I have always been fascinated by how ‘things’ are made. Today was one of the unique experiences of my life. Once I got past the overwhelming smell of fish, we made our way around Pesquera Diamanté — one of the largest producers of fish and fish food in this part of the world. Hugging the Pacific Ocean along a 200 mile coastline, Peru has access to Gods natural bounty provided by the sea.
Over 40 fishing ports along the coast generate over $400 million in revenue for Diamanté, with the bulk of their product going to China, Japan and Europe. The CEO, Manuel Salazar, is a brilliant man with a keen insight into this smelly world. A natural story teller, he painted in broad brush strokes the opportunities and challenges of his industry.
The plant tour was a highlight. Dressed as if we were preparing to handle nuclear waste, the level of hygiene and control was apparent. Scores of workers, along an assembly line, deftly took large Mahi Mahi, and skinned, deboned and filleted the fish with alarming dexterity. Less than a minute for each large fish.
I learned that the only way to keep fish fresh, is to keep it frozen! I walked into the freeze chamber where the controlled temperature was at a ridiculous zero degrees Fahrenheit, or close to minus 32 Celsius. In about ONE minute, my finger tips were painfully cold.
I marveled at how good companies find opportunity to make money, and to help others. Diamanté works with the poor to eliminate juvenile malnutrition and supports pregnant women to ensure that newborns have a healthy weight, at birth.
Mr. Salazar spoke with conviction:
It’s easy to be a philanthropist. However, social responsibility has to do with a shared value system, where everyone wins
Funny how a fishy business can allow them to experience the sweet smell of success!
About Hemant Rustogi