Scottish salmon farming tech innovator links up with processing giant

Food processing solutions heavyweight JBT Marel has announced a strategic partnership with Scotland’s innovative fish farming tech supplier Ace Aquatec, a global pioneer of in-water electric fish stunning systems.

The companies said the partnership highlights a shared commitment to driving positive change in fish slaughter, handling, and processing globally through innovation, efficiency, sustainability, and welfare. Together, JBT Marel and Dundee-headquartered Ace Aquatec will be able to offer customers a seamless product line for the entire seafood value chain covering harvesting and processing solutions with data insights software.

Ace Aquatec’s award-winning Humane Stunner Universal (A-HSU) ensures humane, welfare-first stunning that avoids stress at harvest which can impact quality. The A-HSU stuns fish insensible in a controlled, in-water environment in less than one second. The system complements JBT Marel’s comprehensive fish processing portfolio.

Fish processors will benefit from improved processing results, lowered production costs, higher profits, and full traceability of the production process, said the companies. They added that with a growing demand for higher welfare food, the partnership means consumers can be confident their purchasing choices are supporting responsible practices and enjoy fish with better welfare credentials and a reduced environmental footprint.

A humane solution

Skuli Sigurdsson, vice president of fish for JBT Marel, said: “By combining our expertise in food processing with Ace Aquatec’s stunning technology, we can deliver a comprehensive, humane, and efficient solution that enhances seafood processing and meets the demands of clients and consumers alike.

“This collaboration bridges a key gap in the processing line. Together, we can drive positive change, offering customers cost-effective, sustainable solutions while delivering high-quality seafood with a focus on ethics and care.”

Ace Aquatec chief executive Nathan Pyne-Carter said: “Kicking off 2025 as strategic partner with a global company like JBT Marel is a great boost for everyone at Ace Aquatec, and for those striving to improve fish welfare standards globally.

“This partnership will enable the delivery of comprehensive in-line solutions for the aquaculture sector and reflects our shared commitment to transforming the seafood processing industry globally. Together, we’re ready to set new standards in welfare first innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.”