Efficiency and quality in the processing of farmed cod.

Cod farming is increasing rapidly in the Nordic countries. In 2001, the production was 1.000 tons of cod, but increased to 15.000 tons in 2008. It is expected that the production will increase further to 35.000 tons in 2010, and that a higher proportion will be sold as fillets. To create a competitive product, the production cost must be decreased. In this context it is important to reduce cost due to maturing and increase the utilization. Until now, the main emphasis has been placed on growth and survival, but less emphasis has been on quality and end-products of farmed cod. This has recoiled on the production models regarding production the whole year round and slaughtering. The market demand for products of high and stable quality, of the quantity the market demands, has made farmed cod the raw material that many customers have high expectations to. It is important that the development in farmed cod production takes into account the wishes of the market, with quality features such as white fish flesh, size and freshness.

The aim in this project is to estimate the value decline e.g. due to fillet gaping, and have confirmed the effects of different muscle quality on the processing and further utilization of farmed cod.

Project manager

• Kolbrún Sveinsdóttir
  Project Manager
  Tel.: 422 5079

Research field

• Value Chain, Processing and Aquaculture