No Catch, world’s first 100 percent organic and sustainably farmed cod, launched its pioneering product four years ago. And soon it appears on the menu at the renowned French Laundry restaurant in California’s Napa Valley, where Hollywood star Demi Moore was one of the first to sample the new and distinctive Scottish product.
It grabbed news headlines as its popularity increases due to stars demand. But last week it was revealed that the company has gone into receivership with the loss of up to 130 jobs. The company was formed after a management buyout of the local company Johnson Seafarms.
Karol Rzepkowski, managing director No Catch, told that the company was seeking fresh backing, either in the form of new owners or investment. No Catch operated 27 sea farms off the Shetland coast, also produces organic salmon and trout, and has a cod hatchery in Sandwick, a factory in Scalloway, a head office in Vidlin and an office in Edinburgh.
A spokeswoman for the joint administrators said that negotiations were under way with several potential purchasers. She said that the company will be working with the Shetland Development Trust to find a solution which preserves the business and employment on the islands.
Betty Fullerton, the councillor for Shetland Central, informed that it is certainly not good news because there are obviously a lot of jobs involved. He hoped that some sort of package can be put together to retain as many of the jobs as possible on the islands.
