Reports

Bioactive surimi developed from by-products

Published:

01/10/2014

Authors:

Hörður G. Kristinsson

Supported by:

Rannís Technology Development Fund - RAN090915‐1790

Bioactive surimi developed from by-products

The aim of the project was to develop and set up a new processing process to produce high-quality bioactive surimi products from underutilized and cheap raw materials. There is a great shortage of high quality surimi in the world and also a very growing demand for products with bioactivity and health benefits. Therefore, there is a great opportunity now for Iceland to gain a foothold in this market. In the project, the process was maximized and the properties of the product were measured and confirmed by customers. New methods and mixtures were developed to produce a new product, a bioactivator, with a focus on products that can contribute to improved consumer health. It is now possible to start surimi production, which can lead to more jobs, increased diversity in the production of seafood in Iceland and an increase in foreign exchange earnings.

The overall objective of this project was to develop and commercialize a highly novel protein recovery process to produce high value and high quality bioactive surimi and surimi seafood products from low value and underutilized Icelandic raw materials. On world bases, there is a need for high quality surimi and furthermore an increasing demand for bioactive and “health‐ promoting” products. In the project the process was optimized, product properties measured and confirmed by future byers. It is now possible to start production in Iceland on bioactive surimi that will lead to increased value, more jobs and various new products from the Icelandic fishing industry.

Report closed until 01.11.2016

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Reports

Quality factors in processing and processing of belted algae (Saccharina latissima)

Published:

01/10/2014

Authors:

Þóra Valsdóttir, Símon Sturluson

Supported by:

AVS (V11 002‐11)

Contact

Þóra Valsdóttir

Project Manager

thora.valsdottir@matis.is

Quality factors in processing and processing of belt algae (Saccharina latissima)

This report describes the collection of information on methods for assessing the main quality aspects of raw materials, the processing and processing of gillnets and their control for human consumption. Sampling and measurements of raw materials and processed products were then carried out to test and evaluate the relevant methods. The report is part of the Belt Algae Food Development project, which aims to acquire knowledge and skills in the handling and processing of algae and to demonstrate the potential for value creation from it.

Methods were evaluated for measuring the main quality indicators of sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) as raw material for food applications.

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Reports

Production of raw material from the North Westfjords / Production of raw material from the North Westfjords

Published:

01/10/2014

Authors:

Gunnar Þórðarson

Supported by:

Westfjords Growth Agreement

Contact

Gunnar Þórðarson

Regional Manager

gunnar.thordarson@matis.is

Production of raw material from the North Westfjords / Production of raw material from the North Westfjords

About 10 thousand tons of raw materials are transported from the northern Westfjords for processing elsewhere. Most of that catch is exported ungutted, so it is not only filleting processing that loses raw materials, but also parties that produce products from by-products, such as head drying and liver producers. The idea of forcing a party to gutt and possibly head catches is therefore tempting. The conclusion of this project, however, is that this is very inefficient and the overall effect will be negative. First, the gutting coefficients in the Westfjords are such that fishing companies would lose quotas with a gutting obligation. Secondly, buyers in the south of the country, who process fresh fish for flight, are willing to pay an additional 20 ISK / kg for fish that reaches trucks that leave at 15:00 according to schedule. If fish are gutted after landing, it is impossible to bring them catch for this transport and that fish will wait for transport until the next day. Fish that goes directly for transport has arrived at a processing house in the southwest area at about 04:00 and has been gutted for processing starting at 07:00. The fish is then ready for flight, which in some cases leaves around Keflavík Stadium around noon. This is therefore an economical arrangement that maximizes value creation in the fisheries sector in Iceland.

About 10 thousand tons of whole round fish are trucked from northern Westfjords to fish processors in south / west region of Iceland. Most of the fish is exported un ‐ gutted and therefore it is not just the filleting factories missing raw materials, but also those producing side product like cod heads drying and liver canning. The concept idea of this project was to force vessels owners and fish markets to head and gut the fish before trucing and looked like a tempting idea. However, the outcome of this work is that this would be inefficient and the overall effect will be negative. Firstly, the gutting standard given by the Icelandic authority is 16% but the average radio in Westfjords is only 12%, so the vessel owners would lose the difference in quota. Secondly the customers in the south / west are willing to pay extra 20 kr / kg for fish reaching the scheduled truck leaving the area at 15:00. If the fish would be headed or / and gutted it would not be ready for trucking, and be leaving the day after. Fish going straight from vessel at the harbor for trucking will be delivered in a fish plant in the south west at around 04:00 following morning. It will be ready for filleting at 07:00 and can be exported by airfreight around noon. Here is an advantageous arrangement case that maximizes value for the fisheriesin Iceland.

