Supporting Seafood Businesses

The Northern Devon FLAG commissioned an in-depth study of the market and supply chain for fish caught and landed in its area, which provided it with the knowledge necessary to target support at different local seafood businesses. It then employed a full-time Community Seafood Officer to raise awareness in the community of the local catch and help new and existing businesses through a range of tailored support initiatives.

This included: direct advice to existing companies, such as fishmongers; mentoring of new businesses by more experienced ones; facilitating access to professional business advice; and tailored training courses to address the identified knowledge gaps such as a general understanding of the local fisheries industry, how to market local seafood as a food business, bringing a new food product to market and how to cook and prepare local fish and shellfish species.

Networking support was also provided to improve linkages between the different actors along the supply chain (fishermen, retailers, wholesalers, restaurants etc.) so they could build lasting and mutually beneficial working relationships. Specific activities included supplier visits, the organisation of bilateral meetings as well as industry events and the development of a retail and supplier contact list.