Production and Marketing of Capelin Roe/Masago

Biosecurity - Processing Plant
c
Production and Marketing
of Capelin Roe/Masago
Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program
Project Summary
0316-07-002
Introduction
The Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program
(FTNOP) provided assistance in 2008 to Clearwater
Seafoods Limited Partnership (Grand Bank Division) in
support of a project to introduce capelin roe caviar (Masago)
operations to its facility in Grand Bank.
Background
Grand Bank Seafoods (a subsidiary of Clearwater Seafoods
Limited Partnership, Bedford, Nova Scotia) commenced
Packaged Masago.
operations in July of 1991. Since 1992, Grand Bank
Seafoods has produced and marketed surf clams (hokkigai)
for worldwide sushi and sashimi markets. This has been the plant’s core business.
Through the Clearwater Fish Plant in North Sydney, N. S., Clearwater Seafoods Limited has
seven years of experience in the production and marketing of Masago (capelin roe caviar). The
company proposed to relocate its Masago production from Nova Scotia to their Grand Bank
operation in Newfoundland. This location is ideally suited for processing Masago given their
experience and expertise in producing and supplying hokkigai to sushi and sashimi markets
around the world.
However, in order to relocate this operation to Newfoundland, a number of changes to the
Grand Bank facility were necessary.
Methodology
To implement the processing and packaging of Masago in Grand Bank it was necessary to: 1)
Implement modifications/renovations to the structural facility. 2) Acquire specialized processing
equipment. 3) Develop new packaging. 4) Deliver specialized training to employees.
The process of changing capelin roe into high-quality caviar requires specialized structures and
equipment. This procedure, developed by Clearwater Seafoods Limited and its Japanese
customers, involves defrosting blocks of roe (procured from Iceland) in a specially designed
room to keep temperatures consistent and low. Product processing also requires unique
insulated vats and nylon netting that is exclusive to the processing of Masago.
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
P.O. Box 8700 St. John=s, NL
A1B 4J6
Production and Marketing of Capelin Roe/Masago
Results
With the support of the Fisheries Technology and New
Opportunities Program, Clearwater Seafoods Limited:
1) Completed the necessary building modifications to
include a new thaw room and processing area.
2) Purchased the necessary specialized equipment
to process Masago, including vats and netting.
3) Delivered in-house training to 25 employees at
Grand Bank Seafoods provided by experienced
employees from the Clearwater Fish Plant, North
Sydney, N.S.
Masago product production.
4) Designed new packaging and implemented the product.
The culmination of this three-month project saw Grand Bank Seafoods begin the production of
Masago on March 17, 2008. All primary objectives of the Production and Marketing of Capelin
Roe (Masago) project have been met.
Conclusion
The successful outcome of the Production and Marketing Capelin Roe (Masago) project has met
primary objectives and goals of FTNOP which include: “to diversify and increase the overall
viability of the provincial seafood industry” and “to encourage sustainable development.”
Grand Banks Seafood continues to produce internationally recognized, high-quality products
that now include Masago and is in operation throughout the year. Twenty-five new, full-time
positions have been created and are filled by a highly qualified work force. As Masago remains
in high demand in Asia, the prospects for future market expansion are good.
With the specialized equipment, building renovations and a highly qualified work force, the
potential for growth and diversification at this facility has been enhanced by these modifications
and upgrades.
The Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program (created under the Fishing Industry Renewal Strategy) provides support for
innovative and competitive harvesting, processing, and marketing initiatives to increase the overall viability of the Newfoundland and
Labrador seafood industry to be a major economic contributor to the provincial economy. For more information please contact us.
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
P.O. Box 8700, St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6 Call: 709 729-0118 / Fax: 709 729-1884
Web: http://www.gov.nl.ca
(Or a DFA Regional Office near you)
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
P.O. Box 8700 St. John's, NL
A1B 4J6