The fish and seafood processing equipment industry plays a vital role in the global seafood sector, ensuring efficiency, product quality, and compliance with strict food safety regulations. Europe remains a major player in this market, with leading companies offering cutting-edge solutions tailored to the diverse needs of fish processors.
As of 2024, the global seafood processing equipment market is valued at approximately €52.9 billion, with steady growth projected due to increasing seafood consumption, rising automation, and stricter hygiene requirements. European suppliers continue to drive innovation by developing advanced filleting, skinning, gutting, and packaging technologies.
Here is a closer look at seven of the best fish processing equipment suppliers in Europe, known for their expertise, high-quality machinery, and industry contributions.
1. Normar Trading (Norway, Myre)
Normar Trading is a Norwegian-based supplier specializing in both new and refurbished fish processing equipment, making it one of the few European companies actively promoting sustainable and cost-effective solutions. Unlike many suppliers who focus solely on new machinery, Normar Trading offers reconditioned processing machines, allowing businesses to acquire high-quality equipment at lower costs. This approach benefits startups and small processors while also reducing industrial waste, contributing to a more environmentally friendly seafood industry.
The company supplies a wide range of machines, including filleting, skinning, portioning, and freezing equipment from leading manufacturers. Their in-house refurbished models undergo rigorous testing and reconditioning before resale, ensuring reliability and performance comparable to new equipment.
Normar Trading is well-regarded for providing customized processing lines, adapting solutions for different fish species and production scales. With a strong presence in Northern Europe, the company supports fish processors by offering both sales and after-sales services, including spare parts and maintenance.
2. Peruza (Latvia, Riga)
Peruza is a Latvian company known for its advanced seafood processing solutions, specializing in automated systems for pelagic fish, whitefish, and farmed species. The company designs and manufactures complete processing lines, including gutting, filleting, sorting, and packaging equipment.
One of its flagship innovations is the Peruza Fish Processing Line for Small Pelagic Fish, which automates multiple stages of processing, significantly reducing labor costs while increasing productivity. The system integrates:
- Fish grading machines that separate fish by size before processing.
- Automated gutting systems that improve yield and efficiency.
- Precision filleting machines designed to handle herring, mackerel, and sprats.
Peruza’s commitment to modular and scalable systems allows processors to expand their operations efficiently. Their focus on digital integration also ensures real-time production monitoring, enhancing quality control and operational efficiency.
3. Baader (Germany, Lübeck)
Baader is one of the oldest and most recognized fish processing equipment manufacturers in Europe, with over 100 years of experience. Based in Germany, the company provides end-to-end processing solutions, from slaughtering and gutting to portioning and packaging.
The Baader 581 Whitefish Filleting Machine is a standout model, offering:
- High-precision filleting for cod, haddock, and pollock.
- Automated trimming for optimal yield with minimal manual handling.
- Customizable settings to adjust for different fish sizes.
Baader also leads in digital seafood processing, integrating Baader IoT solutions, which allow processors to optimize performance, reduce downtime, and enhance traceability. Their equipment is widely used in large-scale seafood processing plants across Europe, serving major fisheries and seafood exporters.
4. Marel (Iceland, Garðabær)
Marel, headquartered in Iceland, is a global leader in seafood processing technology, providing state-of-the-art automation, software, and integrated solutions. Their machines cover every stage of processing, from raw material handling to final packaging.
One of Marel’s most innovative machines is the FleXicut Water-Jet Cutter, a high-precision portioning system designed to:
- Detect and remove pin bones using X-ray scanning.
- Customize portion sizes for retail-ready seafood products.
- Reduce waste while maximizing fillet yield.
Marel’s Innova Software Solutions further enhance efficiency, allowing processors to track and optimize production in real-time. The company’s technology is widely used in high-capacity processing plants across Europe, ensuring compliance with stringent food safety standards.
5. Norbech (Denmark, Hjørring)
Norbech, formerly known as Uni-Food Technic, is a Danish manufacturer of high-end fish processing equipment, specializing in shrimp, salmon, and whitefish processing. The company is known for its:
- Bleeding systems to improve fish freshness.
- Chilling and thawing solutions for optimal product preservation.
- Custom-built processing lines tailored for different seafood sectors.
One of their flagship products is the Norbech Salmon Processing Line, which integrates multiple stages, including deheading, filleting, trimming, and skinning. The company focuses on ergonomic, easy-to-clean designs, ensuring compliance with European hygiene regulations.
6. Kroma (Denmark, Skive)
Kroma, another leading Danish supplier, is well-known for gutting and filleting machines, particularly for small to medium-sized fish species. The company serves both wild-caught and farmed fish processors across Europe.
A notable model is the Kroma GUTMASTER 1200, an automatic gutting machine capable of processing up to 25 fish per minute. Features include:
- Precise cutting technology to avoid damaging valuable fillets.
- Adjustable settings for different fish species.
- Minimal water and energy consumption, improving sustainability.
Kroma also offers washing and descaling machines, making it a preferred choice for mid-sized seafood processors seeking efficient and affordable solutions.
7. Cretel (Belgium, Ghent)
Cretel, based in Belgium, specializes in skinning and washing machines for the fish and seafood industry. Their equipment is used by processors across Europe, known for its robust construction, hygiene-focused design, and ease of maintenance.
The Cretel 362A Skinning Machine is widely used for delicate fish species, offering:
- Adjustable skinning pressure to handle various fish types.
- Stainless steel construction for easy cleaning.
- High efficiency, reducing manual labor in processing lines.
Cretel also provides industrial washing systems for processing crates and tools, ensuring sanitary working conditions in seafood plants. Their equipment is particularly favored by small and mid-sized processors aiming to improve hygiene and automation.
These seven fish processing equipment suppliers in Europe stand out for their expertise, innovation, and reliability. Whether a processor seeks cutting-edge automation, customized processing lines, or cost-effective refurbished equipment, these companies provide high-quality solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the seafood industry.
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