The Indonesian Catfish Entrepreneurs Association (APCI) has launched an international pangasius brand, with an initial focus on Middle Eastern markets.
APCI Chairman Suhadi announced the launch at Seafex in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on 30 October, calling Indonesian pangasius, “the better choice.”
“There are numerous reasons why we consider Indonesian pangasius to be a better choice. One of the main reasons is that our pangasius is raised with probiotics instead of antibiotics. That makes it a really healthy option,” Suhadi said in a press release. “But also, Indonesian pangasius is farmed in ponds using clean ground water and in lower densities and less intensive compared to other supplying countries.”
Founded in 2009, the APCI represents the Indonesian pangasius processing industry and producers and its goal is to improve the competitiveness of the pangasius value chain in Indonesia. It is supported by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization’s SMART-Fish Program and is under the coordination of Indonesia’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. The group counts more than 400 fish farmers and six processing companies as members.
In the past 10 years, Indonesia’s pangasius production has grown from 33,000 metric tons to 437,000 metric tons (in live weight), making it the second-largest producer of pangasius globally, behind Vietnam. Most of that production feeds the domestic market; according to APCI, pangasius is Indonesia’s most popular fish fillet, making up more than 50 percent of the country’s consumption of fish fillets.
Suhadi said his organization chose to focus its international launch in the Middle East because of the tourism and religious ties between Indonesia and the region.
“We notice a growing demand from Middle East countries in recent years. On the one hand from the tourism sector and on the other hand from the foodservice industry to cater for hajj and umrah activities,” Suhadi said in a press release. “We will be happy to serve these markets.”
Indonesian Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Director General of Aquaculture Slamet Subijakto said pangasius produced in Indonesia meets international standards for quality.
“We give appreciation and support to APCI in expanding the catfish market including exports to the Middle East,” Subijakto said. “Through a good catfish cultivation and processing system that has been implemented in Indonesia, food safety and traceability of catfish products can be guaranteed in compliance with the standards desired by the international market.”
