Wexford-based Sofrimar Ltd exports a range of seafood products including crab, scallops, prawns, whelk and lobster to the retail and wholesale trade in Europe and the Far East. It wanted to find a way to lengthen the shelf-life of its products and the company’s development adviser suggested applying for an Enterprise Ireland Innovation Voucher, explains company director Lorcan Barden.
It began a research programme about two years ago involving the Teagasc Food Centre in Ashbourne and Bord Iascaigh Mhara, says Barden. The research looked at a number of ways that shelf-life could be improved and these were tested to gauge their effectiveness.
Once the research was completed the company translated the findings into an actual solution and a new production line was installed.
“It allowed us to expand our product range, particularly for the retail customer in France.” The research project has helped the company to increase its export volumes and provide an outlet for the fishermen landing their catch at the company’s base at Kilmore Quay.