Chile's Multiexport sees stronger salmon sowings in 2010

Following improved production indicators and lower mortality rates due to implementation of a new production model, Multiexport forecasts a strong rise in its Atlantic salmon sowings for this year.

The company is expecting up to 9.5 million smolts, representing an 83.7% increase compared to 2009.

Nevertheless, Multiexport expects to sow 4.4 million Rainbow trout smolts in 2010, which represent a 35.2% decrease compared to its last year's figures, according to reports.

Regarding harvests, Multiexport expects 14,000 tonnes of Atlantic salmon and 13,000 tonnes of Rainbow trout this year. In 2009, the company harvested 23,230 tonnes while in 2008 reached 57,504 tonnes.

In terms of average harvest weight, Multiexport projects 4.5 kilogrammes for Atlantic salmon and 2.65 kilogrammes for Rainbow trout.

Earlier, the company reported its total income at US$49.5 million in the first quarter of 2010, compared to US$43.5 million in the same period in 2009, representing a 13.7% increase. The company's EBITDA in the first quarter was US$3.3 million, which compares very favourably to the US$14.1 million loss from the same period of 2009.

Also, its subsidiary Salmones Multiexport achieved an EBIT of US$1.9 million and EBITDA of US$3.6 million, in the first quarter 2010 - the highest in two years.