Benchmark Genetics and Premium Svensk Lax signed a long-term agreement for the delivery of salmon eggs on the second day of the Aqua Nor trade show in Trondheim, Norway.
Premium Svensk Lax is currently building a new 150,000 m2 facility in Säffle, Värmland in Sweden. The company was the first to receive the approval of the Swedish authorities to build a land-based facility for Atlantic salmon. The plant, which is designed to produce 10,000 tons annually, is scheduled to be in full-scale production in 2024. Salmon will then be slaughtered, processed, and delivered five days a week to the Swedish market. The goal is to meet 20% of local demand, with opportunities for further growth.
The agreement entails that Benchmark, as the sole supplier, will provide genetics from its biosecurity facilities in Iceland for a three-year period, with an option for another two years.
Morten Malle, CEO of Premium Svensk Lax, said that “the plan is to introduce the first eggs in the hatchery in early 2023. Our goal is to bring locally produced, sustainable and healthy premium salmon to the Swedish market. Then, we must also be sure that the genetics come from a quality producer that also has a focus on sustainability and biosecurity.”
“The plant in Värmland is based on an exciting concept where processing is also an important part of the plans. Sweden is in a unique position, being able to freely export salmon to a number of countries where Norway encounters trade restrictions. This opens up opportunities for a formidable production growth for when Premium Svensk Lax succeeds, and we want to participate in that journey,” said Geir Olav Melingen, commercial director at Benchmark Genetics.
