Dutch mussel producers team up with Canadians – Fishupdate.com

Dutch mussel producers team up with Canadians Published:  24 January, 2005

THE eating of mussels is winning worldwide popularity. Not only in Europe but also in Canada and North America people are increasingly appreciating the taste of this delicious and healthy product. In order to combine their strengths in the markets on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, the mussel producers Prins & Dingemanse (Yerseke, the Netherlands) and Canadian Mussels Ltd. (Prince Edward Island, Canada) entered into a partnership agreement at the beginning of January.

The primary reason for this partnership is the use by Canadian Mussels Ltd. of the Prins & Dingemanse patented mussel packaging. During the 1990s the firm Prins & Dingemanse developed a new packaging method in order to be able to guarantee the shelf life of mussels.

By packing mussels watertight under a protective atmosphere, mussels stay fresh for longer. This family firm from Zeeland obtained a patent on this method of packaging in 1997, and in addition to various Dutch companies, several companies in Europe and beyond have in the meantime adopted the packaging method under licence.

In the growing mussel market of North America and Canada with its long transport distances, shelf life and watertight leak-free packaging are important items in order to be able to distinguish the company. The Canadian company Canadian Mussels Ltd. has discovered the advantages of the Prins & Dingemanse packaging method and is now going to apply this exclusively for the North American and Canadian market.

Furthermore, as a result of this partnership agreement Prins & Dingemanse has become the sole representative for the Canadian mussels. Besides the Dutch mussel Prins & Dingemanse will supply these Canadian mussels. Because of its specific taste these mussels will form a perfect addition to the present range.