Alltech and Finnforel join forces for sustainable aquaculture feed production
Alltech, a global leader in agriculture and animal nutrition, and Finnish circular-economy company Finnforel are joining forces to acquire the Raisioaqua fish feed production facility from Finnish company Raisio. Raisioaqua manufactures environmentally friendly feed for aquaculture and specializes in functional feeding solutions that are suitable for northern conditions. The acquisition will complete Finnforel’s sustainable circular-economyfish-farming chain while also enhancing aquaculture producers’ access to Alltech’s nutritional technologies.
«Aquaculture continues to be one of the world’s fastest-growing sources of protein, according to Alltech’s annual Agri-Food Outlook, and is one of the key focus areas for our business,» said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. «Together with Finnforel, we will be enhancing the quality and availability of nutrition for sustainable aquaculture systems. Aqua producers will benefit from the strength of Alltech’s scientific research and commercial expertise globally, including a dedicated aqua nutrition research center, the Alltech Coppens Aqua Centre (ACAC) in the Netherlands, which specializes in nutrition for recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS).»
Alltech continues its commitment to Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™ by partnering with companies like Finnforel to deliver smarter, more sustainable solutions for aquaculture, resulting in better nutrition and a decreased environmental impact. Backed by over 40 years of research and customer success, Alltech’s specialty feed ingredients and Alltech Coppens aquafeeds offer superior nutritional solutions for fish and shrimp. The ACAC in the Netherlands is one of Alltech’s five bioscience centers around the world.
«Finnforel and Alltech Coppens have been working together for several years on sustainable aquaculture practices,» said Ronald Faber, CEO of Alltech Coppens. «This joint acquisition reflects the ambition of both companies, our shared values and the strength of our partnership.»
Finnforel also specializes in RAS, which allow producers to control water purity, temperature, stocking density and feeding while requiring 99% less water than traditional methods. The method’s indoor growing tanks provide a less stressful aquaculture environment that can be better controlled by aquaculture producers.
«I believe that Finnforel’s well-honed model, which works without antibiotics or environmental emissions, can support a significant part of this market,» said Pekka Viljakainen, chairman of the board of Finnforel Oy.
Aquaculture is an efficient way to produce nutritious protein for a growing population. As sustainable recirculating aquaculture systems are viable even in desert conditions, Finnforel’s aim is to export Finnish aquacultural expertise to the world in the coming years. Alltech’s and Finnforel’s acquisition of the Raisioaqua feed production facility will complete the circular-economyfish-farming chain in Finland and provide a replicable model for others.
«At the heart of Finnforel’s strategy are so-called gigafactories specialized in sustainable aquaculture,» said Viljakainen. «In these aquaculture gigafactories, the entire production chain is in our own hands, from the parent fish and the eggs they produce to the consumer products.»
«Feed developed in accordance with the principles of a sustainable circular economy represents the last link in the chain,» added Jussi Mekkonen, CEO of Finnforel Oy. «We have another new aquaculture facility that will be completed in spring 2023, after which we will be able to produce the eggs used in fish farming. Then, the entire fish-farming chain will be ready to be exported to the world.»
About Alltech:
Founded in 1980 by Irish entrepreneur and scientist Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech delivers smarter, more sustainable solutions for agriculture. Our diverse portfolio of products and services improves the health and performance of plants and animals, resulting in better nutrition for all and a decreased environmental impact.
We are a global leader in the agriculture industry. Our team produces specialty ingredients, premix supplements, feed and biologicals, backed by science and an unparalleled platform of services.
Strengthened by more than 40 years of scientific research, we carry forward a legacy of innovation and a unique culture that views challenges through an entrepreneurial lens. As a private, family-owned company, we adapt quickly to our customers’ needs and focus on advanced innovation.
We believe agriculture has the greatest potential to shape the future of our planet. Our more than 5,000 talented team members worldwide share our purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™. Together, we can provide nutrition for all, revitalize local economies and replenish the planet’s natural resources.
Headquartered just outside of Lexington, Kentucky, USA, Alltech serves customers in more than 120 countries, has five bioscience centers, and operates more than 80 manufacturing facilities across the globe.
For more information, visit alltech.com, or join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
About Alltech Coppens: Alltech Coppens, established in 1993, is a respected leader in innovative feed solutions focused on maximising feed efficiency. For more than 30 years, Alltech Coppens has earned a strong reputation for being an innovative, high-quality feed producer. The company’s specialities include RAS feeds, temperate and tropical marine and freshwater diets for a variety of juvenile and adult species. The company also produces top-quality koi, ornamental and bait feeds.
Active in more than 60 countries around the world, the specialist team at Alltech Coppens have expert knowledge to guarantee high-quality, innovative aquatic feed developed for many fish species at all life stages.
The Alltech Coppens Aqua Centre provides a scientific platform for product development and the provision of innovative solutions to meet the challenges of aquaculture producers worldwide. For further information, visit www.alltechcoppens.com.
About Finnforel: Founded in 2017, the Finnish technology company Finnforel has quickly claimed a spot among the world’s leading ecologically friendly aquaculture companies. The company’s fish farm is located in Varkaus in Finland, where it raises fish in flowing water using a recirculating aquaculture system. The fish are raised in a carefully optimised environment indoors. The company’s products are currently available in over one thousand Finnish grocery shops under the Saimaan Tuore brand. In November 2020, the company achieved a remarkable milestone when its million-ton production facility in Varkaus achieved maximum capacity to produce high-quality fish. Finnforel’s production capacity will be increasing from one million kilos to three million kilos with the opening of their new Gigafactory in 2023, and they will also be breaking ground by launching Finland’s first brood fish and smolt production operation at their selective rainbow trout breeding centre in Hollola.
