Aker Seafoods is experiencing an increased demand for seafood in Europe as well as increased prices for several of its products. This year, the group’s turnover is expected to pass NOK 3 million, which is up by approximately 30 per cent since 2007. The Scandinavian market represents an important share of the group’s turnover, but more than 80 per cent of the sales are currently to customers outside of Norway.
– Aker Seafoods has completed acquisitions of companies in France and Spain, in addition to purchasing more quotas in Norway. We have a good dialogue with the authorities regarding better utilization of given quotas. In addition, the group is concentrating on sea farming and ranching of whitefish in North Norway in 2008. In all, this will improve our raw material access, says Aker Seafoods CEO, Yngve Myhre.
Myhre is speaking at the yearly fishery and seafood conference, North Atlantic Seafood Forum, with over 500 delegates attending from all over the world. Aker Seafoods’ CEO looks at the challenges and possibilities of the whitefish business and which strategic measures can help increase the group’s future sales and results.
In 2007 – especially in the second half of the year – less fish than normal was landed and harvested in Norwegian waters. . This is due to closure of several important fishing grounds in order to protect large amounts of yearling fish. In addition, the fish is periodically migrating northwards and further away from the mainland. At the fishery and seafood conference, Myhre draws attention to Aker Seafoods’ measures to secure the raw material situation in 2008. Myhre also focuses on Aker Seafoods’ concentration on high-grade processing in Europe, through the acquisition of the processing company Viviers de France.
Through its concentration on processing of consumer packed seafood close to its European markets, Aker Seafoods is working its way into new markets and new segments. The acquisition of Viviers de France strengthens Aker Seafoods’ concentration on fresh high-grade products in France. With an increased focus on high-grade products in Europe, Myhre is excited about the company’s future.
