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UK’s FloGro Fresh plans shrimp hatchery build

In response to increasing demand, FloGro Fresh shrimp farm are planning to build a hatchery. The UK-based operation, which grows shrimp to 30 grams before selling them to the local market, claims to be the first in the region to farm Whiteleg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei).

Managing director Ralph Maxwell told The Guardian that FloGro is attempting to prove that farmed prawns are sustainable, in the face of concerns over damage to marine ecosystems and labour issues that have been raised about imported shrimp.

“The beauty of our operation is that it’s entirely fresh, everything that comes from overseas has been frozen,” said Maxwell. “There is provenance and there is traceability to everything we do, so if the customer or chef wants to come and see it they can come up and see the prawn.”

FloGro’s commitment to sustainability has been lauded by the Marine Conservation Society. The FloGro closed-loop facility uses solar and wind powers and biomass heating.

Representatives for FloGro declined to comment on timelines or details of the new hatchery as the plans are in very early stages.