SPECIALITY: STRANGE FISH 

FISHERY: Danish fish exporters are among the most active in Europe 

At Hanstholmbased Scanfish, a leading European supplier of fresh and frozen fish, there are slightly worried looks. One of the company’s specialities, Norway lobsters, which are caught in the waters between Denmark and Norway, are staying away from their normal gathering grounds. In 2006, fishermen sought the delicate shellfish in all the usual places. But with meagre results.

“We can still supply Norway lobsters because naturally they are still being caught, but at well below the quantities we have been used to for the last many years,” says director Morten Nielsen, Scanfish.

Cod roe
“Cod, one of our other large product groups, is however doing very well. As is cod roe, of which we deliver significant amounts especially to the southern European markets. Despite the relatively short season for cod roe, our freezing capacity ensures that we can always deliver even large quantities of this speciality.” Danish fishermen account for around 10% of all the Norway lobsters – Nephrops norvegicus – caught in Europe. The lobster, considered to be among the most delicate of shellfish, is found in the waters between Denmark, Scotland and Norway. In recent years, the total Danish catch has been around 5,000 annually of which around 95 % is exported, mainly to southern Europe.

Buying and selling
Scanfish is represented across most of Europe. The company has agreements with fishermen regarding purchase of catches in Denmark, Norway and the Faroe Islands and also buys at all major fish auctions. Scanfish supplies fish to large wholesale dealers and supermarket chains throughout Europe. The fish is supplied both fresh and frozen, whole or processed. Filleting and cutting takes place at the company’s own factories in Thyborøn and Hanstholm on the Danish west coast.

“We also import large quantities of fish and shellfish from both China and Africa,” says Morten Nielsen. “From Africa it is primarily Victoria Bars from Victoria lake. But broadly speaking we are able to deliver all types of fish. Customers ask and we deliver. It’s all a question of flexibility, and our organisation is geared for it.”

http://www.scanfish.dk