Mitsubishi fuels Finnforel’s global expansion with investment in trout gigafactory

FINLAND – Mitsubishi Corporation has strategically invested in Finnish aquaculture leader Finnforel, supporting the company’s innovative approach to sustainable trout farming. 

Finnforel, known for its land-based trout farms and pioneering recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), is set to expand its operations globally with Mitsubishi’s backing, scaling its production capabilities and sustainable practices.

Finnforel’s operations are centred on its groundbreaking “Gigafactory” model, which incorporates the full value chain of aquaculture—from breeding and feeding to farming, processing, and packaging—under one roof. 

This concept minimises environmental impact by reducing logistical chains and transportation time, ensuring the delivery of fresher fish to consumers while maintaining strict environmental standards. 

With its RAS technology, Finnforel produces rainbow trout year-round within a closed, biofiltered system, which recycles water and limits waste to nearly zero.

“Our mission is to save the seas and feed the planet, which requires strategic partners who share our vision for sustainable and efficient aquaculture,” stated Pekka A. Viljakainen, Co-Founder and CEO of Finnforel. 

“We are thrilled to have Mitsubishi Corporation, with its extensive global reach, as a partner. This collaboration will allow us to deploy our technologies globally, enhancing food security with our zero-waste policy at the heart of local food systems.”

Mitsubishi Corporation, a significant player in global food resources and aquaculture through its ownership of the salmon-farming group Cermaq, expressed strong alignment with Finnforel’s sustainable and integrative approach. 

“We deeply empathise with Finnforel’s vision to develop a sustainable protein supply through the Gigafactory concept, which integrates every step from feed manufacturing to branding,” said Akihiko Soga, division COO of Mitsubishi’s marine products division. “This investment strengthens our commitment to a resilient and sustainable food supply chain.”

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has emphasised the importance of aquatic foods, which account for 15% of the world’s animal protein intake. 

The FAO predicts an increase in demand of 12% by 2032. Mitsubishi and Finnforel aim to meet this growing demand sustainably with innovative models like Finnforel’s RAS-based Gigafactory. 

Through this model, both companies aim to reduce the carbon footprint associated with traditional aquaculture, ensuring minimal environmental impact while meeting consumer needs directly.

Founded in 2015, Finnforel currently produces around 3,000 tonnes of trout annually in Finland and aims to scale this figure globally. 

Mitsubishi’s undisclosed investment marks a significant step for the Finnish company, enhancing its capacity to revolutionise fish farming by ensuring the traceable and sustainable production of high-quality fish products worldwide.

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