Srinagar, October 13: Khyber (K2) Aquaculture has secured a Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licence for its facility at Chak Akhal, Kangan, Ganderbal, paving the way for the company to expand its Himalayan trout business into packaged retail and HoReCa markets.
The licence covers the manufacture, trade and retail of fish and fish products, providing the regulatory foundation for processing, packaging, storage and distribution of trout products, as applicable.
Yunus Trumboo, Director at Khyber Aquaculture, said the licence marked an important step in the company’s expansion into consumer markets. He said the company plans to use Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), which uses a controlled mix of carbon dioxide and nitrogen to help extend the freshness of trout.
The company said it is preparing to launch fresh, chilled and frozen trout products, including boneless skin-on portion cuts, Supreme Fillets and trout steaks. It plans to subsequently introduce curry cuts, sushi and sashimi products.
For the HoReCa segment, comprising hotels, restaurants and catering businesses, the company plans to offer larger packs suited to professional kitchens and bulk requirements.
According to the company, its trout products will have a chilled shelf life of 5 to 8 days and frozen shelf life of up to 12 months, subject to prescribed storage and handling conditions.
Khyber Aquaculture said its processing facility has a current daily capacity of up to 10 tonnes, while its annual production capacity stands at 1,200 MT, with plans to scale it to 7,000 MT.
The company is also preparing to open its first branded retail outlet at Karan Nagar, Srinagar. The outlet will offer live, fresh, packaged chilled and frozen products, with customers also able to have live trout cleaned, cut and packed at the store, according to the company.
“Our immediate priorities include the launch of packaged trout SKUs, opening of our first branded retail store and expansion of the cold-chain and distribution infrastructure required to take Himalayan trout to a wider consumer market,” Trumboo said.
He added that the company is also working towards Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certification as part of its plans to expand into international markets.
Khyber Aquaculture said its integrated facility at Akhal, Kangan, combines hatchery, grow-out, processing and packaging operations supported by Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) technology.
Founded in 2022, Khyber Aquaculture operates in the cold-water fisheries sector and produces Himalayan trout for domestic and international markets.
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