Kvarøy experiences increased demand in the US - closely monitoring the development
General Manager Alf-Gøran Knutsen reports good sales in the US. The company has reduced costs over the past year and is optimistic about further growth in the market.
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Kvarøy Fiskeoppdrett continues its focus on the American market through the brand Kvarøy Arctic. The company is now experiencing increased demand and was recently present at the seafood exhibition in Boston in mid-March.
Good response in the market
General Manager Alf-Gøran Knutsen describes this year's exhibition as a success:
- The exhibition was very good and there were many people there this year, more than usual. And a lot of concrete evidence indicating increased demand, he tells Kyst.no.
The company hosted the "Better Food Future Dinner" in collaboration with Sea Pact, Wholechain, and Pepper - in unique surroundings at the New England Aquarium during the seafood exhibition in Boston.
The dinner gathered participants from the entire value chain to highlight concrete solutions in sustainable seafood production and future food systems. Through both the meal and the conversations, it became clear how important collaboration is to create more transparency, innovation, and accountability in the industry.
In October last year, the company launched a range of new salmon-based products such as nuggets, corndogs, and servelat - in addition to the established products burger and sausage. The products are developed with American fast food and barbecue culture in mind and were launched after approval from, among others, Whole Foods.
The meat used is scraped meat from salmon, which otherwise does not go to fillet, thus helping to reduce food waste.
Knutsen says they are currently seeing an increase in sales to the USA, but believes it may be influenced by political conditions.
- I think the increase in sales is due to Canada being affected by some tariffs. But of course, this can quickly change if something comes from them in connection with the clarifications expected on Wednesday, April 2.
Unpredictable trade policy
So far, the company has not taken specific measures in response to the political uncertainty surrounding Trump's trade policy.
- We think it will resolve itself and that it is not necessary to speculate on what might come. The seafood industry is very good at finding solutions to the situations that arise, and I feel that especially the Seafood Council keeps us updated, as well as the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries.
The Kvarøy CEO says they had to reduce costs in their US operations.
- Over the past year, we have taken several steps to tighten the organisation in relation to the income we have over there, and have cut costs. But we still believe that the USA is the most exciting market for salmon and will continue to work on selling our salmon there under the established brand we have, says Knutsen.
