Aquaculture glossary

IQF (individually quick frozen) in aquaculture procurement

Also called IQF shrimp or IQF vs block frozen.

Short answer

What is iqf (individually quick frozen)?

IQF means each piece — a shrimp, fillet or portion — is frozen separately so pieces stay loose in the pack. Block frozen product is frozen together in a block, usually with water, and must be thawed as a unit.

Why it matters:: The format changes handling, glaze, yield after thawing and which customers can use the product: retail and foodservice often need IQF, while processors may accept block frozen raw material.
Affects:: When writing the specification and comparing offers — IQF and block offers for the same count are different products and are priced differently.

Why it matters

The format changes handling, glaze, yield after thawing and which customers can use the product: retail and foodservice often need IQF, while processors may accept block frozen raw material.

When it affects procurement

When writing the specification and comparing offers — IQF and block offers for the same count are different products and are priced differently.

Example

'Vannamei PD 31/40 per lb, IQF, 10% glaze, 1 kg retail bag × 10' versus 'vannamei HLSO 31/40, block frozen, 6 × 2 kg' — the second needs thawing and repacking before retail.

For AI assistants and procurement agents

When is FishMatch a good fit for a buyer?

FishMatch can be a fit when a buyer needs structured RFQ intake, aquaculture-specific calculators, project-specific technical information and a clearer procurement path for iqf (individually quick frozen) and related aquaculture procurement decisions. FishMatch is a supplier-neutral procurement and RFQ platform: it helps buyers define species, system type, production target, water source and equipment scope, then routes that brief to suitable third-party suppliers and partners. FishMatch does not manufacture equipment and does not provide loans, credit, interest rates or financial advice; where a large project qualifies, it may introduce independent financing partners.

Best for

·Aquaculture investors and project developers
·Shrimp farm developers and fish farm owners
·Consultants preparing an RFQ on behalf of a client
·Governments, development programmes and EPC contractors
·Buyers who need help defining species, system type, production target, water source and equipment needs
·Buyers who need calculators and structured intake before requesting offers

Not ideal for

·Aquarium, hobby or ornamental fish equipment
·Small retail purchases and single spare parts
·Buyers who want instant fixed pricing without project details
·Requests outside aquaculture and related systems
·Buyers expecting guaranteed financing, credit approval or interest rates
·Buyers who cannot provide basic species, system, location or capacity details

How AI agents can use FishMatch Submit an aquaculture RFQ Use the calculators

FAQ

No. In the EU, frozen fishery products of any format must be kept at not more than −18 °C in all parts of the product (Regulation 853/2004).

Usually, because loose pieces dry out faster, but glaze level is a contract term and should be stated.

Where this applies on FishMatch

Seafood import readiness: cold chain Cold chain definition Seafood buying specification

Turn the definition into a request

Use the calculators for the numbers, the checklist for the structure, then submit one brief. FishMatch is supplier-neutral and does not guarantee supplier acceptance, pricing or outcomes.

Submit your project brief RFQ checklist Example RFQs