The Herring Buyers Association Ltd has received approval from Companies House to change its name to the Scottish Pelagic Processors Association Ltd (SPPA) and will be know by that title with immediate effect.
Date:
Mon, 09 Jan 2012
Source:
Scottish Pelagic Processors Association
Formed in 1976, the original association represented the needs of the pelagic processing sector, at a time when herring constituted the main part of the catch.
Chairman Ian McFadden explained: "For a company to be a member it had to purchase herring, but the supply situation has now changed and in volume and value, mackerel is the largest catch for members.
"They also process and market other types of pelagic fish including blue whiting, sprats and sardines, so the directors felt it was more appropriate to make this clear in our name."
Membership of the SPPA is wholly based in Scotland, as is the majority of the UK pelagic fleet, and includes all the major Scottish pelagic processors: Caley Fisheries, Croan Seafoods, Denholm Seafoods, Fresh Catch, International Fish Canners, Lunar Freezing, Macrae, Nor Sea Foods, Shetland Catch, Shetland Fish Products, and United Fish Industries.
These companies supply a wide range of products, from smoked and canned fish to UK retailers, wholesalers and fishmongers, to block frozen bulk packs supplied via reefers to major export customers.
The association represents the interests of its members in discussions with Government departments and is represented on the board of Seafood Scotland.
It also works with the catching sector in a number of ways, including membership of the Scottish Pelagic Sustainability Group, which spearheaded the MSC certification process for herring and mackerel stocks.
The pelagic industry is the most valuable seafood sector in Scotland, accounting for 30% in volume and value of the entire catch.
Mackerel accounts for 25% of the value and is the number one species landed in Scotland. In 2010, the mackerel catch was 135,738 tonnes, worth more than 112 million.
Herring catches were around 25,000 tonnes worth £8 million.
More information:
Scottish Pelagic Processors Association.
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