Falmouth based fish merchants, Falmouth Fishselling Co Ltd, have been awarded an Objective 1 Fisheries Grant of £11,226 for a new ice machine to ensure product quality.

Falfish, founded in 1979, employs six staff at the Falmouth premises and with the new 5-ton ice machine will bring extra jobs to the area. The company is landing and processing scallops in Falmouth and requires top quality ice to ensure the product reaches its customers in the UK and Europe in top condition. By purchasing the ice machine, the processing operation can be stepped up, creating more jobs.

The company also requires ice to supply local fishing vessels landing in Falmouth, to ensure fish is kept chilled from the sea to the plate.

The new ice plant will have additional environmental benefits as it uses new state-of-the-art technology to reduce pollution and uses significantly less electricity.

Alison Elvey, Objective 1 Fisheries Programme Manager stated: "The provision and use of ice is vital to fish merchants and fisherman alike to ensure fish reaches the consumer as fresh as possible. Investment in machines which promote quality in the industry are encouraged by the Objective 1 fisheries programme."