The next step is to establish brand recognition for their premier label, Gulf Classic. Although the Gutierrez family has been involved in shrimp processing for generations, there is evidently room for newcomers, too. Busick said in the past they primarily processed oysters. But because of the publicity surrounding oyster consumers getting sick, consumerdemand is low. Nobodywants to take a chance.
Oysters are safer to eat today than ever in history.
Ole Biloxi Oyster Company decided there was a good future in processing shrimp, and recently got a contract to process 2.5 million pounds peryear. The company primarily processes domestically caught shrimp. Mississippi's shrimp harvest in 1996 was down about a third from 1995, but experts say the amount harvested was still in line withlong-term averages. The season for shrimping in Mississippi waters ended in mid-January and is expected to reopen in June.