Etosha Fishing launches Efuta Maasbanker

WALVIS BAY, 25 JUL – Etosha Fishing launched its Efuta Maasbanker product range and reflagged the company’s refrigerated seawater trawling vessel, the Iona, in Walvis Bay on Wednesday.
Speaking during the launch, Etosha Fishing Managing Director Pieter Greeff said the pressures and uncertainties in the fishing industry did not deter them from forging ahead with the new product.
“We had to devise various plans and business strategies to ensure that our cannery remains operational, even if it meant we only operate at break-even level,” he said.
The move, according to Greeff, is a direct response to the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources’ call for employment creation and value addition at home.
“The venture also allows for a more sustainable fisheries operation with secure, long term employment for more Namibians – a fact that has become apparent in recent years with the demise of our pelagic resources,” he said.
While acknowledging the short-term success of Efuta Maasbanker, Greeff was quick to note that value addition itself was not enough to keep the company afloat.
“Against the backdrop of the current situation in the pelagic fishing industry, Etosha Fishing has imported in excess of 50 000 metric tonnes of frozen pilchards for processing on local soil since 2010 in order to sustain operations.”
He added: “With this said, I am happy to report that we are in final negotiations to secure contracts to can pilchards for Lucky Star and Glenryck SA until the end of 2019. With this we will ensure that our doors remain open for business.”
Etosha Fishing previously canned their products under other international brands such as Lucky Star and with the launch of Efuta Maasbanker, the company now has its own brand sold on both the local and international markets.
The Iona was flagged with the Namibian national flag, making it 100 per cent Namibian-owned.
At the same occasion, Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Bernhard Esau emphasized the importance of value addition in the fishing industry.
“I will die for value addition. Value addition is the name of the game,” said the minister.
He then thanked Etosha Fishing for heeding his call for value addition to horse mackerel.
Esau noted that Government has provided policy clarity in terms of value addition, job creation and economic inclusivity in the fishing sector.
In terms of the fifth National Development Plan, Government’s target for value addition for horse mackerel is 70 per cent, Esau stressed.
“This value addition is not limited to canning and includes fillets and other fresh products, mince, dyed products and soups, amongst others,” he added.
(NAMPA)