Finnish technology company, Finnforel, one of the world's leading ecological fish farms, plans to expand the production capacity of its Varkaus rainbow trout plant from one million to three tons. A significant part of the €25 million expansion plan is to introduce Finland industrial-scale broodstock and fry production suitable for Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS). 

Currently, most of the eggs used in fish farming in Finland are imported. Finnforel is building a €12 million genetics and fry plant in Hollola that, upon completion, will have the capacity to produce eggs for six Finnforel plants around the world.

The project, which is being implemented in close co-operation with Natural Resources Institute Finland, is also important in terms of Finland's emergency supply. Together with the Finnish institute, Finnforel will help secure the supply of fish eggs and fry. Since the early 1990s, Natural Resources Institute Finland has carried out research in rainbow trout genetics, breeding and animal health. This project marks the first time that the results of this work are being applied and commercialized to this extent.

“According to the business model created by Finnforel, fish will be processed from eggs to consumer packaging. By securing the entire production chain, we create an easy way for consumers and retailers to buy and sell fresh and delicious fish. The consumption of fish is growing internationally, and I firmly believe that more vigilant consumers will increasingly favor organically produced alternatives that are easy and quick to prepare,” said Max Alfthan, managing director of Finnforel.

With the investment program, Finnforel enters its next growth phase, as the company aims for rapid expansion in both the Finnish and global markets.