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Whitefish

Saithe

Pollachius virens

Abundant, well-managed and priced well below cod. The volume workhorse for processing, saltfish and food service.

Wild-caughtFresh, chilledFrozenSalted
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A whole saithe on dark slate, dark olive back over silver flanks

Saithe carries the largest whitefish quota in Norwegian waters after cod and is landed year-round by both coastal vessels and trawlers. The flesh is greyer than cod raw and whitens on cooking, which is a specification issue rather than a quality issue — but it needs to be explained to buyers who have only bought cod.

A large share goes to salting and drying for the Portuguese, Brazilian and Caribbean markets, and to German and French processing. Fresh loins into European food service are a growing position where price stability matters more than peak quality.

Season through the year

  1. January: Peak season
  2. February: Available
  3. March: Available
  4. April: Available
  5. May: Available
  6. June: Available
  7. July: Available
  8. August: Available
  9. September: Peak season
  10. October: Peak season
  11. November: Peak season
  12. December: Available
  • Peak season
  • Available
  • Limited volume
  • Out of season

Landed year-round with autumn and winter peaks.

Where this product trades

EuropeLatin AmericaAfrica

Commercial specification

Scientific name
Pollachius virens
Production
Wild-caught
Condition
Fresh, chilled · Frozen · Salted
Size and weight class
H&G 1–2.5, 2.5–4, 4+ kg. Fillets 300–800, 800+ g.
Packing
Frozen blocks 20–25 kg, IQF cartons, fresh EPS with ice.
Minimum volume
One 20 ft container frozen. One pallet fresh.
Product forms
  • HG — Headed and guttedHead off, gutted
  • FLT — FilletSkin-on or skinless; trim level and pin bone status stated separately
  • LOIN — LoinThick back cut, pin-bone free
  • PORT — PortionFixed weight, IQF or interleaved
  • SPLT — Split / driedStockfish and saltfish formats
Shelf life
Fresh 8–10 days on ice. Frozen 18–24 months at −18 °C.
Temperature
0 to +2 °C chilled, −18 °C or colder frozen.
Certifications available
  • MSC Chain of Custody
  • BRCGS Food Safety
  • IFS Food
  • EU establishment approval number
  • Health certificate
  • Catch certificate (IUU)
Incoterms 2020 normally quoted
EXW · FCA · FOB · CFR · CIF · DAP

Send the specification and we return standardised offers from verified suppliers — same weight basis, same Incoterm, freight and fees separated out.

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