Tokyo, Japan: Skretting, a leading global aquafeed producer, has unveiled plans to invest €10-15 million in its Imari facility in Japan, with a focus on bolstering the production of high-quality feeds for recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and expanding offerings to species like yellowtail.
During a recent visit to Japan, Skretting CEO Bastiaan van Tilburg emphasized the strategic importance of this investment. He noted that the upgraded facility will enhance the supply chain for RAS feeds while also improving the overall quality of feed products produced locally for yellowtail farming.
In addition to strengthening feed production, Skretting Japan is actively pursuing ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) certification for its feed. Achieving this certification will help position Japanese farmed fish for international markets, further supporting the export potential of the country’s aquaculture sector.
Japan plays a critical role in Skretting’s growth strategy, with the company aiming to address key challenges such as rising raw material prices and climate change through sustainable feed solutions. The broader goal is to improve profitability across Japan’s aquaculture industry by providing environmentally friendly and efficient aquafeeds.
A recent milestone in Japan’s aquaculture sector highlights the growing potential of domestic fish farming. On September 30, 2024, Japan celebrated its first-ever local harvest of Atlantic salmon. The fish were raised in a state-of-the-art RAS facility in Shizuoka Prefecture, built and managed by Proximar Seafood, a Norwegian company.
Skretting has been a key partner in this venture, working closely with Proximar from the beginning of the project. The global team at Skretting collaborated with their Japanese counterparts to ensure top-tier quality monitoring, making the successful harvest a shared accomplishment for both companies.
“Our feeds currently support 26 million seafood meals every day,” Van Tilburg said. “It’s crucial that we develop a robust protein supply chain capable of meeting future demands, especially as the global population is expected to reach 10 billion by 2050.”
