November 6, 2024

Japanese firms invest in land-based salmon farming as Norway supply slows

Japanese trading houses, led by Marubeni Corp, are increasing investment in land-based salmon farming within Japan, addressing a slowdown in supply from Norway, Japan's primary salmon supplier.

With demand for salmon in sushi and sashimi remaining high, the shift to land-based farming is seen as a sustainable alternative.

In October, Marubeni began distributing salmon from its Norwegian partner, Proximar Seafood AS, at a facility in Oyama, Shizuoka Prefecture, located near Mt. Fuji. Through an exclusive distribution agreement established with Proximar in 2022, Marubeni plans to distribute 4,700 tonnes of salmon by 2025, with aims to reach 5,300 tonnes annually by 2027 when the plant reaches full operation.

Marubeni indicated potential for expansion beyond Japan, stating, "In the future, Marubeni will consider exporting salmon to neighbouring countries that highly value Japanese food products."

Land-based salmon farming presents several benefits, including reduced susceptibility to parasites and red tides, as well as the elimination of ocean pollution from fish waste. This approach addresses the limitations currently faced by Norway, where the available areas for sea-based salmon farming are nearing capacity.

Other major Japanese companies are also following suit. Mitsubishi Corp, in collaboration with Maruha Nichiro Corp, is developing a land-based salmon farming facility in Nyuzen, Toyama Prefecture. The plant, expected to begin operations in 2025, aims to produce 2,500 tonnes of salmon annually by 2027.

Mitsui & Co is advancing a similar initiative in partnership with land-based aquaculture venture FRD Japan Co, based in Saitama. This project plans to produce 3,500 tonnes of salmon per year at a facility in Futtsu, Chiba Prefecture, beginning in 2027.

Meanwhile, Itochu Corp has formed a partnership with Soul of Japan K.K, which brings experience from a land-based salmon farming project in Poland. Together, they will manage a farm in Tsu, Mie Prefecture, with Itochu overseeing the sale of 10,000 tonnes of salmon annually starting in 2027.

-      Kyodo News