BioMar Ecuador achieves ASC Feed Certification, boosting sustainability in shrimp farming

ECUADOR – BioMar’s feed production facility in Durán, Ecuador, has achieved the prestigious Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) Feed Certification, marking a significant milestone in the company’s mission to promote sustainable aquaculture. 

The certification supports shrimp farmers in Ecuador by providing them with ASC-compliant feed, ensuring that their production meets the highest global standards for responsibility, transparency, and traceability.

Henrik Aarestrup, Vice President for Latin America, Shrimp & Hatchery at BioMar Group, emphasised the importance of this achievement in empowering shrimp farmers to compete in an increasingly demanding global market. 

The certification allows farmers to use ASC as a competitive advantage, assuring consumers that the seafood they purchase is ethically sourced.

BioMar’s Ecuador site is the second of its facilities to achieve ASC certification, following its Scottish site. 

BioMar joins a growing list of aquafeed producers with ASC-certified mills, including operations in Chile, Honduras, Mexico, Norway, Thailand, and Vietnam. 

Over 30 feed production sites worldwide have either achieved certification or are in the assessment process.

Chris Ninnes, CEO of ASC, praised BioMar’s commitment to responsible feed production, noting that this certification is crucial to transforming the global aquatic feed industry. 

He emphasised the importance of collaboration across the entire value chain to drive positive change.

Aarestrup concluded by underscoring BioMar’s broader vision, stating that the certification is part of the company’s ongoing investment in innovation and sustainability. 

By supporting shrimp farmers with high-quality, responsibly produced feed, BioMar aims to contribute to the long-term success of the aquaculture industry while maintaining ethical and sustainable seafood production.

Sales and revenue dips in Q2

Meanwhile, BioMar Group reported slight dips in revenue and sales in Q2 2024. 

The Denmark-based feed producer saw a year-over-year drop in sales volume to 334,000 metric tons and a slight revenue decrease to just under DKK 4 billion (US$588.3 million) but its EBITDA surged 36% to DKK 361(US53.1) million. 

This strong financial performance is attributed to the company’s operational excellence and a strategic shift from being a transactional feed provider to focusing on long-term partnerships that prioritise customer efficiency, animal health, and sustainability.

BioMar’s CEO, Carlos Diaz, highlighted the company’s successful first half of 2024, emphasising its focus on both commercial and environmental goals. 

Although sales volumes dropped slightly compared to last year, BioMar is consolidating its market position by targeting long-term customer relationships rather than chasing short-term volume gains. 

This approach has bolstered the company’s profitability, as seen in its H1 2024 EBITDA increase to DKK 631(US$92.8) million, setting BioMar on course for another record-breaking year.

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