Pangasius Value Not Only from Fillet

Seafood processors have introduced a lot of optimisation solutions to add value to the pangasius production chain. The most remarkable solution is now the import of refining technologies to create advanced nutritional products with higher economic value than fillet.

 

Vietnam’s annual pangasius production output totals about 1.2 million tonnes. With the raw fish to fillet ratio of 2.6, processing facilities have to treat up to 700,000 tonnes in 365 days. If processed well, this is a ‘gold mine” but otherwise it is a huge waste and a burden on the environment.

 

Vietnam started to export pangasius fillets in 1987. During the first crisis in 2008, by-products of pangasius, also called tra fish, were separated into swim bladders, stomach and skin which were processed for export or supplied to domestic restaurants. The rest was extracted for crude fat and then exported to Asian countries at a very low price. However, foreign buyers then enjoyed huge profits after refining the product.

 

According to surveys, the selling price of catfish by-products in mid-2008 ranged from VND3,500 to VND4,000 per kilogram. A kilogram of by-products was extracted into 0.2 kilograms of fish fat (a kilogram was priced at VND13,000-14,000) and 0.3 kilograms of fishmeal (sold at VND9,000-10,000 per kilogram). Overall, processors took just VND500-1,000 per kilogram. Obviously, this valuable source of raw material was wasted because the price was too unreasonable, and disproportionate to its potential nutritional value.

 

In 2010 when the pangasius industry was still in crisis due to overproduction, some companies took breakthrough steps. In November 2010, Vinh Hoan Corporation launched the experimental biodiesel production project using fish fat with equipment and technology supplied by Malaysia-based Success Nexus. In December, International Development and Investment Joint Stock Company (IDI) affiliated to Sao Mai Group opened its refining plant to produce high-grade nutritional products from pangasius fat. With US$15 million of investment capital in the first phase and US$25 million in the second phase, the project, furnished with European equipment and technology, will help add value and profitability to the Mekong Delta catfish industry.

 

Sao Mai Group has used the catfish in an "optimal and very scientific" in creating premium fish oil called Ranee, featured with nutrition content and price affordability. This has opened up a new promising market for high-grade edible oil derived from animals, and demonstrated how the potential value of pangasius has been effectively exploited. This is a worthwhile endowment that nature gives the Mekong Delta.

 

This creative way has brought considerable income for the fisheries sector each year from refined fish oil.

 

After rice, Vietnamese pangasius has created miracles after just 10 years of being exported. Indeed, the fish has generated strong pushes for catfish business on the globe and boosted the name of Vietnam on the world market.