BioMar gears up for growth as Schouw & Co. considers public listing  

DENMARK – Danish conglomerate Schouw & Co. has announced plans to potentially list its aquafeed subsidiary, BioMar, on the stock exchange. 

This decision, revealed in Schouw & Co.’s latest quarterly report, aims to unlock BioMar’s growth opportunities while giving it greater financial flexibility to expand globally. 

Schouw & Co. will retain a majority stake if the listing proceeds, ensuring a continued strategic relationship with the aquafeed giant.  

The announcement comes amid a challenging financial environment for Schouw & Co., which reported a 9% year-on-year decline in revenue for Q3 2024, totalling DKK9.54 billion (US$1.36 billion). 

Despite this, BioMar’s contributions remain significant, accounting for 54% of the group’s revenue. 

In the same quarter, BioMar’s revenue fell to DKK5.12 (approximately US$0.73) billion from DKK5.81 (approximately US$0.82) billion in 2023, yet its EBITDA margin improved to 9.1%, highlighting operational resilience. 

Year-to-date, BioMar’s revenue stood at DKK12.36 (approximately US$1.7) billion, with its EBITDA surging to DKK1.09 billion, reflecting a strengthened focus on profitability.  

BioMar, headquartered in Aarhus, Denmark, operates in key aquaculture markets, including Norway, Chile, and Vietnam. 

The company’s salmon feed division remains its cornerstone, producing 972,000 metric tons annually—over 67% of its total 2023 output of 1.437 million metric tons. 

Complementing its salmon feed operations, BioMar supplies specialised feed for shrimp and other fish species, catering to diverse markets across Europe, Latin America, and Asia.  

Advancing sustainability with ACS certification in Chile 

Reinforcing its leadership in sustainability, BioMar Chile recently achieved Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification for all three of its production facilities. 

This milestone underscores the company’s commitment to responsible practices, from environmental management to ethical labour standards. 

The certification extends BioMar’s ASC-compliant product portfolio to include feeds for Atlantic salmon, coho salmon, and trout, benefiting aquaculture producers across Latin America.  

The potential public listing is poised to solidify BioMar’s position as a global leader in sustainable aquafeed. 

Access to capital markets would enable investments in cutting-edge technologies, sustainability initiatives, and market expansions. 

For Schouw & Co., retaining a controlling stake ensures alignment between BioMar’s growth trajectory and its broader strategic goals.  

By capitalising on its sustainability credentials and market leadership, BioMar is well-positioned to meet the rising global demand for environmentally responsible aquafeed, enhancing its competitive edge in a rapidly evolving aquaculture industry.  

“This achievement reaffirms our dedication to sustainable aquaculture,” said Cristian Dominik, BioMar Chile’s Quality and Formulation Manager, about the ASC certification. 

With its extensive production network and focus on sustainability, BioMar continues to set new benchmarks for responsible aquafeed production worldwide.

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