A Fife start-up is set to make waves in the seafood industry by introducing a new shellfish transportation system it claims will save thousands in food wastage costs.
Todd Fisheries Technology of Dalgety Bay is patenting its Lobster Pod system, which it says will slash mortality rates of shellfish in transit.
The company, run by marine biologist Dr Keith Todd and his fisheries sector consultant wife Errin, claims the new system could save up to £12,000 in spoilage on a single trip.
The firm is working on developing its plans for the product with Business Gateway Fife, and is targeting next year’s Seafood Expo in Brussels for the pod’s launch to market.
“The average mortality rate for shellfish during export is currently 15%, although with our system it has been proven to shrink to zero,” Errin said. “We use filtered and chilled water, with only one tonne of water needed for four tonnes of live shellfish.
“This is a reverse on the current four tonnes of water per tonne of shellfish, which means that the shellfish are less stressed during transit and so taste is improved.
“For a 40-tonne heavy goods vehicle the savings on one trip would be £12,000 in losses alone, and the client would see a return on investment after just eight trips.”
The duo received support from the Fife Development Fund to buy office equipment and other materials and exhibited at Aquaculture 2014 where they brought potential clients up to speed.
“Last summer I was undertaking a feasibility study, which involved speaking with fishermen all over Scotland,” Errin said. “I noticed a positive feeling in the industry, and realised that fishermen were once again looking to invest in new equipment.
“The seafood industry is focused on quality and provenance and so this is at the heart of everything we do.
“We want the manufacturing to be done in Scotland and we’re lucky to have the biggest fibreglass manufacturers right on our doorstep, in Glenrothes.
She added: “The support we’ve had so far has been exceptional, particularly from Business Gateway and Entrepreneurial Spark. They have provided us with excellent mentors who believed in the idea from day one and have helped drive us forward.”
Alasdair Busby, the Business Gateway adviser who has worked with Todd Fisheries, said the company had the chance to make a big splash.
“The Lobster Pod is an innovative product that has the potential to make a big impact,” Mr Busby said.
“We are working with Keith and Errin to develop their business by recommending Todd Fisheries Technology for growth services, and I look forward to continuing to work with them as this exciting venture takes off.”