”The shipment is a key milestone. An additional 16 MT will be ready for delivery this August,” says Hallvard Muri, Aker BioMarine President and CEO.
Aker BioMarine made progress across its entire value chain in the first six months of 2009 — from sustainable harvesting of krill, production of nutrient-rich ingredients and health-promoting products through sale of Aker BioMarine’s own brand names: Superba™ dietary supplements and Qrill™ feed ingredients.
Aker BioMarine’s operating revenues for the first six months of 2009 amounted to NOK 54 million; EBITDA for the period was minus NOK 70 million. The corresponding half-year 2008 figures were operating revenues of NOK 47 million and EBITDA of minus NOK 57 million.
Second-quarter 2009 operating revenues were NOK 34 million; EBITDA was minus NOK 22 million. The corresponding second-quarter 2008 figures were operating revenues of NOK 30 million and EBITDA of minus NOK 39 million.
In the first six months of 2009, Aker BioMarine recorded sales of 8.5 MT of Superba™ Krill, of which 5.5 MT were sold in the US market, 1.5 MT were sold in Norway, and 1.5 MT were sold to other countries.
”Aker BioMarine is stepping up international marketing and sales efforts, which include a pilot launch of direct sales to consumers in the United States. The pilot launch will indicate the commercial potential for Superba™ and our direct sales model in the US market. We are also seeking a cooperative agreement with a partner holding a strong position in the US market,” says Mr. Muri.
In the second quarter of 2009, the biotechnology company secured important patent protection for its Superba™ Krill Caps concentrate product.
Long-term, goal-oriented efforts are paying off: Aker BioMarine is experiencing rising demand for its Qrill™ meal, the company’s high-value feed ingredient for the fish-farming industry. Sales volumes in the second quarter of 2009 were up 46 percent, an increase of 536 MT, compared with the first quarter of the year.
“Aker BioMarine is enjoying increased sales to both new and existing customers, and is gaining confidence among a growing number of feed producers and the worldwide aquaculture industry. Aker BioMarine has also secured all the approvals necessary to begin sales in China, a market that offers significant potential,” says Mr. Muri.
