Fish feed company BioMar anticipates an expansion of sales in Chile. (Photo: BioMar/ FIS)

Fish feed producer seeks to expand its LatAm unit

The firm BioMar Group, a leading producer of fish feed, plans to increase its volume of activity as soon as the Chilean Congress passes the new General Fisheries and Aquaculture Law (LGPA).

This company, with processing plants in Denmark, Norway, Chile, Scotland, France, Spain and Greece, registered sales of some USD 180 million in 2009, including a 35 per cent fall in volume sales in the South American country.

According to the general manager of the company, Felipe Ureta, “fish feed production in Chile observed a decline, since the salmon industry was affected by the infectious salmon anaemia (ISA) virus.”

"To spur acceleration in this process, it is necessary that the General Law of Fisheries and Aquaculture is passed, allowing for greater control and common norms that can generate more confidence to resume growth. We are sure of the recovery of the industry and highly committed to it,” the executive told Estrategia.

For 2010 “we do not anticipate an expansion of sales in Chile, but an increase of activity in Chile will take place in the mid term. Nor do not have greater investments planned in fixed assets, although we do in projects of research and development oriented to our clients,” he added.

“In terms of market share, an increase took place, the product of the recent acquisition of the Group of Aquaculture Companies of Provimi, represented in Chile by Alitec SA, which held a leadership [position] in fresh water, [and] which left us with 30 per cent of the market,” Ureta continued explaining.

Although most of the investments are being carried out in Norway, the executive said “we are always looking for opportunities in other markets and believe that Latin America has great potential.”

BioMar Group produces “nearly 750 tonnes of fish feed [annually worldwide]. In Chile they sell close to 190 tonnes of fish feed annually, exporting nearly 5 per cent of this volume.”

By Analia Murias
[email protected]
www.seafood.media

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