Breakthrough in consumer supply of saltwater trout

30/10/03
For the first time in Australia, fish farmed in inland areas affected by salinity will be readily available to consumers.
Fisheries Minister Kim Chance today officiated at the commissioning of a supply chain for saltwater trout between a group of Western Australian producers and a major supermarket chain.
Mr Chance congratulated the Saltwater Trout Alliance Incorporated and Action Supermarkets on the agreement, which will enable South-West farmers growing rainbow trout using inland saltwater to access markets and generate ongoing income.
It will also, for the first time, enable WA consumers to purchase a fresh, superior quality local trout.
"This is the starting point for building comprehensive commercial links between the Alliance and Action as they work together to test markets and consolidate common quality, supply and promotion programs in response to customer demand," the Minister said.
Mr Chance said Alliance producers had been working with Action Supermarkets for more than 12 months to reach the initial stage of commissioning the supply chain.
"The ability of WA saltwater trout producers to supply a fresh product at a competitive price was of particular interest to Action Supermarkets," he said.
"The Alliance's ideals and product fitted with the importance the company places on quality, freshness and local suppliers where possible."
The Saltwater Trout Alliance Incorporated was established in October 2001 by a small group of farmers in the South-West, working together to build markets for the saltwater trout they had demonstrated could be grown on their properties.
The Alliance includes a hatchery-nursery in Pemberton, which supplies the stock, and saltwater grow-out farms between Denmark and Dumbleyung.
The Alliance has also engaged a co-ordinator to help develop services such as processing, transport and market development.
Saltwater Trout Alliance co-ordinator Jasper Trendall said, apart from being fresh and local, the bonus for consumers is that saltwater trout are widely regarded as a much better product than freshwater rainbow trout.
"This is evident in a cleaner taste and firmer texture and there is no 'muddy' flavour that is sometimes found in freshwater fish," Mr Trendall said.
"As consumers become aware of saltwater trout, it is anticipated that demand for the product will grow and annual sales in excess of 50 tonnes have been forecast in WA.
"The consistent supply of a fresh quality product will be the focus of ongoing work by the Saltwater Trout Alliance and Action."
Minister's Office - 9213 6700