Origin & Core Product Variants

• Origin: Primarily fished from the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the North Pacific Ocean—including the Sea of Okhotsk (Russia), Hokkaido and Sanriku Coasts (Japan), the Bering Sea (USA/Canada), and the East China Sea (China/Korea). These regions’ cold currents and plankton abundance support the growth of high-quality Pacific Saury.
• Core Product Types:
  
  • Frozen Pacific Saury (Whole, gutted/ungutted, head-on/head-off)
  • Frozen Pacific Saury Fillets (skin-on/skin-off, boneless, trimmed)
  • Frozen Pacific Saury Sections (uniform cuts for ready-to-cook use)
  • Salted Pacific Saury (light brine, preservative-free, ideal for sushi)
  • Smoked Pacific Saury (cold-smoked, ready-to-eat, with rich umami flavor)

All About Pacific Saury

Background & Biology

• Scientific Name: Cololabis saira (Family: Scomberesocidae)
• Common Names: Pacific saury, mackerel pike, saira
• Habitat: A pelagic, highly migratory species found in temperate and subarctic North Pacific waters (8-18°C), ranging from 35°N to 65°N. It forms large schools and feeds on zooplankton (e.g., copepods) and small fish larvae.
• Key Traits:
  
  • Mature fish reach 25-35cm in length and 100-250g in weight.
  • Short growth cycle: Reaches market size in 10-12 months.
  • Seasonal spawning: Spawns from spring to autumn (April-October) in coastal waters, with a single female producing 20,000-40,000 eggs per season.
  • Distinctive appearance: Slender, silver-blue body with a dark dorsal stripe and fatty underbelly, contributing to its rich texture.

Pacific Saury: Simply Good

• Rich, Versatile Taste: Mild, oily flavor with a delicate umami note—perfect for grilling, broiling, pickling, or using in sushi and sashimi. Its fatty content (6-12% fat) makes it ideal for absorbing seasonings in Asian, Western, and Mediterranean cuisines.
• Nutrition Powerhouse:
  
  • 18g+ protein per 100g (comparable to tuna).
  • 2.0g+ Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA+DHA) per 100g, supporting cardiovascular health and brain function.
  • High in vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium—essential for immune support and bone health.
• Sustainably Sourced:
  
  • Managed under strict fishery quotas (e.g., Japan’s TAC – Total Allowable Catch system, Russia’s North Pacific Fishery Commission regulations) to prevent overfishing.
  • 70% of global Pacific Saury fisheries are MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certified, ensuring minimal impact on marine ecosystems.
  • Low bycatch rate (<3%) due to selective purse seining and midwater trawling techniques.

Main Producer Countries/Regions

1. Japan: Annual output ~200,000 tonnes. Leader in high-grade saury for domestic sushi markets and premium exports to Europe/USA.
2. Russia (Far East): Annual output ~180,000 tonnes. Known for large-sized saury; 60% exported to China and Southeast Asia.
3. China (Shandong, Liaoning): Annual output ~150,000 tonnes. Major supplier of frozen whole saury and processed fillets to domestic and Middle Eastern markets.
4. South Korea: Annual output ~80,000 tonnes. Specializes in salted and smoked saury for local consumption and export to Japan.
5. USA (Alaska): Annual output ~50,000 tonnes. Focuses on sustainable, MSC-certified saury for high-end North American retail.

Production & Processing

Fishing Techniques

• Selective Purse Seining: The primary method—targets large saury schools, minimizing bycatch and ensuring fresh, intact catch.
• Instant Freezing: Fish are blast-frozen to -25°C within 3 hours of capture to lock in freshness, preserve nutrients, and prevent lipid oxidation.

Processing Standards

• BRC Global Standard for Food Safety
• IFS (International Featured Standards)
• HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)

1. Fresh catch arrival → Sorting (by size/quality)
2. Cleaning (gutting, descaling, head trimming) → Filleting/sectioning (if applicable)
3. IQF (Individual Quick Freezing) or Block Freezing → Glazing (5-10% ice to retain moisture)
4. Quality Testing (heavy metals, microbiology, lipid oxidation) → Packaging (vacuum-sealed/boxed)

Market & Trade

Global Export Reach

• Asia: Japan (35% of global imports, for sushi/sashimi), China (25%, for processing and domestic consumption), South Korea (15%, for salted products).
• Europe: Spain, France, Italy (top importers of frozen fillets for retail and foodservice).
• North America: USA, Canada (growing demand for smoked saury and ready-to-cook portions).
• Middle East & Africa: UAE, Egypt (demand for frozen whole saury as an affordable protein source).

2024 Market Trends

• Tight supply in Q3-Q4 2024 due to below-average spawning in the Sea of Okhotsk, pushing prices up 8-10%.
• Surge in demand for value-added products (e.g., marinated saury fillets, saury sushi kits) in European and North American retail.
• China’s imports rose 12% YoY (2023) as consumers shift to nutrient-dense, affordable seafood amid economic recovery.

Quality Assurance & Safety

1. Residue Testing: Every batch is tested for heavy metals (mercury, lead), pesticides, and antibiotics—results consistently below EU/US/Japan MRLs (Maximum Residue Limits).
2. Traceability System: Each product has a unique lot no., allowing tracking from fishery to delivery (includes fishing date, and processing plant).
3. Regular Inspections: Conducted monthly by third-party auditors (e.g., SGS, Bureau Veritas) and local authorities (e.g., Japan’s MAFF, EU’s FVO).

Why Choose Our Pacific Saury?

1. Stable Supply: Long-term partnerships with 12+ certified fisheries across the North Pacific—annual availability of 40,000+ tonnes, ensuring year-round delivery.
2. Customized Solutions: Tailor product size (100-250g), packaging (IQF, bulk blocks, retail-ready packs), and processing (salted, smoked) to meet client needs.
3. Cost Efficiency: Direct sourcing from fisheries eliminates middlemen, reducing your procurement costs by 12-18% compared to traditional distributors.
4. Global Compliance: Meets import standards of EU (Regulation 178/2002), Japan (Positive List System), USA (FDA Seafood HACCP), and China (GB Standards).

Contact Us

For quotes, email info@leoseafood.com. We provide end-to-end import support—from documentation to cold chain logistics.