Press Release: Backing innovation to grow King salmon exports
Feed represents not only the largest operational cost for salmon producers, but also one of the most significant contributors to the environmental footprint of farmed salmon. Optimising feed performance is critical to enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of production, directly supporting the long-term growth of New Zealand’s King salmon industry. Skretting’s current research program focuses on key areas such as optimizing feed conversion ratios, improving growth rates, increasing survival, and exploring novel, locally sourced raw materials.
Okiwi Bay Aquaculture Facility Manager, Dylan Bennett, onsite at our Okiwi Bay, NZ facility.
As New Zealand invests in world-leading offshore and land-based farming technologies, it is equally important to advance feed solutions that can unlock the full potential of these systems. Tailored nutrition is fundamental to the industry’s success, ensuring optimal fish health and performance while maintaining environmental integrity and economic viability. Skretting is committed to delivering innovative feed technologies that support holistic progress in the sector—now and into the future.
Okiwi Bay has been an invaluable asset for Skretting, enabling the validation of new raw materials, optimizing feed cost strategies, and paving the way for significant advancements—such as the commercial validation of algae oil. This breakthrough trial led to the development of the world’s first King salmon feed containing no fish meal or fish oil: Skretting’s Infinity concept. This innovation provides New Zealand salmon farmers with greater flexibility to mitigate risks related to the price and supply of marine raw ingredients.
“As we look ahead to the future of the New Zealand salmon sector, this partnership is focused on delivering real outcomes—fast-tracking the insights gained at Okiwi Bay into tangible commercial benefits for the industry. Together, we are committed to advancing New Zealand’s King salmon sector through innovative and practical solutions that support its long-term sustainable growth.”
Håvard Walde, Managing Director, Skretting Business Unit Salmon, is positive that this commitment to New Zealand’s salmon sector will support the industry in its ambition to grow and become world leading. “The ability to improve diets brings about learnings that can fast-track the future success of this industry.” The research, led by Skretting in partnership with the Primary Sector Growth Fund, aims to strengthen that commitment by accelerating progress and focusing efforts to bring our global experience and resources into the local market.
Through this collaboration, Skretting remains committed to driving innovation and ensuring the long-term success of New Zealand’s King salmon industry.
Our purpose is #FeedingTheFuture.
Skretting - Skretting is the global leader in providing innovative and sustainable nutritional solutions and services for the aquaculture industry. Skretting has production facilities in 19 countries on five continents, and manufactures and delivers high quality feeds from hatching to harvest for more than 60 species. The total annual production volume of feed is more than 2 million tonnes. The head office is located in Stavanger, Norway. Skretting is the aquaculture division of Nutreco, a world leader in animal nutrition.
Skretting Australia - Skretting Australia’s head office is based in Cambridge Tasmania and has over 25 years of experience in delivering excellence to the Australian and New Zealand aquaculture industries.
Contact: Rhys Hauler, Marketing Manager Rhys.Hauler@skretting.com.au