A BRITISH-Icelandic fish company which turns fish heads into food for Third World countries is to receive a 1.4 million Canadian dollar boost from the Nova Scotia state government. JHS Fish Products Canada Ltd is an offshoot of a UK operation of the same name which opened a £2.5 million factory in Grimsby three years ago. The company also has plants in Iceland where it has its head office.
The Nova Scotia province has announced that it is investing the money as a loan will help JHS Fish Products of Tusket, which is embarking on a new project, upgrade its facilities and equipment. The company is also to receive further financial help in the form of a payroll rebate.
Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Sterling Belliveau said :"JHS FishProducts is a great example of a company that is using an innovative approach to reduce waste, build a business and create jobs in our province, and we are proud to be working with them,"
JHS FishProducts takes fish parts that would not normally be used in North America or Europe and uses drying machinery to turn them into an edible commodity. Dried fish products are rich in omega-3 fatty acid, have a long shelf life and don’t require refrigeration, which make them ideal for warmer climates, the company says. The food is a staple diet in a number of African countries.
The company says it plans to create up to 50 jobs in the Tusket area over the next five years and production is likely to begin in the next few weeks. Like the Grimsby operation it will use largely cod and haddock fish heads which are readily available from the local fish processing industry.
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