Jaw Feng Machinery, a company from Taiwan specializing in vacuum-pack technology, wants a larger profile in the global seafood processing industry.
Founded in 1983, Jaw Feng has sold its thermoforming packaging machines, tray sealers, vacuum-massage tumblers, and its range of vacuum-packaging machinery to companies in more than 100 countries. But, its sales to the global seafood industry represent just 35 percent of its total – a statistic Jaw Feng Overseas Division Manager Mary Kuo would like to see improved.
“We sell a lot to pharmaceutical companies and companies packaging electrical components. But, we see opportunity in rising trends of consumers looking for packaged seafood – things with sauce or flavoring. That makes us want to do more with the seafood industry,” Kuo told SeafoodSource at the 2024 Seafood Expo Asia in Singapore from 4 to 6 September.
Jaw Feng has a long history serving Taiwan’s domestic seafood industry with all types of machinery, according to Kuo, but changing times have led the company to specialize in vacuum-pack.
“We probably have 75 percent to 80 percent market share in Taiwan, as we are known for being one of the original vacuum-pack machinery sellers in the country,” Kuo said. “We actually did whole plant equipment design, including slicing and cutting machines, but right now, we are more specializing in vacuum-packaging machine because it is an area that needs more professionalism and expertise.”
The worldwide seafood industry is still learning how vacuum-packing seafood can revolutionize their product offerings, Kuo said.
“It can help with modernization efforts. It can help with selling into multiple markets and markets with higher standards,” she said.
The company has identified primary, secondary, and tertiary market opportunities, according to Kuo.
“Our main target is the Japan market. In Southeast Asia, like Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, we already have lots of clients, and in Russia, we will continue to look for more clients there. But, vacuum-packaging is more popular in Western markets, so we're also focusing on Europe, the United States, and Canada,” Kuo said.
For Southeast Asia, the company’s goal is to sell more thermoforming packaging machines, which Kuo said can help regional seafood businesses improve their packaging through the employment of pouches, trays, and skin-pack technology.
“It will make their products stay fresher and look nicer for longer and be more well-received by customers,” Kuo said.
