Hot temperatures in northern China this summer have increased mortality rates for Zoneco (Zhangzidao) scallops and other shellfish, but the situation is better than originally feared, according to a company executive.
The firm is also growing its oyster-farming business as well as a processing business, and has found major retail clients in Australia for hoki and chum salmon fish product, according to Yin You Chun, a marketing executive interviewed by SeafoodSource at the 2018 Seafood Expo Asia event in Hong Kong.
China’s government is “very supportive” of the company and recognizes the challenge it faces due to climate change, according to Yin.
“They know our challenges are not related to our efforts but due to the changing weather,” he said.
The company’s seafood import and trading business remains small in the context of overall revenues, but Zoneco has been finding markets across China for its oysters, which fetch CNY 12.00 (USD 1.7, EUR 1.5) each (wholesale) for three-year-old oysters, according to Yin.
“We have really pristine waters so we can produce good oysters,” he said.
Zoneco supplies major Australian retail chains Coles and Woolworth with processed, breaded fish products including hoki fish fingers.
“This business is promising,” said Yin, who was attending the expo seeking clients in Asia for similar products.
