May 14, 2012

AquaChile planning 34% rise in salmon production

Chilean aquaculture firm, AquaChile, may be producing 86,000 tonnes of salmon for 2012, a 34.3% increase compared to 2011, when 64,000 tonnes were obtained.

According to the announcement by the company in its presentation to investors, the firm has the potential to triple its current production until about 220,000 tonnes of salmon are reached.

By 2013, AquaChile executives expect to produce approximately 123,000 tonnes and to achieve 148,000 tonnes by 2014, 166,000 tonnes by 2015, and 173,000 tonnes by 2016.

Currently, the company has 41.6 million of Atlantic salmon smolts in the water, 17.8 million Pacific salmon and 26.5 million trout.

AquaChile has 149 permits in Chile and works in 29 health areas and in five manufacturing plants with a capacity of 170,000 tonnes, according to reports.

By 2012, the Chilean company executives believe that trout production will keep predominating and that by 2013, Atlantic salmon production will occupy the first place.

The firm also expects to produce about 24,000 tonnes of tilapia this year, 41.1% more than in 2011, when 17,000 tonnes were obtained.

The company's projections point to an output of 27,000 tonnes in 2013, 31,000 tonnes in 2014, 36,000 tonnes in 2015 and 41,000 tonnes in 2016.

Meanwhile, companies Multiexport Foods SA and Australis Seafoods SA estimate that in 2012 the salmon industry will produce about 700,000 tonnes, 20 per cent more than in 2011, when 600,000 tonnes were obtained.