Salvador Ramon’s Big Passion For Tuna

Despite tuna not being a big part of Salvador Ramon Mateo’s childhood, his passion for the fish has grown into a love that’s got him staying awake at night, and unable to count the extensive number of tuna memorabilia he has collected from around the world.

Now the CEO of his own company Frime, Salvador’s experience with fish started when he was 17, working with his father in the central market in Barcelona, where together they sold frozen fish. But this bored him, and he itched for more, stating “that prices were always the same.”

“When I discovered the agility of the bluefin market, that became my passion,” he remarked. “I started to cut tuna every night in Mercabarna market, and I began to really appreciate the value of this species; its quality and complexity.”

Asking Salvador if tuna was a big part of his childhood, he said in all honesty, no. “My mother always told me I was raised in a box of squid,” he laughed, explaining that his baby crib was quite literally a wooden squid box used to carry the fish.

After outgrowing that, he does distinctly remember the tuna ratatouille that his mother used to make, which he says was truly delicious.

He’s never been good at fishing himself, and having tried many times, admits that patience is not one of his qualities. But that doesn’t stop him from appreciating the pure “excellence” of tuna as a fish. “There is no animal equal in the ocean,” he assures.

Salvador thrives on the agility of the tuna market, with its volatility and global scale keeping him hooked. He’s amazed at tuna’s international presence, as one of just a few fish that is eaten in every country in the world. “Tuna gives us a market that we can get from no other species.”

“What makes my passion for tuna so strong? That’s an easy question”, he says, with his drive coming from the complexity of the industry and the daily challenges it presents.

“This has made the years pass by so quickly. I started so young, and now I’m 43.”

Since he began cutting tuna fish at night in the market, to today, he says he has lived a thousand experiences, travelling several times around the world, following the best catch and the best tuna. “Tuna has made my great company.”

Catalonia-based Frime deals mostly in the trade of tuna, exporting to over 32 countries globally. The firm reached a sales value of over USD 70 million last year, exporting mainly tuna loins, stakes, and also sushi, heading to restaurants, fish shops and supermarkets. Salvador and employees can be found wearing t-shirts with the company’s passion displaying slogan: “We have soul”.

Last year, Frime launched Espai Tonynina (Tuna Space), in Catalonia, to bring top tuna products and necessary know-how on the industry into one place. The venture is focused on promoting tuna delicacies, nutritional benefits and the elegance of the tuna world.

The store “is many things”, Salvador says. “It’s a tribute, a reminder, a story that’s alive.” Espai Tonyina was born from his passion for tuna, and the desire to show the public what Frime, as professionals, know about this wonderful fish.

The amount of tuna memorabilia he has collected from around the world and has sprinkled throughout the space is uncountable, but if he had to highlight some of his favorites, it would be an anchor from a trap fishery in Barbate, including trap nets, and some special knives from the famous Tsukiji tuna market in Japan.

“There are many gifts from friends, so I like to display them all for people to see when they are there.” Between my house and the Espai Tonyina, they are totally uncountable; “I have some real collectable items and some truly original pieces.”

Already long-lived, Salvador hopes that his passion for tuna can be emulated in other generations to come, but does have some concerns over the future of the fish he has grown to adore.

“I worry about commercial boycotts, and the black arts that are used by certain fleets, harming the sustainability of future catches.” If the industry is serious about guaranteeing the future of tuna, just like some fleets already are, he believes that the reward is truly magnificent.

“It’s simple”, he said, “let’s reward sustainable fleets and stop fishing illegally.”