The addition of these three new companies brings GSI’s membership to 17, representing more than 70 per cent of the industry’s total global production, and highlights the growing commitment of the industry towards improving sustainability.
“GSI is thrilled to have expanded its global representation with the addition of three new member companies who share our vision, including representation in Oceania for the first time,” said Ricardo Garcia, current Co-Chair of GSI and CEO of Camanchaca.
“Together, through global collaboration, we are even better positioned to continue progress towards our objectives as we move the industry to a more sustainable future.”
By joining GSI, these new members commit to prioritising collaboration over competition when it comes to improving the sustainable performance of the industry. By working together, all GSI members have committed to reaching the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) Salmon Standard by 2020; improving biosecurity management, including an immediate focus on sea lice; and working with industry stakeholders to secure sustainable sources of salmon feed to meet growing demand.
Huon Aquaculture, founded in Tasmania’s rugged far south, is a vertically integrated company that processes and sells approximately 15,000 tonnes of premium quality Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout products to domestic and international markets each year. New technology, improved information and knowledge, coupled with a strong desire to be a world leader in farming practices are at the heart of Huon’s sustainable growth.
New Zealand King Salmon, with five farms based in the Marlborough Sounds region and three processing facilities in Nelson, is the world's largest producer of Pacific King Salmon. The company operates three brands and its premium Ora King brand can be found in 400 of the world's top restaurants. Its annual volume is 6,500 tonnes and is set to grow to 12,000 tonnes with planned expansion activities.
Ventisqueros, a vertically integrated Chilean farmed salmon producer, is 100 per cent owned by the private Schorghüber Corporate Group of Germany. Last year, the company harvested 45,000 metric tonnes, out of which 30,000 were Atlantic salmon. All three companies have been operating for 25 years.
“While we all experience unique regional issues, the GSI members recognize that ensuring a sustainable future for the industry is a global challenge,” said Cristián Swett, CEO of Ventisqueros. “We look forward to sharing knowledge and learning from the other progressive GSI companies, including the other newest members, in order to achieve success together.”
