Just in time for Christmas, local seafood exporter B&D Trawling has opened a wholesale and retail outlet at 1 Port Royal Street, downtown Kingston. The company has inked a deal with US seafood giant, Beaver Street Fisheries (BSF), to process and package products under the Sea Best brand. B&D will now enter the retail and wholesale seafood market locally with Sea Best products, having enjoyed over 30 years as a solely export company specialising in the production, processing and export of seafood. B&D shares a longstanding relationship with BSF as one of its main suppliers of product from the region. BSF, through its subsidiary companies, Tropic Seafood and Sea Best, focuses on sourcing safe and sustainable seafood while supplying its clients with the highest quality products at a great value.

Under this new arrangement, not only will B&D supply BSF but the reverse will also hold; BSF will provide B&D with products that it is unable to procure or catch locally. These will include Swai commonly known in Jamaica as basa, shrimp, clams and scallops. B&D is aiming to strike a balance between the number of imports and exports to the island with the import rate at a record high.

Roderick Francis, CEO of B&D Trawling, says that his company has enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship with Beaver Street for many years and is happy to be able to take the arrangement to another level.

“This is a major step for the company, as we venture into retail and wholesale. We are currently, in General Foods stores and will be in other supermarkets by the end of the month,” Francis informed.

“In addition to creating some balance with exports and imports, we are aiming to revive the tilapia industry in Jamaica as BSF purchases over 400 containers of tilapia a year. If we can supply this demand, that would mean great things for the country,” he added.

BSF is a leading importer, manufacturer and distributor of quality frozen seafood products in the United States and has been in operation for over 60 years. The company has carved out a prominent reputation by supplying products to the food service and hotel industry. Under the license agreement, only B&D Trawling is allowed to process and package products under the Sea Best Brand in Jamaica. B&D is allowed free range to use Beavers Street Fisheries intellectual property such as its trademarks as well as recipes and publicly market and advertise the brand.

This unique opportunity puts B&D a step above competitors.

“Currently, most of the seafood being sold in the local market is imported. In fact, about 90% of all the seafood in our supermarkets is foreign. We want to change that by incorporating more local produce and catch in what we sell,” Francis explained. Here are some recipes that you can try with Sea Best products:

Shrimp Pineapple Ceviche

No matter how hot the weather, this flavourful cold salad made with cooked shrimp, chunks of pineapple, jalapeno pepper, red pepper, avocado, cilantro and lime juice is a snap to make without heating up the kitchen.

Ingredients:

1 cup Sea Best Cooked Shrimp, thawed

1/2 cup pineapple chunks

3/4 cup fresh lime juice

1/4 cup diced avocado

2 tablespoons minced jalapeño pepper

2 tablespoons diced sweet red bell pepper

1/4 cup coarsely chopped cilantro

Method:

Chop Sea Best Shrimp and pineapple into small pieces. Transfer to a large bowl.

Gently stir in the lime juice, avocado, jalapeño and sweet red bell pepper. Cover and chill for 2 hours.

Just before serving, stir in the cilantro.

Servings: 4-5

Butter Poached Citrus Scallops

Citrus and scallops are a delightful duo and a winning combination in this entrée. This easy main makes a quick and filling meal with the addition of a salad and dinner roll.

Ingredients:

1 quart seafood broth

1/2 cup butter, cubed

24 Sea Best Raw Scallops, thawed and rinsed

20 orange segments

4 lime segments

2 teaspoons each lime, orange and lemon zest

3 tablespoons sliced escallions

Method:

In a large saucepan over low heat, heat seafood broth and butter until butter is melted.

Bring broth mixture to 190ûF.

Add Sea Best Raw Scallops; cook at 185ûF for 10 minutes or until the internal temperature of the scallops reaches 155ûF. Add orange and lime segments and zests; cook for 1 minute.

Remove scallops and fruit segments with a slotted spoon; transfer to a serving bowl. Drizzle with 1/4 cup broth; garnish with escallions.

Servings: 4

Tuna With Bourbon Dijon Glaze

A simple bourbon-mustard glaze turns these tuna fillets into a gourmet delight with just a few simple ingredients. The fish is broiled, so from start to finish your dinner is on the table in less than 20 minutes.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

11/2 teaspoons honey

1 teaspoon bourbon whiskey, optional

4 Sea Best Tuna Fillets, thawed

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Method:

Set broiler to high setting.

In a small bowl, combine the mustard, honey and bourbon; set glaze aside.

Season Sea Best Tuna Fillets with salt and pepper; brush glaze on one side of fillets.

Place tuna, glazed side up, on a greased baking sheet. Broil 4 to 6 inches from heat for 7-11 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145ûF.

Servings: 4