BuyerQuestions

Where does Platax source its tuna?

Platax buys directly from Maldivian fishermen and fishing boats across the atolls. All product is based on the seasonal catch, bought against confirmed orders and moved into processing within a short window of landing.

Is Maldivian tuna pole and line caught?

Yes. The Maldivian fleet fishes one-by-one, using a single hook and line to catch tuna one fish at a time. It is the most sustainable form of tuna fishing, with almost no bycatch and no damage to the reef. Platax supplies only pole and line caught tuna.

Which markets is Platax approved to export to?

Platax is approved by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation to import fresh fish products from the Maldives into Russia, and was among the first companies to hold that approval. The processing facility is an EU approved establishment for fishery products. Platax is also licensed by the Maldives Food and Drug Authority to export worldwide, and has supplied buyers across Russia, the European Union and the Far East since 2009.

What certifications does the processing facility hold?

The facility is MSC certified for chain of custody, BRC certified under the Global Standard for Food Safety, ISO 22000 certified for food safety management, and Friend of the Sea certified for responsible sourcing. HACCP is applied throughout the process and the facility is an EU approved establishment. It is audited every year. Certificate copies, scope statements and approval numbers are available on request.

Which species does Platax supply?

Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) is the main species, supplied chilled or frozen in eleven product forms. Platax also supplies frozen whole skipjack tuna in full container loads, and chilled or frozen reef fish including grouper and red snapper.

What product forms of yellowfin tuna are available?

Chunks at 2 to 5 kg, steaks at 200 to 350 g, loins at 2 to 4 kg, cubes at 3 cm, saku blocks at 200 to 250 g, whole HG at 18 to 29 kg or 30 kg and up, whole GG at 30 to 60 kg, belly at 2 to 6 kg and cheeks at 80 to 100 g per piece. All are available chilled or frozen, skin on or off, and sizes can be cut to your specification.

What is the difference between HG and GG tuna?

HG means headed and gutted: the head is removed along with the viscera. GG means gilled and gutted: the gills and viscera are removed but the head stays on, so the fish presents at a higher whole weight. Platax supplies yellowfin HG at 18 to 29 kg or 30 kg and up, and GG at 30 to 60 kg.

How is chilled tuna shipped from the Maldives?

Chilled product moves by air freight out of Male'. Whole fish is packed in corrugated boxes lined with polythene sheet, sponge or silver foil with gel ice. Cuts are vacuum packed or wrapped in cotton cloth or green paper, then packed in 5 kg, 15 kg or 25 kg styrofoam boxes. Platax holds long standing relationships with airline operators, including the Male' to Moscow lane.

What export documents does Platax provide?

A health certificate issued by the competent authority, a catch certificate and where required the IOTC statistical document, a certificate of origin, packing list, commercial invoice and airway bill. MSC chain of custody references are provided for certified product, along with facility approval numbers and current audit certificates for your import file.

Can packing and cut sizes be customised?

Yes. Sizes, cuts, wrapping and box weights are all adjustable. Steaks, cubes and saku blocks are routinely cut to customer specification, and product can be supplied vacuum packed individually or twin, wrapped in cotton cloth or green paper, or unwrapped.

How quickly does Platax respond to an enquiry?

Platax quotes the same day on every request received. Send the product, grade, volume, packing and destination and a quotation follows within the working day.

How do I request a price list?

Email sales@plataxmaldives.com or call +960 777 3393. Include the products you need, the volume per shipment, how often you intend to ship and the destination airport or port.

Not here? Ask us directly and we will answer the same working day. Request a quote.