Fishermen-Vendor Link Boosts Economy
The Coastal Tihama Cooperative Fisheries Association has launched an initiative to convert surplus traditional fishing catch into high-quality frozen seafood products. The goal is to strengthen stability in the local fish market and protect fishermen from price fluctuations. The initiative relies on directly linking fishing boats with freezing and packaging facilities through memoranda of understanding with Marahib Food Industries, which operates production lines under the "Akfya" brand. The project aims to reduce dependence on imported canned and fresh fish products, as studies have shown that locally frozen products are significantly cheaper—around 1,000 riyals—compared to imported canned goods, which can cost up to 7,000 riyals. Additionally, the frozen products have a shelf life of up to 12 months, contributing to lowering the import bill and safeguarding the national foreign currency reserves. The infrastructure includes a factory with a production capacity of up to 20 tons per day and a storage capacity of 500 tons, all adhering to food safety standards. Distribution has begun in the local market and has expanded to over 20 retail outlets, supported by refrigerated transport means to ensure the continuous flow and quality of the products.
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