Proximar Seafood begins harvesting Atlantic Salmon in Japan
JAPAN – Proximar Seafood AS has commenced its first-ever domestic harvest of Atlantic salmon in Japan, achieved through its collaboration with Skretting Japan.
The company built a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facility in Shizuoka Prefecture in 2022, where the salmon are being raised.
On September 30, Proximar completed and sold its first batch of locally produced Atlantic salmon, under its new brand, Fuji Atlantic Salmon.
This marks a significant moment for the Norwegian land-based aquaculture company, as it introduces homegrown Atlantic salmon to the Japanese market.
In an April production update, Proximar confirmed that its initial harvest was scheduled for the third quarter of 2024, a timeline the company has successfully met.
Earlier, during the announcement of its fourth-quarter 2023 results, the company revealed that the next operational step would begin in April, with production starting in the second of four modules at its post-smolt grow-out facility.
Skretting CEO Bastiaan van Tilburg disclosed plans for further investment in Japan’s aquaculture sector, specifically for the Imari plant.
Skretting is looking to invest between approximately 15 million euros (US$16.3M) to enhance the facility’s RAS feed supply system, with an eye on serving the yellowtail market in addition to the salmon sector.
“We are currently providing 26 million seafood meals daily, and we need a sustainable protein supply system that can meet demand as the global population reaches 10 billion by 2050,” van Tilburg stated.
Proximar has had a busy year, with a significant milestone in July when it finalized its first sales agreement, as outlined in its Q2 2024 production update.
The company’s biomass of Atlantic salmon has more than tripled since the first quarter of 2024, demonstrating strong growth in its operations.
Looking ahead to its September harvest, Proximar ramped up commercial and marketing efforts in partnership with Marubeni, which has produced positive outcomes.
The company’s new sales agreement locks in a set price per kilogram for a substantial portion of its projected harvest for the remainder of 2024.
While the pricing details were not disclosed, Proximar confirmed that the rates are competitive with market standards and carry a premium over Norwegian imports.
The agreement is expected to cover approximately one-third of Proximar’s forecasted harvest for the year.
Proximar Seafood CEO Joachim Nielsen expressed satisfaction with the company’s progress during this period.
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