Canneries investing in new crab factories Canned crab remains a steady growth item, according to import statistics, although it is unlikely to appear on the regular weekly shopping list. The proliferation of Eastern recipes, many featuring seafood, is behind the interest. Thailand has been the UK's major provider, but at least two of the largest canners have invested in new factories in Vietnam, as Thai raw material is in demand from the frozen trade which can afford higher prices. China is also likely to feature as a source of raw material and eventually carry out processing, according to an importer who said: "Stringent controls are necessary to ensure the quality of crab meat used for canning. "It is a difficult raw material to handle and years of experience have given Thai packers the knowhow." So although Vietnam and China have plentiful supplies, it is likely processing will continue to be done in Thailand. {{CANNED GOODS }}