Squid exported to Australia

Press, 9 May 1981, Page 20

Squid exported to Australia

New export markets for New Zealand-processed squid are being developed in Australia by a Motueka-based joint-venture company.

Allied Fisheries N.Z.. Ltd, a joint fishing venture between The Golden Bay Cement Group, Talley's Fisheries, Ltd, and Toshoku, Ltd, of Japan, has so far this year processed more than 12 tonnes of squid for export to Australian buyers — and response to the product has been excellent, says Golden Bay’s corporate ‘ planning manager (Mr David Houston).

The venture is now into its

third fishing season and catches are ahead of last season. But poor prices being received for frozen squid on the Japanese market has lead the company tojnstall a squid splitting machine to prepare the product for the Australian market and an optimum price. Mr Houston said that since the processing machines had been installed at Talley's plant in Motueka, significant progress had been made in exporting squid tubes. “Although the quantities at the moment seem small, market indications are that there will be a steady increase in the demand for this

type of squid product," he said. Mr Houston said that the ability of Allied Fisheries to redirect part of its catch to export markets other than Japan, was attributed to the nature of the joint venture company.

The participation of Toshoku was an important factor in Allied's exporting success, providing processing and presentation advice as well as access to vital distribution outlets.

The depressed price received for squid on the Japanese market last season meant that fishing activity ws restricted to two largesized squid boats this season, but the development of an Australian market, and an expected up-turn in Japanese prices for squid points to fleet expansion next year, Mr Houston said.