New Fish Export Industry

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31316, 11 March 1967, Page 22

New Fish Export Industry

(From Our Own Reporter) WELLINGTON, March 10. An export venture based entirely on fish meal is likely to be approved shortly by the Government, after an investigation now being made by the Minister of Marine (Mr Scott). The Wellington firm of Dalhoff and King (N.Z.), Ltd,

is prepared to establish a pilot factory at Whangarei. If the venture is successful, other factories will be sited at Nelson, Lyttelton and Gisborne. Some sources estimate that that the industry has a potential of up to £5O million, based on the world need for this commodity. Fish meal is used extensively already as a stock food. Its value as a food material for underdeveloped countries is only just being realised — but a firm estimate of profits

cannot be made until further research into raw materials and manufacturing costs can be carried out. Big Demand

The general manager of Dalhoff and King (Mr E. H. Moston) said today that the demand was known to be strong. The pig industry in New Zealand alone could use 8000 tons of fish meal. Another source of consumption was the broiler chicken industry. The firm is mainly interested, however, in the export trade. The estimate of £5O million as a possibility is based on the four planned factories being in full operation.

It is emphasised that the firm is not interested in the production of canned fish or fish prepared for the table. Many floating factories and some shore-based ones in New Zealand are now producing fish meal as a by-product of the catching of fish for human consumption. Protein Content

The Dalhoff and King proposal is the straight production of fish meal. This, it is stated, will produce a meal of higher protein content than that obtained from what is left of the fish after the best cuts have been taken off for canning or packaging. It is understood that there has been some discussion because of the original proposals made by the company. There has also been some difficulty because of the lack of information officially available.

The company Is eager to

get the pilot factory started in order to study the economics of the projert. It is understood that Mr Scott may be able to give a decision next week.