Alaska Pollock: export from Canada to ASEAN

Pollock is the volume white-flesh species and it is bought principally for processing rather than for direct presentation. The two main routes are frozen blocks destined for portioning and coating, and surimi, where the fish is minced, washed and stabilised as a functional protein base.

Block buyers specify block weight, whether the block is skinless and boneless, the freezing method and the moisture or water addition, which is the parameter that most affects yield after portioning.

Surimi is graded on gel strength and whiteness and is effectively a manufactured ingredient rather than a fish product; buyers should specify the grade rather than the species alone.

Specify the route at enquiry, because a block buyer and a surimi buyer are asking about the same fish and optimising completely different attributes at completely different price points.

Blocks and surimi classify quite differently: surimi is a prepared product rather than a fish fillet in most schedules. Establish which route you are buying before asking for a duty position, because the two answers are not close.