French firm Unima is confident of finding buyers in China for its premium Madagascar shrimp – at prices up to three times greater than those for equivalent-sized Asian or Latin American shrimp.
Paris-based Unima produces approximately 5,000 tons per year at its Madagascar farms, according to Unima Sales Manager Philippe Blais.
“It’s not a luxury, go to a supermarket here [in Hong Kong] and you see imported Japanese beef selling at HKD 1,200 [USD 152.86, EUR 132.25] per kilo. We are looking at a fraction of that…it’s very affordable for many people here,” Blais said.
Unima has “significantly built up volume” since its last showing at the Seafood Expo Asia in 2012 and will seek more buyers in mainland China, according to Blais.
Unima is stressing the environmental sustainability of its product in its sales pitch. The company is playing a role as an advisor to the World Wildlife Fund and Aquaculture Stewardship Council in drawing up sustainability guidelines for shrimp production.
Photo courtesy of Unima
