Business View Caribbean | Jan 2019

23 introduced pangasius (a fish from S.E. Asia that we call basa), and, recently, we’ve added freshwater shrimp to the operation. In 2017, we received a veterinary license from the Ministry to export fish.We can export anywhere in the world, including Europe, however there are some issues with exporting basa to the U.S. at this time. Our veterinary division and the USDA are working on that.” Currently, Algix Jamaica is just producing fish for regional hotel markets and local consumption. Rather than retailing the product themselves, Algix uses distributors, and some of those sell into the Caribbean under different brands. Caribbean Producers Jamaica, the main distributor, has its own labelling–Nation’s Choice and Rainforest Seafoods – so, Algix packages under their labels. All three species, red tilapia hybrid, pangasius (basa), and freshwater shrimp are produced at the farm site, including the breeding, nursery production, processing, and marketing. The hatchery is usually indoors, and other facilities are outdoors. The vast property encompasses roads, reservoirs, and about 120 acres of productive space. From that acreage, 75 to 80 metric tons of fish are produced on a monthly basis. The operation employs 100 regular workers –making Algix a valued employer in an area where not many other jobs are available. Competition is always on the radar, Processing Plant, loading inspected by Plant Manager