Tailor Made Fish Farm, the state’s largest producer of barramundi, is set to be sold.
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Port Stephens Complete Real Estate in Anna Bay has listed the unique aquaculture business, responsible for producing one tonne of fish every week, for sale calling it a “once in a lifetime opportunity” to own.
A selling price has not been made public.
The sale comes just three months after Tailor Made's managing director, Nick Arena, won NSW Farmer of the Year. The award, announced in December 2016, recognised Mr Arena’s abilities not only in production but as an ambassador for food.
Mr Arena did not return the Examiner’s calls regarding the sale of the business that he helped to establish.
About one tonne of fish, mainly barramundi, is produced at the farm each week, which is sold to a Sydney wholesaler who in turn sells to restaurants. This makes Tailor Made, located at Bobs Farm, the largest barramundi farm in the state in a battle for domestic market share.
About 70 per cent of all barramundi consumed in Australia is still imported frozen from Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
Leafy vegetables and herbs are also grown on-site using a hydroponic system that re-uses nutrient rich wastewater from the fish production facility.
Mr Arena augmented the farm’s income in recent years with the hydroponic production of fancy lettuce, spinach, basil, parsley and buk choy.
These are sold through various Newcastle markets to eateries across Port Stephens and the Hunter.
The fish, vegetables and herbs are also used at the farm’s on-site restaurant, “Cookabarra”.
Tailor Made Fish Farm is spread across 43 acres of land, which is zoned Rural 1A.
Approvals have already been made to build two new fish sheds on the property, which would allow for an increase in production.
Additionally, an development application to double the size of currently non-operational processing centre, which features two cool rooms, has also been approved.
The farm, equipment, a three bedroom house located on-site plus the restaurant and function centre are part of the sale.
The fish farm and “Cookabarra” restaurant and function centre are still operating normally.