PIONEERING SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD PRACTICES

Pioneering sustainable seafood practices. The first of a series of features by Fish Focus, starting with our spotlight on Iceland. We will be posting an article every day, covering this amazing trip and showcasing the Icelandic Seafood industry, Icelandic heritage and the hospitality of the Icelandic people. You can read the whole publication here

Brim Seafood is an influential player in the global seafood industry and has built a robust reputation for its commitment to sustainability, quality, and innovation.

Headquartered in Reykjavik, Brim Seafood leverages the rich marine resources of the North Atlantic to deliver premium seafood products to markets worldwide.

We visited their impressive offices in Reykjavik and were welcomed by Torfi Þ. Þorsteinsson. Director of Community Relations, who delivered a very informative presentation, outlining the company’s capabilities and experience in the seafood sector, with a slant towards Icelandic cod and the UK Fish & Chip industry.

Freezer trawler Vigri RE 71

Torfi Þ. Þorsteinsson

Torfi Þ. Þorsteinsson was ably assisted by Sólveig Arna Jóhannesdóttir, Marketing and Sales Manager for Frozen at Sea Products and Gestur Kristinsson, Chief Officer onboard one of BRIM’s trawlers.

We were shown a historical timeline of the company, whose origins can be traced back to the early 20th century, reflecting a rich heritage intertwined with Iceland’s fishing traditions. Over the years several companies have amalgamated, and the Brim name was formed through these acquisitions in 1985. The company was founded with a vision to responsibly harness the abundant marine life of Iceland and has grown into a powerhouse in the seafood industry.

Over the decades, Brim has evolved, embracing modern technology and sustainable practices to meet the demands of contemporary markets while preserving marine ecosystems.

Brim Seafood’s operations are anchored in its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The company employs advanced fishing techniques that minimise bycatch and reduce environmental impact.

The fleet is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure efficient and responsible harvesting of fish stocks, and the company adheres to stringent regulations, certifications and corporate
social responsibility.

With the company’s commitment to maintain the health of marine populations and ecosystems, they hold responsible fishing certifications including Iceland Responsible Fishing (IRF) and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and they also hold various Quality, Environment and CSR certifications.

Torfi confirmed that the market for Brim’s seafood products are: The UK at 17%, Norway 15.5%, France 14.4%, USA 7.9%, Germany 7.5%, Iceland 6.1%, Ukraine 4.9%, Poland 4.5% and the balance of 21.5% goes to other countries worldwide.

Chief Officer, Gestur Kristinsson discusses the freezer trawler fleet at Brim.

Chief Officer, Gestur Kristinsson gave us an introduction to the fishing vessels in the fleet which consists of three wetfish trawlers, four freezer trawlers and three pelagic vessels, Gestur told Fish Focus:

“Brim operates well-equipped fishing vessels with state-of-the-art facilities to ensure the freshest catch for freezing or processing. Our freezer trawlers that catch the Frozen at Sea (FAS) cod, which is supplied to the UK fish & chip markets, process and freeze the catch as soon as it is brought onboard, locking in maximum freshness.”

For fresh catch, the modern fish processing plant at Norðurgarður, specialises in processing cod, saithe and redfish, resulting in 250 000 servings per day and creating employment for 130 full time employees. The plant throughput consisted of 21 734 tonnes of fish for processing into both fresh and frozen products.

Brim Seafood stands as a testament to how traditional industries can adapt to modern demands through sustainability and innovation. The company’s dedication to responsible fishing, high-quality products, and community engagement underscores its role as a leader in the seafood sector. As global demand for sustainable seafood grows, Brim Seafood is well-positioned to continue its legacy of excellence, contributing to a healthier planet and future for the seafood industry.