Fin & Tonic

from Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine

FOR CHIP SHOP OWNERS & MANAGERS

Toni shares his thoughts on the FAS industry

At Collins Seafoods, we are industry leaders in providing the finest Frozen at Sea Fish. We have been supplying fish and chip shops, pubs and restaurants across the UK and Ireland since 1980, and our knowledgeable sales team consistently deliver exceptional service to our valued customers.

Our sales and general manager Toni Pagnanelli has been with us since March 2022, after working in the seafood industry for 26 years prior, predominantly within the fresh fish sector. Toni shared his thoughts on the Frozen at Sea fish industry:

Q. How is working in the Frozen at Sea fish industry different to the fresh fish industry?

A. Both industries face different challenges - fresh fish can be around a week old before it gets to your local fish and chip shop, whereas Frozen at Sea fish is caught, filleted, processed and frozen within around six hours, giving the fish its amazing taste. Fresh fish vessels also suffer if there is adverse weather, which can severely impact availability. With Frozen at Sea fish, availability is rarely an issue.

Q. From your experience in the seafood industry, what are the benefits of Frozen at Sea fish compared to fresh fish?

A. In my opinion, Frozen at Sea fish is a far better product. I find the fillets firmer in texture and longer lasting than fresh fish. In addition, with new onboard technology, such as computerised grading, our customers tell us that Frozen at Sea fish is a far more consistent product than fresh fish. And because availability is far better with Frozen at Sea fish, prices are not as volatile.

Toni’s previous experience of working with fresh fish has helped further our understanding of the seafood industry’s overall working practices and enforced our knowledge that Frozen at Sea fish is more nutritious and high quality than fresh fish.

Our aim is to provide people with the tastiest, most sustainable fish that the ocean has to offer and over our 40+ years of experience we have helped thousands of businesses thrive and grow.

In our 2022 survey, our clients described us as reliable, professional and helpful, and we asked Bill Jefferson, the owner of Howe’s Traditional Fish & Chips why he chooses to work with us:

“I’ve used Collins for many years, and I wouldn’t buy fish from anywhere else. The team are all great, and very easy to deal with. My valued customers love the food I serve, and we always get fantastic reviews, so I am very pleased!”

Call our sales team today to learn more about our fantastic products and find out how we can help your business.