Transforming Corvina: From Commodity to Customized Solutions.

Uruguayan yellow croaker (corvina) is one of Uruguayan's main export products, especially to African markets such as Cameroon, Gabon, and Nigeria.

I had the opportunity to visit Cameroon and tour the warehouse of one of the leading importers. What I saw confirmed what we already know: Uruguayan producers typically export whole fish, with no added value. They are price takers in a concentrated market, with limited control over pricing.

That model has helped provide affordable protein to many African countries — a key contribution to food security across the region. And that should not be underestimated or dismissed.

However, we also believe it's time to think creatively and explore complementary models: new markets and new formats that incorporate greater value-add for Uruguayan products.

We already have the most essential component, high-quality raw material.

The real question is: how do we want to work with it going forward?

It’s not about replacing one model with another — but about taking deliberate, steady steps toward greater diversification and value creation.

That’s the main CORE of Foodsmart Group:

We focus on developing tailored, value-added solutions for clients in Europe and the U.S., across retail, foodservice (HORECA), and industry.

We listen, we visit, we co-create — building products around the unique strengths of Uruguayan fish.

Let’s move forward — step by step.