Pioneering Frozen Surimi Technology: Maximizing Alaska Pollock's Potential
During the mid-1950s, Alaska pollock was being landed in substantial volumes in Hokkaido. However, due to its highly perishable nature, the fish could not be delivered fresh to distant markets. Utilization was primarily restricted to local production of surimi-based products and processing of roe into tarako (salted pollock roe).
Nissui, which was conducting trawl fishing operations in the subarctic waters at the time, recognized Alaska pollock as an abundant marine resource and sought ways to utilize it effectively. The company undertook the development of "frozen surimi," an innovation that had not previously existed.
Through collaborative research and development with the Hokkaido Fisheries Experimental Station, Nissui achieved a breakthrough in 1960, successfully producing surimi that maintained its quality through freezing. Subsequently, in 1963, the company developed technology to process fresh catch into frozen surimi at sea by installing processing equipment aboard trawling vessels.
This capability to produce substantial quantities of consistent-quality frozen surimi enabled the distribution of economical chikuwa fish cakes to processing facilities throughout Japan.
In 1967, Nissui commenced full-scale production of frozen surimi at sea, followed in 1968 by the nationwide introduction of premium-quality yaki-chikuwa (grilled fish cake) hsuitable for consumption without additional preparation. Through these innovations, Nissui created new value streams from previously underutilized Alaska pollock resources.
Could Nissui Be Behind the Fried White-Meat Fish You've Eaten?!
The Nissui Group manages all operations across the value chain for white-meat fish, including Alaska pollock, which inhabits extensive areas of the North Pacific, from Japan's Pacific coastal waters to the Okhotsk and Bering Seas. This comprehensive management encompasses procurement, primary processing into surimi and fillets, secondary processing into surimi-based products and fried white-meat fish, and integrated storage and logistics operations.
Additionally, Nissui serves as a primary supplier of white-meat fish, processed surimi, and fillets to food manufacturers worldwide. The company maintains global market leadership in fried white-meat fish product sales (according to Nissui research), with its comprehensive white-meat fish value chain representing one of the Group's strengths.
White-Meat Fish Value ChainThe fish burgers and fried white-meat fish you enjoy at fast-food restaurants and dining establishments, as well as familiar surimi-based products like fish cake and imitation crab sticks on your dining table, may have been provided by Nissui.
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