SSC signs deal with Hendrix to boost Native brand
The Scottish Salmon Company (SSC) has signed a long-term agreement with international breeding technology company Hendrix Genetics, a move which SSC says supports the development of its broodstock programme and strengthens its freshwater programme.
Netherlands-based Hendrix Genetics will support the development of SSC’s unique broodstock programme for its Native Hebridean Salmon strain.
SSC chief executive Craig Anderson said: “This agreement marks an important step forward for our innovative Native Hebridean Salmon broodstock programme and supports our wider aim of developing long term strategic industry partnerships.
“Hendrix are international leaders in their field and we look forward to working closely with them both to ensure consistent smolt supply and to further develop our Native Hebridean broodstock development programme. The programme has been in development for a number of years and is a key part of our strategy and commitment to Scottish provenance.”
Two awards
Native Hebridean Salmon was recently introduced to the international market and has gained recognition from the Federation of Chefs Scotland and won two awards at the Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards 2017. SSC said initial feedback from export markets is promising, with sales to North America, Europe and the Far East.
Neil Manchester, managing director of Hendrix Genetics Aquaculture, said: “We are delighted to be working with The Scottish Salmon Company in the further development of this premium brand.
"Scottish salmon already has the highest level recognition globally, and Hendrix Genetics is proud to be part of the team taking this unique heritage brand to what will undoubtedly be world leading status.”
Egg production operations
Hendrix has Atlantic salmon breeding and egg production operations in Scotland and Chile under the brand name Landcatch, trout breeding and egg production operations in the USA, Chile and UK under the brand name Troutlodge, and shrimp breeding operations in Hawaii and Malaysia under the brand name Kona Bay.
Edinburgh-headquartered SSC has 45 marine sites in the Hebrides and west coast, and employs more than 480 people, around half of whom are employed across the Hebrides.
