Indian shrimp processor Choice Canning will launch production trials next month at a new factory in the state of Andhra Pradesh as reported by a senior company executive.

The plant is envisioned in Bapatla, in the heart of India’s biggest shrimp farming region and is predicted to reach full production capacity by August 2024, Choice Canning Director Thomas Jose told IntraFish.

The factory when running in its full capacity will be able to process 70 metric tons of shrimp per day, doubling the company’s current daily production to 140 metric tons.

The bulk of the processed shrimp at the new plant are likely to be exported to the US and Canadian markets. The idea behind launching the Bapatla plant is to reduce its dependence on external processing plants. Indian government has funded the investment largely. Choice Canning was one of 11 seafood companies included in the government’s Production Linked Incentive scheme which supported the creation of food manufacturing “champions” that encouraged Indian brands in international markets. Choice Group, is one of the largest and most diversified business conglomerates in India, Choice Canning’s parent company and is headquartered in Kochi. It has several branches in major trading centres in South India, as well as the United States, Canada, South Korea and Japan.