experience

The world’s salmon farming adventure really took off in Norway in the early 80’s and subsequently spread to Scotland, Canada and Chile. After more than 40 years, this industry is by definition sustainable. Both environmentally, socially and economically. But there is still significant improvement potential. Especially within fish welfare and biological performance!

Salmon only totals 3-4% of the world’s total fish farming production. Despite this, Norway’s salmon farming industry remains the global leader and the locomotive in both biological and technical R&D of industrial fish farming.

There are many reasons for this, including a long coastline with water quality perfect for salmon farming, highly educated population, long maritime experience with fish and the sea, high profitability and access to financing, excellent nationwide infrastructure, systematic R&D, science based regulatory framework, real political will (and the list goes on…).

 Together with our network partners, we have been part of this amazing journey and development. First in Norway and thereafter internationally. We now make this valuable experience available to other companies who want to get into the aquaculture supply business, or existing suppliers looking to expand its product range and grow as a company, either organically or through M&A’s. 

Success in most markets has often been proportional with number of travel days and customer visits, although for the time being, this has been turned upside down by the Corona crisis. One of Mr. Severinsen’s main tasks during his years with AKVA group was, based on the company’s vision, to prepare and carry out the company’s strategy within its international growth commitments. Both including salmon and other targeted species. Including mapping of so called “emerging markets”, focusing on customer requirements, business and technology development. Thereafter establish and manage subsidiaries, distributors and agents in various countries (Sweden, Finland, Russia, Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Tunisia, Zambia, Iran, Oman, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, China, South Korea, Japan and Australia).

But export business often means that you are going after a moving target, and the surprises are many, turning plans upside down very quickly. This is when it is crucial to be both well prepared and agile in adjusting to changes quickly.

Some of the “surprises” we personally have had to deal with includes: Major exchange rate fluctuations, political unrest, sanctions, bankruptcies, volcanic eruptions, revolutions and last but not the least – epidemics! Vannfast AS now makes this key competence and know-how available to others who wants to grow its aquaculture supply business internationally.

life philosophy:

Do the right thing, even when no one is looking.

It is called INTEGRITY!