Benchmark Genetics and Proximar signed a framework agreement with Benchmark as the supplier of salmon eggs to Proximar’s production in Japan, confirming progress towards the targeted production capacity of 5,300 tons HOG, supplying the first fish from its land-based production facility to the Japanese market in 2024. The framework agreement secures Proximar the required volumes for stage 1 and covers future expansion. The agreement has an initial term of three years with automatic renewal.
Joachim Nielsen, CEO of Proximar, said that “Proximar is targeting the Japanese market, where quality is of the absolute essence. With the increasing number of land-based initiatives, securing quality eggs is a key concern. Our agreement with Benchmark is securing us high-quality eggs and stable deliveries all-year-round for our production in Japan.”
As part of the agreement, Benchmark will also provide relevant technical support by allocating Andrew Preston, global technical manager for RAS at Benchmark Genetics, to Proximar’s Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).
“We are very satisfied that we have been able to secure this long-term agreement and strategic collaboration with Proximar Seafood,” said commercial director in Benchmark Genetics, Geir Olav Melingen. “Benchmark holds a unique position in the global land-based market, with 30 years’ experience from the land-based production in Iceland. Last year, we have also strengthened the technical support towards this growing segment, which was an important part of the agreement.”
AquaMaof technology
Proximar’s Japanese RAS technology will be supplied by AquaMaof. For more than four years, AquaMaof’s salmon center in Poland has been producing Atlantic salmon and harvesting steadily market-size fish for the last two years. The growth rates achieved are in line with Proximar’s production plan of around 22 months from egg to market size. The production is operating at commercial conditions when it comes to densities, etc., and with mortality levels below 5% for the post-smolt grow-out period. Fish also scores high on tasting panels with positive feedback regarding taste, color, and texture. AquaMaof has also been testing the performance of all-female and triploid eggs from Benchmark Genetics in its facility in Poland, showing very good and consistent performance.
“We are extremely proud of what has been achieved at the AquaMaof salmon center in Poland in the last four years,” said David Hazut, CEO of AquaMaof. “It has proven the capability of our technology to consistently produce smolts and harvest-size Atlantic salmon on land, under commercial conditions. We have been using this facility as a test bed for continuous optimization of the production parameters of our technology. However, the basic process design has remained unchanged over the years. Using simple and low complexity solutions reduces the risks of failure in operations. We are also pleased to see the technology working very well with the eggs from Benchmark.”
