May 18, 2011

 

Australia to export more frozen tuna

 

 

Port Lincoln's tuna sector foresees itself to ship more frozen tuna products to Japan this year.

 

Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna Industry Association chief executive officer, Brian Jeffriess, said the tuna shipped to Japan had been about 80-85% frozen in the past few years, and the proportion sent frozen could be even higher in 2011.

 

There was currently more demand in the frozen market, but that could change as the season progressed.

 

"The advantage of Port Lincoln's industry is that we can be flexible as we can provide fresh or frozen product depending on demand," he said.

 

"Some years the balance between the fresh and frozen markets changes quite a lot, and we can respond however needed.

 

"Very few countries have that level of flexibility."

 

Demand as well as prices will be known by the end of June and there will also be different prices depending on quality.

 

An important development in recent years is that a much higher proportion of the frozen shipments are having their final processing onshore, and often being shipped by container.

 

"This is a vote of confidence in the quality of Australian processing.

 

"It is also the next stage in the development of the industry.

 

"However, again it is important that the system allows flexibility to ship in different ways to ensure Australia remains internationally competitive."