Exotic fish offerings including barracuda from Australia among 160 different types Shoppers in Woking are being offered the chance to taste some truly exotic fish and meat products at Safeway's newly opened superstore. The fish counter is 21ft long ­ a record length for this country ­ and stocks 160 different types of fish. Among those on display are fresh luxuries such as abalone at nearly £6 a throw, razor clams, Canadian lobster, Pacific oysters and good old Cromer crab (at £16.99/kg). The counter also stocks fresh barracuda, flown in from Australia. Safeway chief executive Carlos Criado-Perez admits British shoppers are "intimidated" when it comes to buying whole fish or some shellfish. But he said the combination of well trained staff and a good range had ensured the concept was already exceeding expectations in Woking. In its first week of trade, for instance, the store sold five cases of barracuda. The counter also has a "fish charter" on display promoting the fact it only sells quality Scottish salmon, shellfish brought in daily and fresh Icelandic cod. Elements of the new look fish counter will now be rolled out to Safeway's other stores. The multiple says it has worked closely with Marr to develop the fresh fish range at Woking. Stock is sent into Safeway's Aylesford depot for distribution to its stores. - Alongside the fish display is a 32 ft butcher's counter ­ again said to be one of the longest in the country. The meats stocked range from Aberdeen Angus on the bone to healthy choice cuts to Italian pancetta sliced on demand. However, a key line here Safeway's new Chef's Market selection ­ a range of 19 prepared meats for special occasions. The products include quail stuffed with apricot and Carmargue red rice, corn fed chicken stuffed with leek and bacon, and beef paupiettes with stilton and mushroom stuffing. Only five of the products are prepared in the store. The remainder are shipped in from Safeway's Milton Keynes depot ready to sell. Safeway said the range was developed by working closely with its lead suppliers Bennett, Dawn Meats and Grampian. "We are giving the customer a reason to shop in Safeway by offering products that are different to prepack and to what are competitors sell," said Criado-Perez. {{M/E MEAT }}

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