Bakkafrost plans to ‘transform’ its Scottish business

Bakkafrost today announced a significant sustainable plan to increase output of its premium salmon by more than 40% over the next five years.

The programme includes:

  • 40% sustainable growth over the period
  • Significant investment programme in Scotland to transform operations through innovative RAS technology
  • DKK 6.2 bn total investment programme (£775m) between 2022 and 2026

The growth is expected to be generated through a combination of employing idle licence capacity and higher utilisation of existing licences by using large smolt.

Overall, Bakkafrost, headquartered in the Faroes, intends to invest DKK 6.2 bn between 2022 and 2026.

The company also announced detailed measures and investments to improve the biological performance and cost structure in its Scottish operations. The Scottish division (the Scottish Salmon Company), will strengthen all parts of the value chain, Bakkafrost says.

A more robust framework for seawater risk mitigation combined with a shorter seawater cycle is expected to become a game changer for biological performance and result in significant sustainable growth.

Bakkafrost also plans to invest in processing facilities improving; efficiency, productivity and quality and with a focus to enhance capabilities supporting Bakkafrost’s overall brand strategy and to better meet the needs of the retail market.

The company said that the implementation of the investment plan will be transformational for its Scottish operations and aims to become the most sustainable and profitable in the Scotland, where it has underperformed in the past.

Bakkafrost says it will use a “One Company” approach in the implementation of the ambitious plan, drawing on the experience, competence and success of similar projects in the past.

Due to lead times in construction and the long production cycle of salmon, expected profit and loss improvements are not expected immediately.

Ian Laister, Managing Director of The Scottish Salmon Company, said: “This investment plan will be transformational for the business as we aim to become the leading and most sustainable salmon producer in Scotland.

“Our commitment to incorporate RAS technology across all freshwater production is fundamental to delivering sustainable growth and a game changer for the business. We are focussed on improving biological performance and strengthening operations across the value chain.”

He added: “Our strategy delivers true value to our stakeholders and continues and enhances our support for the rural communities in which we operate.”

Bakkafrost also plans to continue the development of its value chain in the Faroes, aimed at maintaining its strong biological track records and to facilitate planned growth during the next five years and beyond.

The investment plan is expected to be financed through a combination of operational cash flow and available funding. The company said it is committed to maintaining its sustainable dividend practice.

The conventional salmon farming industry is operating close to capacity, Bakkafrost said. As a result, the industry is committing significant resources to the development of alternative farming methods on and offshore.

Common for these projects is far higher capital requirements compared to conventional salmon farming. Consequently, high margin assumptions are required to obtain a satisfactory return.

This indicates a disciplined introduction of capacity from such projects. Bakkafrost said its value chain is well prepared to bolt on such projects once its conventional capacity is depleted and proven technology becomes available.

With limited capacity expected to be to be introduced from conventional and alternative farming methods during the next five years, Bakkafrost expects the tight market for its premium salmon products to remain.

 

Updated 1pm, 14 September

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