Vietnam's Herring: A Treasure from the Sea

Herring (Clupea harengus) is a small, nutrient-rich fish that plays an essential role in Vietnam's seafood exports. Found in Vietnam’s coastal waters, particularly in the northern and central regions, herring is a versatile product with various uses in culinary and industrial applications. It is popular for its affordability, nutritional value, and versatility in international markets.

Vietnam has a consistent supply of herring due to its long coastline and well-established fishing industry. Herring is harvested mainly using purse seine and gillnet fishing methods, which help preserve the quality of the fish.

• Sizes: The most commonly processed sizes for export include:

  • 15/20 pcs per kg

  • 20/25 pcs per kg

  • 25/30 pcs per kg

Processing and Freezing

Our herring is meticulously processed to ensure freshness and quality:

1. Sorting and Grading:
   Freshly caught herring is sorted based on size and quality. Grading is an essential step:

   • A Grade: Uniform size, no broken or damaged fish, bright skin, and firm texture.

   • B Grade: Slightly uneven size, minor blemishes, or softer texture. Often used in secondary processing or canned products.

2. Cleaning and Cutting:
   Herring may be processed into whole round, headed and gutted (HGT), or filleted forms based on customer specifications.

3. Freezing:
   The fish is frozen using the Block Quick Freezing (BQF) method. BQF ensures the fish maintains its structure and nutrients during storage and transportation. Blocks are frozen at temperatures between -35°C and -40°C and stored at -18°C or lower to retain quality.

4. Packaging:
   After freezing, herring is vacuum-sealed or packed in bulk. The packaging includes labeling with details like grade, size, and origin to meet export requirements.

Export Markets

Vietnamese herring is exported to various countries, with Azerbaijan being one of the key markets. Other major destinations include:

• Eastern European countries (e.g., Ukraine, Belarus)

• Middle Eastern countries

• Asian countries (e.g., China, Japan)

Industries That Favor Herring

1. Foodservice Industry: Restaurants, canneries, and catering companies use herring for smoked, pickled, or fried dishes.

2. Military Supplies: Armies in several countries prefer herring because it is cost-effective, high in protein, and easy to preserve.

3. Fishmeal and Oil Production: Lower-grade herring is used to produce fishmeal and omega-3-rich fish oil.

Culinary Uses

Herring is highly versatile and used in various dishes across the world

Herring is highly versatile and used in various dishes across the world

• Smoked Herring: A popular delicacy in European cuisines, often eaten as an appetizer or paired with bread.

• Pickled Herring: A staple in Nordic countries, where the fish is cured in vinegar and spices.

• Fried Herring: Simple and delicious, fried herring is often served with potatoes or rice.

• Stews and Curries: In Southeast Asia, herring is incorporated into flavorful curries and stews.

Nutritional Value and Benefits

Herring is a nutrient-dense food packed with essential nutrients:

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Promotes heart health, reduces inflammation, and supports brain function.

• Protein: High-quality protein helps build and repair tissues.

• Vitamin D: Essential for bone health and immune support.

• Vitamin B12: Aids in energy production and red blood cell formation.

• Minerals: Rich in calcium, phosphorus, and selenium, which support metabolic and bone health.

Calorie Content: Herring is low in calories, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious consumers.

“Discover the taste of sustainability and quality with Vietnam’s finest herring. At Khoi Viet Seafood, we bring you responsibly sourced, meticulously processed herring that’s rich in nutrition and flavor—perfect for every table worldwide”

— Khoi Viet Seafood