloria Maris Groupe. 

Turbot – an intriguing flatfish of the flounder family predominantly farmed in France, Spain and Chile – is catching the eyes and stomachs of some of Europe’s leading chefs, said Aubin. 

“It is an extremely interesting product to work with in the sense that is especially appealing for gastronomy. It is also a product can address some export markets very easily,” Aubin told SeafoodSource during last month’s Seafood Expo Global. 

The fish, which produces “hearty, firm fillets,” and is rich in omega-3s, has a flavor profile that is both fresh and tangy. 

“Turbot tastes very unique; it’s hard to compare with anything else,” he said. "It’s the perfect balance of flavor," Aubin said.

Gloria Maris Groupe’s acquisition of France Turbot – a French aquaculture company that has been farming the flatfish since 1987 – has increased the company's expertise with the species over the past two years, and expanded its product portfolio offerings in dynamic ways, noted Aubin.

“The reason we decided to go for France Turbot two years ago is because the product was excellent. It was a perfect match for the Gloria Maris [enterprise] and product range,” he explained. 

The turbot produced by the company bears labels from GlobalG.A.P. as well as Label Rouge and Origine France Garantie.

“The ‘Label Rouge’ guarantees that we meet demanding standards, and the proof is in the delicate flavor and quality for which our fish are renowned among Michelin-starred chefs,” France Turbot said.

“Our product is extremely fresh, zero treatment – we are inventing the recipe of the fish,” Aubin added.

The company is able to ship their turbot live to its main export markets including Europe, Asia and the United States – the logistics of which are a closely-guarded secret, said Aubin.

France Turbot is joined under the Gloria Maris Groupe umbrella by Aquanord, Palma d’ ORO, Acquadea and Ecloserie Marine de Gravelines. 

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