Gone are the days that your pangasius was just a plain fillet. There are many varieties on the market, to fit every taste. From breaded pangasius with garlic to a fillet with lemon and green herb marinade: you can find it all at the fish section of your grocery store. These ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat concepts experience an increase in popularity. Simply, because it’s easy and delicious. But how is it made and by whom? Let’s find out!
To start with a small history recap: Vietnam has had a closed economy for many years. Until 1986, when it transitioned to a more industrial and market-based economy. Of course, this transition was gradual, and the country had to learn how to cope with this new way of doing business. Vietnam knew this would take hard work and know-how. That’s why the country invited experts from all over the world to help them build their industries. This was also the case in the fish food industry. In Vietnam’s ambition to become a major global player in fish export, they looked at Western fish processing models and imitated them in order to rapidly climb up the ladder – and comply with regulations of the modern world.
State-of-the-art processing facilities in Vietnam
Our panga-fan Alfons takes us back to his visit to the Mekong Delta in Vietnam. “I was tremendously impressed by the state-of-the-art facilities when I visited pangasius processing facilities. It exceeded anything I could have imagined. No wonder, of course, as I know the factories have to comply with stringent international quality and food safety standards. Health and safety protocols were like a thread through my visit – we had to fill in health forms and wear protective clothes. All health and hygiene checks were carried out as standard operating procedures, to ensure protocols were strictly followed. It was amazing to see the factory halls where all these delicious fish products are made. I was in complete awe the entire visit long.”
Endless possibilities and styles
The factories, equipment, and processes of these companies are all based on international good practices. Such is the case at major pangasius producers, which are world-class examples of high-quality ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat pangasius product suppliers. They are leading in the industry of value-added pangasius, which includes marinated, breaded, and snack panga. These so-called fish concepts can be found in supermarkets all over the globe. What’s your favorite? Pangasius marinated with garlic, herbs, sweet chili or lime? Or do you prefer a delicious fish nugget, skewers, or patty?
