Suyai Lafquen – work cooperative


It’s a work cooperative that elaborates shellfish marinades from San Matías Bay.

“Suyai Lafquen” began its commercial activity in December 2004 and grew from a social project development by women in 2001, just after the economic crisis. The company is managed by Sandra Sarmiento, Mirna Castellano, Alicia Pincheira, Isabel Romero, with the help of Marcelo Pascual and Carlos Dalmasso.

 

What we do

At this moment in time, the company artesanally prepares 6 marinades with octopus, clam, mussel, scallops and squid bases.

They are offered in 3 product sizes: -18 NULL, 360 and 1 kilo to satisfy local and national demand.

 

How we do it

The prime material is sort from San Matías Bay artisanal fisherman (shell-fishermen and octopus-fishermen).Octopus, mussel, scallops, clam and squid are all processed in the company’s plant. They are processed, cooked and canned under strict national alimentary codes.Thanks to family recipes and artisanal elaboration, the products offer an authentic home-cooked flavour.

After canning and labelling the product is distributed by the cooperative, on a great scale.

 

Why we do it

Foremost, for the need to offer work opportunities, based on our knowledge of the elaboration and cooking of shellfish. A “wisdom” that has been handed down from generation to generation and is of interest to tourism. We see this venture as an opportunity for growth within the Bay’s traditional activities.We also recognise the importance that the local community benefits from the fishing activity.

 

Our work honours group-work and gives us the chance to leave something to our sons and benefit society with responsible resource use.