Walmart Shows Interest in Australian Canned Tunaff

An innovative Port Lincoln tuna cannery is on the verge of major sales to the U.S., providing the first solid evidence of the benefits of the U.S. Free Trade Agreement.

Retail giants Walmart and Trader Joes are among scores of U.S. companies which have expressed interest in buying tuna tempter products from PL Tuna Processors.

Following a marketing trip to the U.S., senior executives believe the company is set to reap major dividends.

”If we are successful, we believe our turnover will increase from $45 million to more than $100 million,” administration manager Jackie Field says.

The U.S. Free Trade Agreement took effect on January 1. It eliminated a 35 per cent tariff on canned goods.

PL Tuna Processors received hundreds of requests for further information and samples from companies at the Boston Seafood Show at the end of March.

Ms Field said the company was sorting through the requests and developing a long-term strategy to manage the U.S. demand. The company expects to sign contracts within four or five months, she said.

The U.S. only has basic tuna products and Ms. Field is confident the company's range of 16 tuna tempter products will be well received. “We're confident they will like our products, which have the additional benefit of not containing any mercury,” she said.

“Capacity will be no problem. We have a second cannery that is only used now and again.”

PL Tuna Processors is the largest private employer in Port Lincoln, with 225 staff. Ms Field believes the company will need another 100 to handle the extra work it expects from the U.S.

Eyre Regional Development Board executive Mark Cant said the cannery was a key business for Port Lincoln.

”It’s been a challenge for it to remain competitive, but it has been able to through its innovation, reliable employees and exciting products,” he said. “The FTA opens up numerous opportunities that hadn’t previously been explored.”