Post-smolt strategy key to further growth says Mowi

Mowi will produce around 50 million post-smolts in 2026, which is about 30% of its total global production, the company said in its first quarter report this week.

For Norway, excluding the North Region, coverage is expected to be closer to 50%.

The company said its post-smolt strategy, as well as increased smolt release on unused permits, is key to higher productivity and further growth.

Lower salinity

The company has land-based post-smolt facilities as well as post-smolt production in closed facilities at sea in Norway, and has also invested in post-smolt operations in Scotland and the Faroe Islands.

Mowi Scotland’s post-smolt production in Loch Etive, which has lower salinity than most sea lochs and therefore is a more difficult environment for sea lice, is credited with helping to produce a record harvest in Q1.

In its report, the group also highlighted its work developing closed solutions at sea. Mowi overall had a record-high harvesting volume for a first quarter of 136,477 tonnes, up from 108,064 tonnes in the same period last year. The company’s goal is to exceed 650,000 tonnes by 2029.

CEO Ivan Vindheim said: “I am very impressed by my 11,700 colleagues around the world who continue to deliver record volumes, record revenues and, not least, very good operational performance and cost.”