Frozen Mackerel (Titus) – Wholesale Supplier & Exporter
ATC Group supplies frozen whole mackerel in full reefer containers to importers, wholesalers and fish smokers in West and Central Africa. In English-speaking West Africa it is often called "titus". We offer three species: North-East Atlantic mackerel, Atlantic chub mackerel (colias) and Pacific chub mackerel. We source them from approved freezing plants and factory vessels. Every offer states the species, fishing area, size grade, glazing and net carton weight, so you can compare it before you book a container.
Key facts
| Species or cut | Scomber scombrus, Scomber colias, Scomber japonicus |
|---|---|
| Trade names | Titus, titus |
| Size or weight per piece | 200/400, 300/500, 400/600 g and 600 g+; or 16+, 20+, 23+, 25+ cm depending on origin |
| Packing and carton weight | 20 kg net carton (one 20 kg block or two 10 kg blocks); 30 kg (three 10 kg blocks) for colias |
| Cartons and tonnes per 40ft | 40ft High Cube reefer, about 26 t net (25–27.5 t depending on packing), about 1,300 cartons of 20 kg |
| Origin | North-East Atlantic: Norway, Faroe Islands, Iceland, Scotland, Ireland ; Morocco, Mauritania; also Portugal and Spain ; China, Japan, Peru, Chile |
| Approval | Plant approval number indicated on the health certificate |
| Shelf life | 24 months from production, depending on the plant |
| Temperature | -18 °C, often -20 to -22 °C for long transits; data logger on request |
| Lead time | 10–21 days after receipt of the bank transfer |
| Incoterms | CIF, CFR, FOB |
| Documents | Health certificate issued by the competent authority of the origin country ; Catch certificate (IUU) where the destination requires it ; Certificate of origin, commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading ; Histamine test per lot on request ; Pre-shipment inspection by SGS or Bureau Veritas at the buyer's request. For Cameroon it is mandatory, and we arrange it for every container. |
| Inspection | SGS or Bureau Veritas on request |
| Minimum order | One full container |
Product photos
Which species and size for which use
You do not buy "mackerel": you buy a species, a fishing area, a season and a size grade, and that is what sets the price.
- Scomber scombrus (North-East Atlantic: Norway, Faroe Islands, Iceland, Scotland, Ireland): the reference for smoking. The autumn–winter catch has about 20–28 % fat; the spring catch is leaner (about 8–12 %).
- Scomber colias (Morocco, Mauritania; also Portugal and Spain): firmer flesh, about 10–16 % fat, suited to frying and sauces.
- Scomber japonicus (China, Japan, Peru, Chile): from 100/300 g for retail up to 900 g and above.
Most traded sizes in West Africa:
- 200/400 g: volume grade for retail and frying;
- 300/500 g: the most liquid grade on West African markets;
- 400/600 g: preferred for smoking and premium distribution;
- 600 g+: limited availability, on request.
Off-grade tolerance is set in the contract, typically below 10 % per carton.
Specifications
| Product | Frozen whole round mackerel |
|---|---|
| Species | Scomber scombrus, Scomber colias, Scomber japonicus |
| Sizes | 200/400, 300/500, 400/600 g and 600 g+; or 16+, 20+, 23+, 25+ cm depending on origin |
| Presentation | Block frozen or IQF |
| Packing | 20 kg net carton (one 20 kg block or two 10 kg blocks); 30 kg (three 10 kg blocks) for colias |
| Glazing | Rate stated in writing in every offer; price on net weight, glaze excluded |
| Container | 40ft High Cube reefer, about 26 t net (25–27.5 t depending on packing), about 1,300 cartons of 20 kg |
| Temperature | -18 °C, often -20 to -22 °C for long transits; data logger on request |
| Shelf life | 24 months from production, depending on the plant |
| Carton marking | Species, fishing area, size, production date, plant approval number |
| Lead time | 10–21 days after receipt of the bank transfer |
| Incoterms | CIF, CFR, FOB |
Documents supplied
- Health certificate issued by the competent authority of the origin country
- Catch certificate (IUU) where the destination requires it
- Certificate of origin, commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading
- Histamine test per lot on request
- Pre-shipment inspection by SGS or Bureau Veritas at the buyer's request. For Cameroon it is mandatory, and we arrange it for every container.
Ordering
The minimum order is one full 40ft container. Each offer states the species, fishing area, size, glazing, net weight per carton and number of cartons. One container can combine several sizes of the same species. Prices move weekly with catches and freight, so a firm offer is valid for a few days only.
Trade terms
Incoterms
CIF / CFR / FOB
Minimum order
One full container load (FCL)
Inspection
Pre-shipment inspection by SGS available at the buyer's request (quality, quantity, temperature).
Markets served
- Nigeria: CFR Lagos or Onne, CIF on request; fish only · Nigeria
- Côte d'Ivoire, CIF Abidjan · Côte d'Ivoire
- Ghana, CIF Tema · Ghana
- Cameroon, CIF Douala or Kribi, SGS inspection included · Cameroon
- Senegal, CIF Dakar
- Benin, CIF Cotonou
- Guinea, CIF Conakry
- Burkina Faso via Tema, Lomé or Abidjan
Related products
Frequently asked questions
What is "titus" fish?
It is the common name for frozen whole mackerel in English-speaking West Africa, especially Nigeria and Ghana. It usually means Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) or Atlantic chub mackerel (Scomber colias).
What is the difference between mackerel and horse mackerel?
They are different species. Mackerel belongs to the genus Scomber; horse mackerel ("kote") belongs to the genus Trachurus. They are quoted separately.
Which size should I choose?
300/500 g is the best-selling size in West Africa. 200/400 g suits retail and frying; 400/600 g suits smoking.
How many tonnes fit in one container?
About 26 t net per 40ft reefer (25–27.5 t depending on packing), about 1,300 cartons of 20 kg.
Is the price based on net weight?
Yes. The glazing rate is stated in writing in the offer, and the price applies to the net weight of fish.
What fat content can I expect?
It depends on species and season. Autumn–winter Scomber scombrus is the fattest (about 20–28 %); colias is around 10–16 %. The actual level is confirmed for each lot.
Which documents come with the container?
Health certificate, catch certificate where required, certificate of origin and the full commercial set. Histamine test and SGS inspection are available on request.
What is the lead time?
10–21 days after receipt of the bank transfer, plus the sea transit to the destination port.