For every kilo of shrimp, processing plants leave out 35-50 percent of by-products, including heads and shells.
Shrimp output was more than 720,000 tonnes last year, and the processing industry produced 320,000 tonnes of by-products from them, they said.
This is a waste, researchers said, adding that by-products contain many nutrients that can be used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and animal feed production.
Many new products with a high-profit margin could enter the market if there was a comprehensive research investment strategy, they said.
Phan Thanh Loc, deputy chairman of Vietnam Food Company, said many developed countries had successfully developed products from fishery by-products.
The application of technology increases the value of shrimp by-products by many times.
One kilo of shrimp heads sold to animal feed producers and businesses just earn a few thousand dong. However, if technology is used to extract nutrients from shrimp heads for use in the food industry and animal feed, businesses could earn over 20,000 VND on every kilo of shrimp heads, he said.
In particular, if businesses extract chitosan, which is used in making food wrapping film, they could earn much more money, he added.
Dr. Trang Sy Trung, rector of Nha Trang University, said that shrimp heads and shells were still considered waste and used mostly to make food for animals instead of for other purposes.
Studies have shown that the nutrient content in shrimp by-products is high: 8 percent lipid, 20 percent chitin and 48 percent protein.
Scientists from Nha Trang University have conducted research to develop useful products from shrimp by-products for the agricultural, aquaculture and pharmaceutical sectors, including chitosan solutions for treating fungi on mango and chili.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, research institutes, universities and companies have researched and invested in products made from shrimp by-products but the results have been modest, with the output being mostly raw products.
Businesses and scientists said there were few specific policies for supporting the processing of shrimp by-products and marketing of products made from the by-products.
They suggested that the Government provide support to increase the use of these by-products by more enterprises and researchers.
Recently, the Ministry of Science and Technology coordinated with Nha Trang University and Vietnam Food to launch a fund for supporting the development of the shrimp by-product sector in Vietnam.
The fund’s main purpose is to support research and the training of human resources, with the aim of developing high-value products from shrimp by-products.
VNS/VNA
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In October 2024, seafood exports from Vietnam are estimated to exceed $1 billion, marking a 28% increase compared to the same period last year. This achievement signifies the first return to the $1 billion milestone in 27 months, since June 2022, providing a significant boost for Vietnamese seafood enterprises.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Under the theme "Dong Thap Pangasius: Green Journey - Green Value," the Dong Thap Pangasius Festival 2024 will take place over two days, November 16th and 17th, at Vo Nguyen Giap Square in Hong Ngu City.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Kien Giang has announced a plan to stabilize the biosafety rice-shrimp production area at 117,340 hectares by 2030.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to the Department of Fisheries in Ca Mau, the total aquatic product output in the region is estimated at 536,140 tons as of October 17, achieving 82.23% of the annual plan and marking a 1.74% increase compared to the same period last year. Within this total, shrimp production stands at 208,495 tons, reaching 82.41% of the planned target and showing a 2.23% increase year-over-year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to data from Vietnam Customs, pangasius exports to Iraq have surged significantly in the first nine months of 2024, marking the highest levels seen in three years. This upward trend has positioned Iraq as a key market for Vietnamese pangasius, even surpassing Iran, traditionally regarded as a gateway for trade between Vietnam and the Middle East.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Bình Thuận's seafood production has maintained stability year-to-date, with favorable fishing grounds. However, the growth rate slowed slightly in the third quarter due to the impact of storms and tropical depressions in the East Sea.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Pangasius, a popular whitefish species favored in many global markets and a signature fish of Vietnam, faces stiff competition from other whitefish varieties such as cod, hake, and tilapia. However, Vietnamese pangasius has emerged as the top choice among whitefish imported by Brazil.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to market trends, starting in Q3, importers typically ramp up purchases to prepare for the holiday season and year-end festivities. U.S. consumer spending is expected to recover in the second half of 2024 compared to the same period last year, which could positively impact the value of Vietnam's seafood exports to this market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnamese pangasius exports in September 2024 reached $172 million, a 3% increase compared to September 2023. The total value of pangasius exports by the end of the third quarter of 2024 was $1.5 billion, marking an 8% year-on-year increase.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In September 2024, Vietnam pangasius exports to Singapore reached $3 million, marking an 11% decrease compared to the same period in 2023. This marks the fourth consecutive month of negative growth in pangasius exports to this market, following slight increases of 14% and 2% in July and August 2024, respectively. The total value of Vietnamese pangasius exports in the first nine months of this year was $26 million, down 4% compared to the same period last year.
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