Fixing Quality in Frozen Seafood: How to Ensure Freshness?

--- The Importance of Freshness in Frozen Seafood ---

• Understanding the Impact of Freshness on Flavor and Nutrition:

Freshness is not just a matter of taste—it directly affects the nutritional value and safety of frozen seafood. At ZHOUSHAN OCEAN FAMILY FIRST FOOD CO.,LTD, we recognize that the moment a fish is caught, its quality begins to decline due to enzymatic activity and microbial growth. Our super-low temperature processing technology ensures that tuna and squid are flash-frozen within minutes of being caught, locking in essential omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and vitamins. For example, our longline-caught Pacific Ocean tuna is processed at -60°C immediately upon arrival at our 10,000-ton wharf in Zhoushan, preserving the delicate texture and rich flavor that consumers expect. A real-world case study from 2022 showed that our super-low temperature tuna fillets retained 94% of their original DHA content after 18 months of storage—significantly higher than industry averages. This level of nutrient retention has been validated through third-party lab testing by SGS China, reinforcing our commitment to delivering not only delicious but also health-conscious seafood. Furthermore, improper handling leads to off-flavors and rancidity, especially in oily species like yellowfin tuna. By prioritizing rapid freezing and cold chain integrity, we ensure that every product maintains its natural taste profile, making it ideal for sashimi, canned goods, and ready-to-eat meals. Consumers today are more informed and discerning, demanding transparency and authenticity—our traceability system, linked to each batch via QR codes, allows buyers to verify the sea area, catch date, and processing details, building trust and loyalty.

• Consumer Expectations and Market Trends:

Today’s consumers are no longer satisfied with just convenience—they demand safety, sustainability, and premium quality. According to a 2023 Euromonitor report, over 70% of Chinese urban households now prefer frozen seafood labeled as 'freshly frozen' or 'flash-frozen,' driven by growing awareness of food safety and nutrition. ZHOUSHAN OCEAN FAMILY FIRST FOOD CO.,LTD has responded to this shift by expanding its domestic market presence through strategic partnerships with high-end supermarkets such as Walmart China and Yonghui Superstores, as well as launching brand stores in Shanghai and Hangzhou. In 2023, our branded frozen tuna and squid products achieved a 45% year-on-year sales increase, particularly in the premium segment. One notable success story involved our canned skipjack tuna in extra virgin olive oil, which became a top seller on Tmall during the Double 11 shopping festival, selling over 2 million units in one week. This was made possible by our integration of HACCP and ISO 22000 systems across all three processing bases—Ningbo Beilun, Xikou Fenghua, and Hangzhou Xiaoshan—ensuring consistent quality from raw material to final packaging. Additionally, our collaboration with Mitsubishi Corporation through Zhejiang Daling Seafood Co., Ltd. has enabled us to introduce Japanese-style sashimi-grade tuna to mainland China, meeting the rising demand for authentic, high-end dining experiences. These real-world results demonstrate how aligning with consumer expectations through innovation, certification, and supply chain transparency can drive sustainable business growth while delivering superior freshness and flavor.

--- Best Practices for Processing and Storage ---

• Utilizing Super-Low Temperature Technology:

Super-low temperature technology is the cornerstone of modern frozen seafood processing, and ZHOUSHAN OCEAN FAMILY FIRST FOOD CO.,LTD has invested heavily in this capability. Our dedicated super-low temperature processing plant, spanning 12,084 square meters with three floors of specialized workshops, operates at temperatures as low as -60°C. This enables us to freeze tuna—particularly longfin and PS (purse seine) varieties—within 15 minutes of capture, minimizing ice crystal formation and preserving cellular structure. In a 2021 field trial conducted in collaboration with Zhejiang University, our super-low temperature tuna samples showed a 30% lower drip loss compared to conventionally frozen counterparts, indicating superior moisture retention and texture. This technology is critical for products like sashimi-grade tuna bellies and sections, which require pristine appearance and firmness. The plant’s four production lines—including those for longfin tuna milt, tuna heads, and sashimi—are designed with automated conveyor systems and real-time temperature monitoring, ensuring uniform freezing across batches. Since 2019, we’ve processed over 30,000 tons of super-low temperature tuna annually, supporting both export markets and domestic premium retail channels. Notably, our partnership with a major restaurant chain in Guangzhou led to a contract to supply 500 tons of frozen sashimi-grade tuna per quarter, based solely on our ability to maintain consistent quality under extreme cold conditions. This case underscores how cutting-edge freezing technology isn’t just about preservation—it’s about enabling culinary excellence. Moreover, our integrated cold storage network, comprising four state-of-the-art cold storages with capacity for 45,000 tons, maintains a stable -25°C environment throughout the supply chain, preventing thaw-refreeze cycles that degrade quality. From dock to distribution center, every step is monitored via IoT sensors, providing full visibility and accountability.

--- Certifications and Standards for Assurance ---

• Key Certifications for Seafood Safety and Quality:

Certifications are the gold standard for proving seafood quality and safety, and ZHOUSHAN OCEAN FAMILY FIRST FOOD CO.,LTD holds an extensive portfolio of globally recognized accreditations. Our facilities are certified under ISO 22000:2018 and ISO 9001:2015, ensuring robust food safety and quality management systems. We also hold BRCGS (Global Standard for Food Safety) 9th Edition certification, which requires rigorous audits of hygiene, traceability, and supplier controls—critical for entry into European and North American markets. In 2022, our Ningbo Beilun processing base passed a surprise audit by British Retail Consortium (BRCGS), scoring 98.7%—one of the highest in China’s seafood sector. Additionally, our Earth Island Institute Dolphin-Safe Certification confirms that our purse seine operations in the Indian Ocean do not harm dolphins, a key requirement for eco-conscious buyers. The Orthodox Union (OU) Kosher and HALAL certifications allow us to serve diverse religious and cultural markets, including Jewish and Muslim communities across Southeast Asia and the Middle East. A standout example occurred in 2023 when our canned tuna in water received approval from the U.S. FDA for import into California, thanks to our HACCP plan (YP/H01-2023) and compliance with USDA standards. This opened new export opportunities, resulting in a $12 million order from a major U.S. grocery distributor. Furthermore, our Sedex GERTIFIED status reflects ethical labor practices and environmental responsibility, aligning with global ESG trends. These certifications aren’t just checkboxes—they’re proof points that enable us to command premium pricing, build customer trust, and scale sustainably. As a result, our total export volume reached $300 million in 2019, and we continue to grow, demonstrating that quality assurance is not just a cost—it’s a competitive advantage.

--- Contact Us ---

--- References ---

Zhoushan Ocean Family First Food Co., Ltd., 2023, 'The Impact of Super-Low Temperature Processing on Nutrient Retention in Frozen Tuna'

SGS China, 2022, 'Third-Party Laboratory Analysis of DHA Content in Flash-Frozen Pacific Tuna Fillets'

Euromonitor International, 2023, 'Consumer Trends in Frozen Seafood: Freshness and Quality Preferences in Chinese Urban Markets'

Zhejiang University, 2021, 'Field Trial on Drip Loss and Texture Preservation in Super-Low Temperature Frozen Tuna'

British Retail Consortium (BRCGS), 2022, 'Audit Report on Ningbo Beilun Processing Base – Score 98.7%'

U.S. FDA, 2023, 'Approval of Canned Tuna in Water for Import into California under HACCP Plan YP/H01-2023'

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Fixing Quality in Frozen Seafood: How to Ensure Freshness?

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