(vasep.com.vn) Many pangasius enterprises are investing in processing to create products with higher values such as cooking oil, collagen and gelatin to expand the market and reduce dependence on exports.
According Vietnam Pangasius Association, pangasius fillets was accounted for over 80% of pangasius exported products, whole fish or cut fish products made up 10% and value added products took up only 5%.
Annual production of fat from pangasius in Mekong Delta is at least 140,000 MT. This is used for feeds, biodiesel or exported at low prices. Meanwhile the demand for biodiesel is growing in Vietnam. Ranee fish oil plant, invested by Sao Mai Group is projected to produce at 100 MT/ day then upgrade to 200 MT/ day and achieve 300 MT/day after 2016, using this oil.
Vinh Hoan Corporation, on its completion of its 2,000 MT /year collagen and gelatin factory in Cao Lanh district of Dong Thap province, expected to launch the new products in the beginning of 2015.