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Reports

Research of superchilling of whitefish / Research of superchilling of whitefish

Published:

01/10/2014

Authors:

Gunnar Þórðarson, Albert Högnason, Hólmfríður Sveinsdóttir

Supported by:

Westfjords Growth Agreement

Contact

Gunnar Þórðarson

Regional Manager

gunnar.thordarson@matis.is

Research of superchilling of whitefish / Research of superchilling of whitefish

Five studies were conducted by a research team (supercooling team) in the summer of 2014 to test the effect of supercooling on the processing and product quality of whitefish. This project was based on foreign scientific research on supercooling, which was carried out in laboratories, while the research of the supercooling team was carried out under processing conditions. The results of the research team indicate even more activity than the basic research on which it was based. The main drawbacks were that with supercooling immediately after bleeding and gutting, death stiffness can be significantly delayed, but no damage processes begin until it is completed. It is known that the main reasons for release are rapid death stiffness as the flesh tears with a rapid contraction that clashes with the fish's bone marrow. Fish is 800 times more sensitive than meat and therefore it can withstand very little damage during handling. The results of the supercooling team's research show that during supercooling, the flesh hardens without freezing and withstands all treatments much better, such as filleting, peeling and trimming. Not only is there a difference in the appearance of super-chilled fillets compared to traditional ones, but the proportion of those who went for the most expensive packages was significantly higher. An experiment was carried out at Íslandssaga in Suðureyri and the result was that the increased value due to supercooling was around ISK 900,000 per day. When processing super-chilled fillets for fresh fish export, they were returned in packages at -0.8 ° C while traditional processing was at +2 to + 5 ° C. Freezing part of water in fillets (5‐30%) builds up a high cooling energy that maintains a low temperature throughout the processing (filleting, skinning and trimming). The results of the research team are that with supercooling on board a fishing vessel down to -1 ° C immediately after bleeding and gutting, the use of ice becomes unnecessary for storage in trains and warehouses on land. Trains and cold rooms will be operated at 11 ° C, which is sufficient to maintain supercooling for a long time. Attempts were made to store cod under these conditions for eight days, and the results of research showed that its quality during processing at Fisk Seafood was high and better than with traditional processing.

Five studies were conducted by a research team (superchill ‐ team) in the summer of 2014 to test the effects of superchilling on production and quality of whitefish. This project was based on published studies on superchilling, conducted in laboratories, but the superchill ‐ team conducted their study at industrialized conditions. Conclusion of the research team suggests greater functionality than the scientific researches it was based on. The main conclusion are that super ‐ chilling right after bleeding and gutting can significantly delay rigor mortis, but no spoilage take place before that process. It is well known that the main reasons for gaping in fish fillets are the contraction and relics causing by rigor mortis. Fish is 800 times more sensitive than meat, so it is perishables against handling in processing lines, like filleting, skinning and trimming. One finding in these research is that by super chilling the fish before the process, the flesh is more stiff without being frozen, and can withstand handling in processing much better. The super chilled product is not only looking better compared to the traditional product, but the proportion of more valuable products were significantly higher. A research made in the freezing plant Icelandic Saga in Sudureyri, gave a result were increased value due to super cooling was about 900 thousand ISK per day. In the same trial a temperature for fresh packed fillets for the British market, the product temp for super chill were ‐0,8 ° C, but the traditional product were packed at +2 to +5 ° C. Freezing part of the water content of the fish, around 5‐30%, builds up a massive cooling energy that keeps low temperatures throughout the processing (filleting, skinning and trimming). Results of the research team were thatsuper ‐ cooling fish on board a fishing vessel, down to ‐1 ° C immediately after bleeding and gutting make the use of ice in fish hold redundant. The fish hold need to be run at ‐1 ° C which is sufficient to maintain the super ‐ cooling for a long time. The research team kept whole cod without ice for eight daysin container and ‐1 ° C, with demanding result and extremely good product quality, significantly better than the traditional process.

Report closed until 01.11.2016

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News

Life and animation at the fisheries exhibition in Kópavogur

The fisheries exhibition is now in full swing. Matís is a participant and not only in the show but Matís also took part in conference on the full utilization of fish but the conference took place yesterday. Matís also manages conference on marine settlements, small boat fishing and rural development in the North Atlantic which will take place tomorrow.

At Matís booth, C50, was yesterday offered a cancer burger from the company Walk the plank. It is safe to say that the city was a success among the many who tasted it.

Today at 14 will then be offered omega-3 improved stew a la Grímur kokkur. Grímur kokkur is a nationally known producer of loyalty from the sea and no one should miss this presentation.

News

A crab burger from the "Walk the Plank" gang

Matís participates in the Fisheries Exhibition in Kópavogur 25-24. sept. nk. At Matís booth, no. C50, there will be a lot going on, such as an introduction to crab burgers, an introduction from Grímur kokk and an introduction to omega-3 mayonnaise. 

