Belgium-based fish processor Gadus has contracted with Iceland’s Valka to implement the equipment developer’s new cutting system for portioning salmon and whitefish fillets.
Valka’s system will help Gadus “focus more on product development” and enhance the processor’s “flexibility with respect to multi-species processing,” the companies said in a press release. Gadus said it will also be able to “offer many new portion types to the market” with the equipment line, which is due to be installed and launched later this month.
Market demands have been fluctuating, a phenomenon that has prompted Gadus to embark on what it calls a “transformation process” to actualize a long-term company vision. This endeavor has seen the processor examine its value chain and build solid relationships with some international food retailers, it said.
“With its new portioning system, Gadus will further strengthen that bond by moving closer to shoppers and offering products they demand,” the company said.
The new robot-controlled portioning system allows for the better utilization of each fillet, allowing Gadus “to offer novel product types that would be difficult or impossible to produce otherwise,” it said.
The system is able to cut any angled or curved pattern, according to Valka.
“In addition to cutting several fixed-weight retail portions from a salmon fillet, the system can simultaneously cut numerous small, cubed poke portions from the belly and tail parts, formerly a highly labor-intensive task. Previous systems could only cut parallel lines,” Valka said.
Valka Area Sales Manager Daniel Niddam said Valka’s and Gadus’ goals align well.
“We are grateful for the trust Gadus has placed in Valka and our capability to develop and implement disruptive technology that will serve their objective to deliver outstanding products,” Niddam said. “Gadus delivers only the best products from select raw materials, and we are proud to play a part in that.”
Collaboration has already been seamless between the firms, Gadus CEO Philip Duyck said, even as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to make an impact on business communication worldwide.
“We are pleased with this contract with Valka and very excited to make the most of the solution Valka is delivering,” Duyck said. “This plays a key role in our transformation plans and our ability to secure long-term contracts with our retail partners. Also, it is great to see that the teams have been working together in a very efficient way despite the COVID-19 situation. A big thank you to the Valka team for their great collaboration and effort.”
Photo courtesy of Valka
