Long distance shipping breakthrough for fresh salmon
The firm, which specialises in natural solutions for extending fresh protein shelf life, partnered distributor Lusamerica Fish on the project, using patented controlled atmosphere technology to keep the fish fresh.
The SAF-D system uses fuel cell-based science to create and maintain a high carbon dioxide and low oxygen controlled atmosphere environment, converting residual oxygen to water vapour.
GFF, which is based San Francisco California and has operations in Talcahuano, Chile, said it could keep most fresh proteins, including seafood, red meats, poultry, bakery, and other perishables, fresh for more than 30 days.
Applying this method, GFF shipped 40,000 pounds of fresh salmon from Lirquen, Bio-Bio, Chile to Long Beach, California in a 40 foot container and claims this is the largest volume to be transported in this way.
Lessening damage to the environment
As a result, it argues the approach now means ocean freighting offers a viable alternative to air freighting for non-frozen salmon. The two businesses said the method also enabled distributors to reduce reliance on polystyrene packaging, lessening damage to the environment.
"The industry now has a viable alternative to expensive and environmentally harmful air freight for transporting fresh seafood," said GFF chief executive Mark Barnekow. "With our technology, seafood distributors can now assure their retail customers they will have an uninterrupted supply of fresh seafood, with far less impact on the environment."
Chief executive of Lusamerica Fish, Fernando Frederico added: "We have a very close partnership with Global Fresh Foods and we will continue to work together to advance this technology, reduce our impact on the environment, and eliminate the need for polystyrene in the seafood supply chain."
GFF's technology also enabled shipments to be tracked and logged upon arrival, allowing suppliers and distributors the capability to improve forecasting and deliver steady and consistent supply on a just-in-time basis, it reported.
