Seafood - if it doesn't look good it won't sell!
Hubbard Ice Systems the UK distributor of world leading Scotsman Ice Machines has some good advice for chefs and food service managers in the lead up to the summer season. Hopefully with a hot summer ahead of us the publics taste for tasty and healthy seafood dishes will continue to grow creating a great opportunity for the Restaurant and Hospitality Trade.
With the UK retail market for fish and fish products growing by around 4.5% per annum in recent years and now being worth in excess of £2bn, consumer interest in healthy eating has never been greater. UK per capita consumption of fish has increased over the past decade as health and diet has become more relevant to consumers. But, UK consumption per head still remains below levels in many other European countries, meaning that there is further potential for market growth.
Chris Davis, Commercial Director of Hubbard Ice Systems says, "Fresh Seafood is proving hugely popular with the UK public, but good presentation ensures that not only does the food look more desirable it stays fresher for longer. At Hubbard we have considerable knowledge of fish presentation, as ICE SPECIALISTS it's highly likely that the Seafood you are displaying has been preserved in Scotsman manufactured flake ice from the moment it was caught. Scotsman machines are one of the most specified suppliers to the fishing and fish processing industries, worldwide”. He continues “Scotsman have a superb range of Self Contained Flake Ice machines that are compact, quiet and economical to run, doing away with the traditional need to crush large volumes of cubed ice to produce ice bed displays for fresh seafood and more importantly in the summer months ensure that the food on display is kept fresh and enticing to look at"
The Scotsman self contained 'AF' flaker range consists of five machines capable of producing between 64 kg and 200 kg of flaked ice daily. Flake Ice is the ideal presentation and preservation medium for fresh seafood, the small irregular flakes of ice have a slow and even melt rate and the clean, crisp, fresh flakes enhance chilled displays. Scotsman 'AF' flakers have their own storage bins, have carcasses manufactured from Grade 304 Stainless Steel and are compact enough to sit under bars or within commercial kitchens.
Chris Davis, again comments "The British Nutrition Foundation have pointed out that diets incorporating fish are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and the Food Standards Agency recommends that eating just one portion of oily fish a week can have clear cut health benefits. So with appetites becoming more adventurous and healthy eating more important it won't be long before the next high profile chef's signature dish will include highly original fish like Mahi Mahi or Megrim!"
