Scientific name
Merluccius hubbsi (Argentine hake), Merluccius merluccius (European hake)
Also known as
Merluza, merluza argentina, Argentine hake, European hake, pescadilla (small hake)
Main origins
Argentina, Spain, Uruguay
Availability
Year round
Overview
About Hake
Argentine hake (Merluccius hubbsi) is a demersal whitefish caught by bottom trawl on the Patagonian shelf, while European hake (Merluccius merluccius) is landed by Spanish trawl and longline fleets in the North East Atlantic. Both have white, lean flesh with a mild flavour and a soft, flaky texture.
Argentina is the main source of frozen hake fillets and HGT, processed both at sea and in Patagonian shore plants. Spain is the largest hake market in Europe and a key importer and processor, while its own fleets land fresh European hake, including longline caught fish. Uses include fillets, loins, breaded products and fresh whole fish.
Key points
- Lean, mild white flesh
- Sea frozen and land frozen
- HGT, fillets and blocks
- Fresh European hake from Spain
Origins
Where it comes from
Argentina
Main hake fishery on the Patagonian shelf, supplying sea frozen and land frozen HGT and fillets.
Spain
Galician and Basque fleets land fresh European hake; Spain is also the main import and processing hub.
Uruguay
Shares the hake stock with Argentina in the Common Fishing Zone of the Río de la Plata.
Available origins vary through the year. Contact us for current availability.
Specifications
Available formats
| Product forms | Whole round, HG, HGT, fillets skin on or skinless (boneless or pin bone in), fillet blocks; fresh whole European hake |
| Sizes | HGT 100/200, 200/400, 300/600, 600/800, 800/1200 g; whole round 200/400, 300/600, 600/900 g |
| Freezing | Sea frozen or land frozen; IQF, interleaved or block |
| Packing | Interleaved fillets 3 x 7 kg; IQF fillets 1 x 5 kg or 1 x 10 kg; HGT in cartons |
| Availability | Year round |
| Certifications | Argentine hake under active fishery improvement projects (FIP); catch certificates and EU approved establishments |
Argentine hake and European hake are different species and must be labelled accordingly. Specifications are typical for the trade and vary by origin and supplier. We source to your exact requirements.
Interested in Hake?
Send us your specification, volumes and destination and we will come back to you with suitable offers.