Loading...
  1. Homepage
  2. ZIM Blog
  3. Big Fish, Big Business – China’s Tilapia

Big Fish, Big Business – China’s Tilapia

30-Jun-2022 | 10:00
Maple Deng
Maple Deng
  • China
  • Seafood
  • Asia
  • Reefers
  • Import and Export

Seafood enthusiasts enjoy a wide selection of delicacies from all around the world – from lobsters and oysters to salmon and tuna, just to name a few. In fact, over half of the seafood we eat comes from fish farming, also known as aquaculture.

If you eat fish, you have probably already tried tilapia, since it’s the second-largest species grown in aquaculture, and the most widely grown fish on earth. Its impressive nutrition profile and mild taste makes this fish a favorite amongst many worldwide.

Although tilapia is native to Africa, its surge in popularity has led to the development of commercial tilapia farms across the globe. Fast forward to the 21st century, tilapia is now a staple in many parts of the world with over 100 nations producing the farm-raised fish.

China’s convenient sea transportation and rich aquatic resources make the country one of largest contributors to global aquaculture and a critical player in the tilapia industry, manufacturing over 1.5 million tons to large markets in the US, South America, and Canada.

Tilapia culture in China began in the early 1960s in China’s southernmost province of Hainan, and quickly spread to neighboring provinces of Fujian, Guangdong, and Guangxi, which are all located in tropical or sub-tropical regions with warm climate and rich rainfall, where the fish are supplied all year round. Today, tilapia is among the top six cultured freshwater species in China and as a result, tilapia farming is conducted on large scales across the country to cater to the demand of this popular seafood.

The development of aquaculture along with the massive increase of tilapia production in South China has made it necessary to transport the fish between farms, countries, and continents. South China’s booming refrigerated market, covering over 30 inland ports, recently increased by 10%. ZIM South China also reached new heights, with a 20% growth in the refrigerated sector.

Recent global market disruptions posed challenges for producers of aquatic products in China. The country’s growing tilapia industry has shifted due to strict regulations, import measures and sudden inspections of commodities entering various destinations.

The tilapia industry has also evolved as new consumers are more demanding of high-quality goods and rich flavors. Since tilapia is a tropical fish with strict temperature demands of between 25-30℃, it is essential to maintain the freezing chain when handling the cargo to ensure the preservation of its storage life and the quality of the fish. Additionally, factories usually require one or two weeks in advance for the full preparation of the cargo at the warehouse, prior to stuffing the container.

ZIM South China’s dedicated Reefer Sales and Customer Service teams offer an efficient solution when it comes to transporting sensitive cargo, with multiple schedules reaching various global destinations to meet the demand of this export commodity. Their ability to evolve with changes in market demands, and prepare well in advance certainly benefits customers, who can always expect a fast, reliable response from start to finish, whether by personal guidance or clear instructions regarding their booking or time sensitive deliveries. This is all to ensure that customers in both origin and end destinations enjoy reliable and safe transport of tilapia.

Click to leave your details so one of our experts will contact you shortly!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Whatsapp
  • Print Print
  • Email Email

Subscribe to Freeze newsletter or update your subscription details:

More to read...

  • The ZIMonitor Makes Headlines in Italy

    The ZIMonitor Makes Headlines in Italy

    After a long break due to the pandemic, we can finally meet face to face! ZIM had the opportunity to showcase and give guests a first-hand look at our very own ZIMonitor and its advanced features at one of the industry’s first events back in Italy. Check out some of the highlights from the event!

  • The Pharmacy of the World

    The Pharmacy of the World

    India is a driving force when it comes to manufacturing medicines around the world. Hear from Vivek Sharma, ZIM India Commercial Vice President, who tells us how the Indian pharmaceutical industry has experienced rapid expansion and came to be the pharmacy of the world.

  • The Vietnamese Dragon Fruit Craze

    The Vietnamese Dragon Fruit Craze

    One of the most unique tropical fruits in Vietnam – the dragon fruit, is also considered the tastiest in the region. Read on to discover more about this delicious local staple from Choung Dang, ZIM Vietnam Special Cargo Manager, who talks about the country’s widespread dragon-fruit harvest and prospects for the near future.

  • The Inside Scoop – Mexico’s Avocado Boom

    The Inside Scoop – Mexico’s Avocado Boom

    It should come as no surprise that there are constant new trends and happenings in the avocado industry. Learn more about the evolving avocado landscape in Mexico from Isaac Fregoso, ZIM Mexico Reefer Sales Account Owner.

  • Cold Chain Spotlight – The Intra-Med Reefer Trade

    Cold Chain Spotlight – The Intra-Med Reefer Trade

    What does it take to keep the cool chain up and running? Here’s what Amos Aloni, ZIM Intra-Med Line Manager shared with us about the key elements of the cold chain process in providing the world’s growing population with the best supply of fresh products.

Maple Deng
Maple Deng

ZIM South China & Hong Kong Import and Special Cargo Trade Manager
deng.maple@zim.com

News

  • Customer Advisory
  • News
  • Shipping News (Regulations)

About ZIM

  • Shipping Trades & Lines
  • Cargo Services
  • Digital Services
  • Whistleblower
  • Investors

Help

  • Useful Information
  • FAQ
  • SOLAS VGM FAQ
  • Country Requirements & Regulations
  • ZIM Shipping Containers
  • Quotation Terms and Conditions
  • Booking Confirmation Clauses
  • B/L Terms & conditions
  • Sea Waybill

Contact Us

  • Global Network
  • Contact Us
  • Careers
  • IR Contact

Useful Tools

  • Tariff Calculator
  • SOLAS VGM
  • Demurrage & Detention Tariff
  • Local Charges

flag Call Center

  • +18667447046
  • go to Facebook
  • go to LinkedIn
  • go to YouTube
  • go to Instagram
  • go to Twitter
  • go to Vimeo
  • go to Glassdoor
  • go to WeChat
  • go to App store
  • go to Google Play

ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. is one of the leading carriers in the global container shipping industry. ZIM operates a modern fleet and a network of shipping lines offering cargo transportation services on all major global trade routes, supported by the company's local offices and representatives around the world.

© 2018 ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. | All rights reserved

沪ICP备13011253号-2

 

  • Terms of Use
  • ZIM Cookies and Tracking Policy
  • Data Protection Policy
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Sitemap
Accessibility
Message Us
Message Us Hide Close
Message Us Hide Close

Hey, we remember you!

On your previous visit, you saved this form for a later use. Would you like to load the details from your saved form?

Start Clear
Load Saved Form

Hello.

Form saved successfully. Click OK to continue.