By-products, such as tails and trimmings, are also sold, for example for further processing by third parties. In Norway, they are a resource for Marine Harvest Ingredients. We can prepare fillets through a sequence of trim levels, from A to F, as agreed with the customer.
These activities take place in processing plants in the regions where we farm the fish and in our secondary processing plants in Belgium, France, Poland and the Netherlands, which receive gutted salmon from our farms in Norway and Scotland. Our secondary processing plants also receive white fish from external suppliers. More information on the variety of products available from Marine Harvest processing plants can be found in the Products section.
Processed products, such as trimmed fillets, steaks and portions are often packaged ready to be displayed at the retailers. Usually these packages, for example sealed trays or bags, are filled with modified atmosphere (MAP; modified atmosphere packaging). Here, oxygen from the atmosphere is replaced by inert gases that do not affect the fish and prevent oxidation and that means the fish will keep fresh far longer. Other packaging options that help extend the life of fresh products include vacuum packing, often used for smoked fish products. More information is given in the Products section.