How to Start your Own Catfish Processing Business in Mbaise & Ship to Neighbouring Cities

Starting a catfish processing business, also known as catfish smoking business, is an easy and low-stress agribusiness to begin in Mbaise. The process of catfish processing involves buying catfish in wholesale from farmers, cleaning and washing it, smoke-drying it, packaging it in a branded polythene pack, and marketing it by distributing it to supermarkets, retail outlets, open markets, and consumers.

Why Catfish Processing Business in Mbaise?

Choosing Mbaise for your catfish processing business is a smart move due to its proximity to major cities such as Aba, Umuahia, and Owerri. The rural setting offers a lower cost of production and easy access to high-demand markets. Additionally, the presence of JMeggro Farms, the largest catfish producer in Ekwereazu, allows for easy sourcing of fresh fish and cost savings on logistics.

Advantages of Catfish Smoking Business

There are several advantages to starting a catfish processing business, including a small capital requirement, the ability to start on a small scale, and a highly unsaturated market for smoked catfish. This business is suitable for both fish farmers and non-fish farmers.

What you Need to Start your Catfish Oven-Smoking Business in Mbaise

To start a catfish processing business, you will need a smoke-drying oven, a factory or shed to house the oven and other equipment, a reliable source of catfish, a complete set of knives, bowls, salt, spices, and other necessary items, branded packages, and an electric nylon sealer or stapler.

JMeggro LLC is dedicated to providing high-quality and healthy catfish to customers in Mbaise and beyond. With a capacity of up to 10,000 catfishes, JMeggro is committed to promoting food security and creating rural jobs. JMeggro Farms is vows to provid the highest quality catfish and excellent customer service. The company is also committed to adopting sustainable practices to improve the long-term viability of the farm, and to supporting the well-being and satisfaction of its customer.

Steps to processing and packaging your oven-smoked catfish

The process of catfish processing begins with cleaning the fish, removing the gills and intestine, and washing them in clean running water. Then, the fish are treated with salt in a process called brining. This firms up the flesh and improves the taste of the fish. After brining, the fish are spiced, and then smoked and dried in the oven. Finally, the fish are weighed into units, packaged, and sealed to prevent dust and germs from getting into the fish.

Step One: Cleaning

Clean the fish, removing the gills and intestine, and then wash in clean running water.

Step Two: Brining

Soak the fish in a solution of salt and water (100g of salt to 1 liter of water) to firm up the flesh, improve taste, and preserve the fish for longer.

Step Three: Spicing (optional)

Add spices and flavorings to the fish for added taste and to make your product stand out.

Step Four: Smoking and Drying your Catfishes

Smoke the fish in a smoke-drying oven or kiln using charcoal, gas, or electricity. Keep the fire low for the first two hours, then increase the heat. The length of time will depend on the size and thickness of the fish.

Step Five: Weighing

Weigh the fish into 250g, 500g, and 1kg packs.

Step Six: Packaging

Package the fish in branded transparent cellophane or polythene bags and seal to prevent dust and germs from getting in.

Step Seven: Marketing and Distribution

Distribute the smoked and packaged catfish to supermarkets, retail outlets, open markets, and directly to consumers through e-commerce site.

Ready to get started?

By following these steps, you can start your own catfish processing business and take advantage of the high demand for smoked catfish in Mbaise and beyond. With JMeggro Farms as your reliable source of catfish, you can ensure that you are providing high-quality and sustainably-raised fish to your customers.