Processing Industry for Catfish and Carp

The processing industry for catfish and carp in Vietnam is rapidly growing, especially as the demand for seafood products rises in both domestic and international markets. These two types of freshwater fish are highly valued not only for their nutritional content but also for their versatility in various cooking methods. Products made from catfish and carp not only increase income for fishermen but also create significant added value for Vietnam's seafood industry.

Song Da Fisheries

Song Da Fisheries Joint Stock Company specializes in the production and processing of freshwater fish, particularly catfish and carp. Established with the goal of leveraging abundant aquatic resources from large hydropower reservoirs such as the Hoa Binh Lake, the company has grown rapidly and achieved great success in Vietnam's seafood processing industry.

Factory Size, Maximum Capacity, and Current Operations

• Location: 01 Bui Quoc Hung Street, Tho Quang Ward, Son Tra District, Da Nang City
• Area: 10,000 - 15,000 m²
• Cold Storage: 2,000 - 3,000 m², equipped with modern refrigeration systems capable of maintaining temperatures between -18°C and -25°C
• Maximum Capacity: The factory has the ability to process between 50 - 100 tons of seafood daily, using modern processing lines to produce a wide range of freshwater seafood products.
• Current Capacity: The company is currently operating at 70 - 80% of its maximum capacity, equivalent to 40 - 80 tons per day, meeting the demands of both domestic and export markets.

Frozen Seafood Processing Procedure

• Harvesting and Transportation: Fresh seafood is harvested from the sea or fish farms.
• Transportation: Once harvested, the seafood must be quickly transported to processing facilities under cold conditions to prevent spoilage.
• Preprocessing and Cleaning: Seafood is washed with cold water to remove impurities and dirt, with inedible parts removed. It is then cut into portions (such as chunks or fillets) as required by the final product.
• Chilling and Pre-Freezing: Seafood is chilled to near-freezing temperatures to slow microbial activity and chemical processes, preparing it for the freezing process, reducing the formation of large ice crystals, and preserving the structure and quality of the meat.
• Quick Freezing (IQF): Each piece of seafood is individually quick-frozen at extremely low temperatures, typically below -30°C to -40°C. This preserves the structure, color, flavor, and nutritional value.
• Packaging and Storage: After freezing, the seafood is vacuum-packed or sealed in protective packaging to prevent oxidation and moisture loss. The products are stored in cold storage at temperatures ranging from -18°C to -25°C to maintain quality during storage and transport.
• Inspection and Sterilization: Quality checks include sensory evaluation (color, flavor) and microbiological testing. Some products undergo high-temperature sterilization before final packaging to ensure food safety.
• Distribution and Consumption: Products are delivered to distributors, supermarkets, and retail outlets domestically and internationally. Frozen seafood is ready for consumption after careful thawing.

Freezing Process: The freezing process requires strict control over factors like temperature and time to ensure the final product is of the highest quality and safe for consumers.

Quality Standards

Frozen and canned products from Vietnam have continually improved in quality, thanks to the adoption of international standards like ISO, HACCP, and BRC. These standards not only help products meet the stringent requirements of export markets but also build consumer trust. Vietnam's frozen and canned products stand out for their fresh flavor, natural color, and high nutritional value. These products have established a strong position in international markets, competing directly with products from other countries.

The Role of 2dhC

2dh Commercial and Investment Consultant (2dhC) acts as a central hub, connecting producers with markets and helping Vietnamese canned goods enter new markets and expand distribution networks. 2dhC also assists in identifying investment opportunities, providing training, and developing technology to improve production capacity and product quality. Additionally, 2dhC helps businesses meet international standards, promoting exports and increasing the presence of Vietnamese canned goods in global markets. Through these activities, 2dhC not only drives economic growth for businesses but also enhances the image of Vietnamese canned products, affirming their quality and food safety to international consumers.