JCS Fish-owned brand BigFish says an investment in its own smokehouse is paying off through the launch of its latest "Signature" range of products.

The new smokehouse is part of a package of investment at the company's Grimsby site this year running to around £200,000 (€225,802/$246,088).

BigFish Signature is a premium range comprising oak smoked salmon, oak smoked organic salmon and oak smoked sea trout, prepared using whole sides of fish that are cured by hand with natural salt.

Fish selected for the range includes certified organic salmon and salmon with designated-origin (PGI) status from Scotland certified to the GlobalGap (GGN) aquaculture standard, which imposes strict criteria on environmental impacts, animal welfare, food safety and social responsibility.

BigFish says it is the only brand in the United Kingdom to currently apply this standard.

The product launches and smokehouse inauguration come as JCS Fish aims to post sharp growth for the second consecutive year, helped along by healthier and flexible eating trends, demand for cold smoked and organic products, as well as meal-kit business.

"We have put extra time and effort into the Signature range, making it with carefully selected premium quality fish, which we smoke for longer than usual to achieve a much fuller flavor," JSC co Founder and Managing Director Andrew Coulbeck told IntraFish.

"The range also includes our first organic smoked product, which we could only achieve by going for full organic accreditation for our own smokehouse.”

Last week, BigFish also launched a new product for Mindful Chef, a UK-based recipe box delivery service, certified to the GlobalGAP aquaculture chain of custody standard (GGN).

Processor

UK firm's smoked salmon investment already paying off