Matís' presentation program, booth C50, is as follows:

  • Thursday 25 September at 13: 30-15: 00: Krabbaborgarasmakk | „Walk the plank“.
  • Friday 26 September at 14: 00-16: 00: omega-3 rich fish in broccoli | Masked chef
  • Saturday 27 September at 12: 00-14: 00: omega-3 mayonnaise | Marinox

For further information Steinar B. Aðalbjörnsson Matís marketing manager.

News

Futuristic idea of the Fisheries Conference 2014

Do you have a futuristic idea to strengthen the Icelandic fishing industry and related industries?

The Fisheries Conference calls for futuristic innovation ideas, which will be recognized at the forum's next conference on 20-21. November at the Grand Hotel. The aim is for the ideas to be progressive and original and to create a basis for discussion or new thinking.

What to keep in mind

A futuristic idea shall be presented in a concise manner where a description of the idea, a proposal for implementation, expected results and effects will be beneficial for the image of Icelandic products (maximum 2 pages). Anyone can submit ideas. More information can be found here.

Deadline

The deadline for submitting applications is October 15, 2014. 

News

Icelanders' utilization of cod attracts attention at the FAO

In a recent publication of the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) entitled The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) confirms that Iceland is one of the main fishing nations in the world.

The publication publishes a list of the 18 nations that caught the most fish in 2012. At the top of the list is China with 13,869,604 tonnes caught. Next comes Indonesia with 5,420,247 tons and in third place is the United States with 5,107,559 tons. Iceland is in 17th place on the list with a total of 1,449,452 tonnes of fish. Only one other European country is on the list, Norway, which ranks 11th with 2,149,802 tonnes caught in 2012.

Icelanders are leaders in innovation

The publication also focuses on the importance of fish traceability with the aim of promoting food security and preventing food fraud. There are studies by Icelanders that Matís has been involved in, mentioned as examples of successful projects of this kind. It is also considered that it is not possible to trace the origin of fish on the European market in 25 - 50% cases.

Icelanders' full utilization of cod is also a topic of discussion in the publication, which discusses the possibilities of using fish by - products for human consumption. It is stated that Icelanders exported 11,540 tonnes of dried cod heads to Africa in 2011. It is reported that in addition to heads, the roe and liver are used for human consumption, but the rest is mostly used for feed.

The publication in question is the largest edition of the FAO and is published every two years. The aim of the publication is to provide strategic and public bodies as well as those who need to rely on the fishing industry with comprehensive and impartial information on the global situation and to provide ideas on how to respond to existing challenges. Here you can read the latest version of SOFIA.

For further information Sigurjón Arason, chief engineer at Matís.

News

Plastic away from the oceans

The Environment Agency is hosting an international conference on plastic in the sea in Harpa on September 24, 2014. Hrönn Ólína Jörundsdóttir from Matís will give a talk at the conference entitled "Sewage treatment plants as sources for marine microlitter."

Be part of that CLEAN THE PLASTIC from the oceans!


Conference in Harpa, 24 September

The Environment Agency is holding an international conference on plastic in the sea in Harpa on 24 September 2014. The main goal of the conference is to propose measures to reduce plastic waste in the sea.

Take the day off!

Click on the link for more information (pdf). You can also get in touch with Hrönn Ólína Jörundsdóttir at Matís.

News

Traceability results in higher product prices

Food traceability requirements are increasing day by day, whether meat, fish, vegetables or fruit. Matís is currently working on projects that will be useful for traceability registration and thus ensure that the origin and processing process of food on the market can be confirmed. At first, the spotlight is on fish products.

There has been a great deal of awareness in recent years about the importance of knowing the origin and processing processes of the foods that come on the market. This applies not least to the markets to which Icelanders export the most fish.

Matís is currently working on three projects related to the importance of fish traceability and prevention against fraud in the food industry.

In connection with the WhiteFish project, a standard has been developed that enables companies to record and manage information on the environmental impact of their production. But by being able to demonstrate the environmental impact of the product and break it down into batches, the results of the project will be used to create producers of cod and haddock products the opportunity to differentiate themselves in markets where the environmental impact of fishing, processing and transport is important.

In the project WhiteFishMall has been working on researching what information can be used to increase sales of fish products from the North Atlantic. Market research has shown that consumers in the UK want better information about where the fish comes from, whether it is caught in an environmentally friendly way, whether the stocks are self-sufficient, nutritional content and the positive positive effects of fish consumption on health, recipes and so on. To meet these consumer requirements, the WhitFishMall project has designed a web solution that can meet these requirements. The look, layout, data revenue and data management have been verified in several value chains and the salary has been tested in several stores in the UK.

The project Food Integrity or Food Integrity, launched in early 2014, aims to leverage research to ensure the integrity of European food and develop methods to detect and prevent fraud in the European food industry.

Proper handling and storage throughout the production process is the basis for the food to be fit for human consumption, but in the production of food the question always arises about the safety of the food towards the consumer, as a result the requirements for hygiene, good production and traceability have increased enormously. come to the food value chain.


For further information Jónas R. Viðarsson at Matís.

EN