Benchmark signs deal with tilapia giant Regal Springs
Fish breeding specialist Benchmark Genetics today announced a deal with leading tilapia producer Switzerland-based Regal Springs AG.
The long-term strategic cooperation will support Regal Springs’ breeding programmes for natural grown tilapia in Indonesia, Honduras and Mexico.
The agreement secures Regal Springs access to Benchmark’s team of experts and advanced support systems for selective breeding programmes and the company’s experience from 30 programmes for 20 species, with tilapia as one of the main focus areas.
Better health, yield and welfare
“This strategic collaboration is aligned with Regal Springs’ commitments to develop premium ‘Naturally Better Tilapia’ and to have a positive impact on the sustainability of tilapia aquaculture,” said the tilapia farmer’s global head of sustainability Laurent Develle in a press release.
Regal Springs’ global head of farming, Oscar Garay Krogh, said: “We believe that Benchmark Genetics will assist us in finding solutions to continuously improve our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, through better health, yield and animal welfare.”
7m tonnes a year
Tilapia accounts for around 10% of global finfish aquaculture production, with almost 7 million tonnes grown worldwide.
Benchmark genetics director Morten Rye said the companies shared the same values connected to sustainability and support of local communities.
“We are proud to assist Regal Springs with realising their ambitious goal for the company’s genetic work. In addition to better animal welfare, genetic improvements also will lead to higher production efficiency and reduced costs.”
Regal Springs AG is the largest vertically integrated white fish farming producer in the world, and is the world’s first tilapia producer to be certified with Aquaculture Stewardship Council and Best Aquaculture Practices 4* tilapia standards.
