Working with JBT Marel equipment since 2022, Perú Frost unpacks how automation has improved efficiency, cutting precision, waste reduction, and optimized processing times.
Perú Frost is a Peruvian processor and exporter of seafood products with an international market. General Manager, Marcos Yacher, sat down with us to discuss industry challenges and how recent purchases of JBT Marel solutions are keeping Perú Frost ahead of the competition and ensuring a successful future.
How would you describe the current market for Perú Frost?
It is a competitive market with great potential, but also significant challenges. International demand continues to grow, but we must constantly adapt to regulations, environmental changes, and the demands of global markets. We’ve also seen a shift in consumer trends with greater interest in value-added products, convenience, and sustainable sourcing. There is also increasing demand for ready-to-cook products.
The seafood industry has always faced challenges, today these only seem to be increasing globally, from margin pressure to regulatory increases. What do you see as the main challenges facing the fishing sector in Peru?
Challenges in the industry are nothing new. But today there is noticeably more pressures on processors and exporters, like Perú Frost, that are the result of climate variability, changing fishing regulations, informality in certain supply chains, and the need for technological investment in many processing plants.
You mentioned fishing regulations, but are there any specific regulations or certifications that affect production and exports?
Yes. There are sanitary, sustainability, and traceability certifications required by international markets, such as HACCP, BRC, and responsible fishing certifications, all of which we strictly comply with at Peru Frost.
This can only be a positive when it comes to customer perception of your products.
Very positive. Our products are recognized for their quality, freshness, and sustainable origin, especially in Asia and Europe, where customers greatly value traceability and environmental responsibility.
With all these industry challenges to address, what was it you were looking for when you found JBT Marel?
We process a variety of seafood products, hake (merluza), jumbo squid (humboldt squid), scallops, and Mahi Mahi. In the case of hake, we process a significant volume that represents 11% of the national quota for this resource.
At the time we had manual processes with higher error margins, inefficiencies in grading and filleting, and longer processing times.
We came to JBT Marel through international trade shows, industry recommendations, and benchmarking with other leading plants around the world.
It was the combination of precision, advanced technology, technical support, and the brand’s international reputation that made us decide on JBT Marel as a partner.
Working with the JBT Marel team, Perù Frost purchased two SmartLine Graders, a Speed Batcher and a Compact Grader. How was the installation experience?
It was a planned and successful process, which took approximately three months from installation to full operation. We did have to make some adjustments to our plant for proper installation, but everything was resolved with JBT Marel’s guidance.
We all know introducing new systems can be very challenging for teams used to working in a specific way. How has the Perú Frost team responded to the new JBT Marel equipment and the changes?
With enthusiasm! JBT Marel’s technical team provided thorough and practical training, enabling a fast and efficient transition. The Perú Frost team feel confident operating with advanced technology and acknowledge the tangible benefits. For example, during the first days of this season, we launched the SmartLine. We were all surprised by how few people we needed to operate it.
That’s great to hear. Can you tell me how the new equipment impacted Perú Frost’s operations, other than being embraced by the team?
In quite a few ways. Generally, the new equipment has improved efficiency, cutting precision, waste reduction, and optimized our processing times.
We now handle the same volume with fewer personnel, which translates into operational efficiency. While the automatic weighing and portioning system has enabled more accurate deliveries to our customers.
More specifically, for example, we’ve reduced deviation by over 20% and improved yield per ton processed.
You also purchased another SmartLine, and Compact Grader at Seafood Global Expo in Barcelona this year. Is it safe to say you’d recommend JBT Marel equipment to other processors?
Yes, I would highly recommend it for its quality, support, and measurable results.
I’d advise them to see it as a strategic investment, not an expense. The efficiency, waste reduction, and quality improvements fully justify the decision. At Perú Frost we consider it an investment that pays off quickly due to the positive impact on productivity.
Speed and accuracy with the flexibility to be configured to meet specific grading and batching needs. Designed with enhanced hygiene and serviceability in mind, the SmartLine is trouble-free and effective at maximizing uptime, even in lines where product changeovers are required.
Easy to install and operate compact grading solution for fixed or catch-weight batching. Ideal for smaller operators or larger ones when requiring extra capacity in temporary overflows.
Create bulk batches at high speed with incredible accuracy. Fully automated from input to delivery raw material is weighed into sub-weights and selectively combined to form the optimal batch weight.
Located in Paita, norther Peru, PeruFrost is a processor and exporter of high-quality seafood products to both local and international markets across Europe and Asia. They are driven to improve sustainability by adopting innovative technology that ensures excellence, traceability and optimal food safety of every shipment.
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