Since opening operations in 2011, Puerto Montt, Chile-based Manuelita Mussels has risen to become one of the biggest mussel-farming companies in Chile, exporting mussels to more than 30 markets worldwide.
The company exhibited three of its top mussel products - half-shell, whole-shell, and exclusive mussel meat - at the ProChile booth at Seafood Expo North America from 12 to 14 March, in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A.. The company said it hopes to further expand its market in the U.S.
Manuelita Acuicultura position commercial manager Edgardo Alzamora told SeafoodSource it has solid markets in Europe and the U.S., and has estimates showing that the mussel industry and market will continue to grow in the coming years.
The company currently has two farms on Chiloe Island, Chile and two near Puerto Montt, Chile, and Alzamora said the company places a heavy focus on sustainability at all of them and ensures it produces organic products without additives or antibiotics. Its farming waters are also from isolated locations, making it more feasible to secure certifications.
“Environmentally, Chilean farming or mussel farming is one of the top seafood industries in the world. Another interesting note is in our processing factories, we use top technologies,” Alzamora said. “We are investing in marketing to several markets. It's a great product that's sustainable long term. Chile has potential for growth, according to our forecasts and estimations. There’s much potential to increase and double what we are now in terms of total production of the industry.”
Photo courtesy of Bhavana Scalia-Bruce/SeafoodSource
