© Kilian Munch
The award recognizes Norwegian exporters who have succeeded in building value in Norway through foreign markets. Aker BioMarine convinced the jury that it is possible to create an export success through a targeted, sustainable and innovative business strategy.
The jury for the prize describe Aker Biomarine as “a leading biotechnology and krill capture company that is internationally at the forefront of sustainable and high-tech capture”.
The company was also commended for controlling the entire value chain – from krill harvesting in Antarctica to research, product development, production and sale of krill-based ingredients and products. The krill are used for both fish and animal feed, in addition to a growing consumer market that gets high-quality proteins from the krill.
The jury said they were particularly impressed that 91 per cent of the company's turnover is from exports – largely to the Americas and Asia.
“The company has helped establish a new trillion dollar industry and has established itself as a world-leading exporter of a new raw material in the global market. Aker BioMarine thrives to minimise bycatch by continuously developing its fishing methods,” said Innovation Norway in a press release.
"It's great to see a Norwegian company that creates an export success out of a resource from the sea that can be used for both fish feed and nutrition for humans. Aker BioMarine is a really good example of innovative Norwegian exports," said Norway’s minister of trade and industry, Jan Christian Vestre.
