This article was featured in Eurofish Magazine 4 2025.
Islaužo Žuvis, a Lithuanian pond fish farming company with roots dating back to 1965, has evolved from a Soviet-era collective farm into a modern producer focused on sustainability, quality, and culinary innovation. Led by Darius Svirskis the company raises carp and bighead carp among other species in polyculture. Abdalla Chahine, who joined the company in 2023, brings a unique perspective shaped by a background in marketing, technology, and a passion for food. As a food technologist and communications -specialist, he is helping to realise the owner’s vision of zero-waste production and responsible resource use. Mr Chahine’s work focuses on creating new products from parts of the fish that are traditionally discarded, aligning with the company’s commitment to circular economy principles.
One of his innovations is a fish pâté made from carp liver, intestines, and the swim bladder—nutritious and flavourful components rarely used in the region. Despite some cultural resistance, the product has found a small but loyal customer base. Available only in the company’s own shops and with a short four-day shelf life, it represents both a culinary and logistical breakthrough. The company also produces fish fat, extracted and sold in jars. Bighead carp fat is rich in omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, offering a natural alternative to dietary supplements. Processing is done with care to preserve nutritional value, keeping temperatures low and avoiding intense treatment. Islaužo Žuvis’ commitment to quality -extends beyond the fish. Spices and ingredients for -value-added items like smoked sausages are carefully sourced, often by Mr Chahine himself. While not scalable to industrial levels, this artisanal -approach ensures high standards and supports -local sourcing. In a market that often prioritises volume, Islaužo Žuvis offers a different model: one that values tradition, innovation, and sustainability equally. With its focus on whole-fish -usage and a small-batch production ethos, the company proves that -responsible aquaculture can also be creatively fulfilling.