Independent Scottish salmon farmer Loch Duart Ltd. has purchased its own fish processing facility for the first time in the company’s 21-year history, saying that its future aim is to have “greater flexibility and control” over its operations.
The Sutherland and Outer Hebrides-based producer has acquired the fish processing facility in Dingwall on the Black Isle previously owned by The Edinburgh Salmon Company. The facility was mothballed in 2018.
Loch Duart plans to refurbish the 52,000-square-foot facility before opening. Initially, the investment is expected to create up to 40 new jobs. The company already employs 100 people, mainly at its farming sites.
According to Loch Duart, the processing facility is located in relatively close proximity to its farms and to routes leading to some of the company’s key markets.
“This is great news for Loch Duart and for our customers,” Loch Duart Managing Director Mark Warrington said. “It’s an investment in our future. Having our own processing facility will eventually allow us to be more flexible and responsive to our customers’ needs as we adapt to changing consumer behaviors in the new world that we all face.”
Loch Duart currently produces around 6,000 metric tons (MT) of salmon each year, supplying the foodservice and retail sectors in the United Kingdom and in overseas markets. Its fish are raised in low-density, low-energy, sheltered sites with minimal fish handling. As well as using cleaner fish, these farms employ a bespoke, high-marine content fish feed.
In the year ended 31 March, 2019, Loch Duart achieved a turnover of GBP 34.6 million (USD 43.7 million, EUR 38.6 million) and pre-tax profits of GBP 1.1 million (USD 1.4 million, EUR 1.2 million).
Photo courtesy of Loch Duart
