The news was announced on the same day the biotechnology company appointed of David F Melbourne as its Chief Commercial Officer, effective from June 17.
Sylvia Wulf, CEO of AquaBounty, stated: “With the first shipment of AquAdvantage Salmon eggs received at our Indiana facility last week, we have begun commercial production in the United States, a world’s first. Having David join the Company now is perfect timing, as we anticipate the first harvest from the Albany farm in the autumn of 2020. We are focused on successfully commercializing AquAdvantage Salmon and bringing its many benefits to consumers.”
Melbourne joins AquaBounty from Bumble Bee Foods, the largest branded seafood company in North America, where he served as Senior Vice President of Consumer Marketing, Government & Industry Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility.
AquaBounty reflects that: “As the company begins its commercialization of AquAdvantage Salmon, Mr Melbourne’s 25 years of marketing and strategic planning experience will be a strong asset to AquaBounty in developing its customer business model.”
Melbourne added: “I am thrilled to join AquaBounty now as it begins the next stage of its development and I look forward to introducing the climate-smart and environmentally sustainable AquAdvantage Salmon to consumers.”