Processing

Delivering the finest quality mackerel and herring

Scottish caught mackerel, herring and blue whiting is much sought after in markets around the world.

The Scottish and UK onshore processing sector is one of the most modern anywhere in the world, equipped with state-the-art equipment to ensure the provision of a wide range of high quality pelagic products.

The primary and secondary pelagic processing sectors support around 2,000 jobs, underlining its importance to communities around the country, with mackerel alone (catching and processing) providing a £500m input to the UK economy.

Our processors have a broad product portfolio that includes canned mackerel, smoked mackerel, kippers (smoked herring), fresh and frozen fillets, and marinade herring. Much of the processing output is exported.

Like the catching sector, our processors recognise the need for responsible and sustainable management of pelagic fisheries, which is why they are an active and founding member of SPSG. The Marine Stewardship Council ecolabel is proudly promoted on many of their products.