Supermarket giant Morrisons has unveiled a significant investment in its seafood supply chain with the opening of the UK’s largest fish-freezing centre in Cornwall, UK.

The new £12.8m ($16.3m) facility, operated by the retailer's supplier Myton Food Group at the Falfish site, has the capacity to freeze up to 180 tonnes of fish per day.

This processing centre boasts a freezing tunnel capable of handling an impressive 112,000 fish per hour.

The project reportedly represents the largest single investment in Cornish shoresides in recent memory and has received £3.8m in funding from the UK Seafood Infrastructure Fund.

Morrisons acquired Falfish in 2021, recognising its potential to strengthen the supermarket’s seafood offering.

With a focus on freshness and sustainability, the new facility allows fish to be caught, frozen, and packed within an hour.

This rapid process ensures that Morrisons customers can enjoy a wider range of high-quality seafood products.

The centre incorporates environmentally friendly technology, including a hot gas defrost system and a green refrigerant, aligning with Morrisons' net-zero goals.

“Opening the UK’s largest fish-freezing centre not only strengthens our position as one of Britain’s biggest food makers but also significantly grows our seafood export business,” said Andrew Thornber, managing director of Myton Food Group.

“We have been excited about this innovative project since acquiring Falfish in 2021, which makes such a positive difference to the local industry and community and provides a sustainable future - as well as the freshest fish for customers in Morrisons stores.”

Falfish, employing 150 skilled workers, sources fish from more than 50 local vessels and supplies 80 different species to Morrisons stores nationwide.

The company’s Cornish base is central to Morrisons’ seafood operations, with more than 80% of its fish sourced from the region.