15 Apr 2024

Keohane Seafoods invests in a new factory for ready-made products

Advanced salmon processing technology enables product innovation

Marel-Salmon-Deheader-MS 2721V

In an industry where quality and innovation are key to staying ahead, Keohane Seafoods has made a name for itself through its forward-thinking approach. Based in Cork and Bantry, Ireland, this family-run business has over six decades of combined experience in delivering premium seafood to a diverse market. We had the opportunity to speak with Colman Keohane, Managing Director of Keohane Seafoods, about their journey of growth and partnership with Marel.

Innovative products with a focus on convenience and quality

Keohane Seafoods emphasizes product creativity and variety, with salmon products forming the largest portion of their offerings. “About 70% of our business is salmon,” says Colman. “We buy in whole fish, and it’s a full process from filleting all the way through to putting it in a retail pack.”

The company diverse product range includes seasonal seafoods, fresh fillets and an innovative array of microwaveable pre-made products, catering to a broad spectrum of retail, restaurant and hotel clients. This emphasis on product innovation and customer convenience are a driving force behind Keohane Seafood’s success.

Keohane Seafoods

Long-term partnership with Marel

The partnership between Keohane Seafoods and Marel began in 2010 with the acquisition of an AEW Delford check weigher. Over the years, this relationship has blossomed with significant investments in Marel technology, including a full salmon filleting line in 2015 and an enhanced line featuring automated deheading and intelligent portioning in 2019.

These advancements have been pivotal in transforming Keohane Seafood’s production process, enhancing the salmon portioning accuracy and yields. “Where Marel comes in handy is the accuracy of the machinery, accuracy of our portions, the yields we get from the deheading line, and the filleting line and smart technology around portioning,” explains Colman.

Keohane Seafoods Interview

Investing in a new factory for next-level product innovation

Keohane Seafood’s drive for innovation led them to commission a new factory dedicated to producing ready-to-eat products, fitted with Marel solutions. This embodies their commitment to offering high-quality, convenient solutions for their customers. “It’s about convenience of product for a customer... delivering a product as efficiently as possible and in fairness, Marel are very supportive in working with us to deliver such an outcome,” explains Colman.

At their Senahoek facility, they also have an I-Slice 3400 retail pack slicer for salmon, integrated with Innova Food Processing Software. The I-Slice 3400 provides high accuracy, flexibility, and exceptional utilization of raw materials, ensuring each salmon slice meets the target weight and is perfectly aligned in the pack. This hands-free handling process not only elevates pack presentation but also significantly reduces the need for manual labor, thereby reducing costs and minimizing the risk of contamination from human touch.

Salmon filleting equipment

Empowered by Innova Food Processing Software

Central to the success of this new production line is Marel’s Innova software, which offers real-time data recording and analysis, full product traceability and detailed operational insights, among other capabilities. “The important thing to our business is our yields, our accuracy and recording of that...So that’s why we’ve invested in the Innova system as well,” explains Colman. This advanced monitoring and control software enables Keohane Seafoods to make data-driven decisions, optimizing their slicing process and ensuring product quality.

Salmon Slicing Belt

Reliable service and support are key

The enduring partnership between Keohane Seafoods and Marel is not just about the technology but also the unwavering support and service. “It’s critical for us... the machinery is critical to our production, and should anything go wrong, you need somebody that acts,” Colman notes, praising the proactive and quick responses from Marel’s service team.

Keohane Seafoods’ journey is a prime example of how embracing innovation, investing in advanced technology and nurturing strong partnerships can pave the way for success. With Marel by their side, Keohane Seafoods is poised for continued growth and innovation, ready to meet the evolving needs of the seafood market with convenient, high-quality products.

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