A new name in smolt feeds?
Following its acquisition of Coppens International, Alltech has expressed an interest in diversifying into feeds specifically designed for smolts grown in recirculation systems.
Patrick Charlton, Alltech’s European Vice President, who was appointed CEO of Coppens International last week, explains to Fish Farming Expert: “So far, Coppens International’s salmonid interest has mainly been on trout, with recirculation diets being the main focus, and the production of feed for smolts in RAS systems is something that we would like to develop.”
If successful it would be the company’s first move into salmon feeds, but may not conceivably be their last, although Charlton is well aware that it is still very early days.
“Although we don’t see us as suddenly launching a flotilla of vessels that can deliver feed direct to marine salmon sites, the increased use of RAS systems by the salmon industry is an area that is definitely of interest and to which our experience is going to be increasingly relevant,” he says.
And, he adds, Coppens International recirculation experience was in fact one of the key reasons for making them an appealing acquisition for Alltech.
“Indeed, when Alltech bought Coppens International, one of the specific conditions for the acquisition was that it included the Coppens Research Centre (which has previously been a semi-separate entity) and we have a wealth of talent we can draw on from that area,” the new CEO reflects.
However, the launch of a Coppens International smolt feed may still be some way off.
“Our first priority is to integrate Coppens International into the Alltech Group and this is what we’re currently focusing on,” he concludes.
