Chessington, U.K.-based processor New England Seafood International recently built a GBP 2 million (USD 3.4 million, EUR 2.5 million) facility to meet increased demand from both its retail and foodservice customers.
A major portion of the increased demand came from a new contract with NESI’s
“It was a big decision for YO! Sushi. There is no room for complacency on our part,” he said.
The 11,000-square-foot facility, which opened on 18 July, will be fully operational this fall and will feature defrosting equipment designed by Bespoke to refresh the company’s sashimi grade tuna.
Annual sales for NESI’s
However, the facility was also needed to meet increasing demand from U.K. grocery chains. Processing salmon, tuna, sea bass, bream and specialty species for retail and foodservice markets, the facility is expected to add an additional GBP 30 (USD 51 million, EUR 38 million) to GBP 50 million (USD 85 million, EUR 63 million) to NESI’s sales in the coming years.
NESI began supplying U.K. retailers in 1995, and now supplies all of the major grocery chains in the U.K. “Overall penetration of seafood is still low, but we have grown our business. New England Seafood has introduced a lot of species to the U.K. market, starting with fresh tuna around 20 years ago. If we choose to get behind a species and really push it, we can make an impact,” Aherne said.
While penetration is low compared to other proteins, U.K. consumers are trying more seafood, whether it is purchased from grocers or restaurants. “As people gain more confidence, there are more chef programs on TV, and people are traveling a bit more and tasting good fish, [seafood sales] are growing. Fish is on trend because it is healthy and convenient and people are gaining confidence,” Aherne said.
