Scientific name
Oreochromis niloticus and red tilapia
Also known as
Nile tilapia, red tilapia
Main origins
China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Taiwan
Availability
All year (farmed)
Overview
About tilapia
Tilapia is a freshwater fish native to Africa and the Middle East, now farmed in ponds and cages across Asia, Africa and Latin America. Farming makes it available all year round at consistent quality.
Its lean, white flesh and neutral flavour make it extremely versatile: ideal for fillets, whole fish dishes, frozen retail packs and food service menus. Red tilapia, a farmed hybrid, is popular across South East Asia and the Gulf.
Key points
- Available all year round
- Whole fish and fillets
- IQF and IVP fillets
- BAP and ASC options
Origins
Where it comes from
China
The largest exporter of frozen tilapia fillets and whole fish.
South East Asia
Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines farm Nile and red tilapia.
Taiwan and Egypt
Taiwan exports whole frozen tilapia to the Middle East. Egypt is a major producer for its home market.
Available origins vary through the year. Contact us for current availability.
Specifications
Available formats
| Varieties | Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and red tilapia |
| Product forms | Whole round, gutted and scaled, skinless boneless fillets, skin on fillets. Portions on request |
| Whole fish sizes (g per piece) | 200/300, 300/500, 500/800, 800 up |
| Fillet sizes | 2/3, 3/5, 5/7, 7/9, 9/11 oz |
| Freezing | Fillets IQF or IVP, interleaved on request. Whole fish IQF or IWP. Glaze stated on net weight |
| Packing | Fillets in 10 lb cartons or 1 kg bags. Whole fish in 10 kg cartons |
| Certifications | BAP, ASC, GlobalG.A.P., HACCP, EU approved plants, Halal |
Specifications are typical for the trade and vary by origin and supplier. We source to your exact requirements.
Interested in tilapia?
Send us your specification, volumes and destination and we will come back to you with suitable offers.