Seafood chief stresses growing emphasis on sustainability

Green issues are becoming increasingly important in salmon farming and the seafood industry generally, Christian Chramer, the CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Council said in his Easter message.

It is six months since the former professional soldier stepped into the post following the departure of the long-serving Renate Larsen.

Since then Chramer has seen farmed salmon exports alone pass the NOK 100 billion (£8bn) mark.

He told staff: “A lot has happened since 2015, when I last worked at the Seafood Council. In the big picture, we have all gone through a year-long pandemic and now find ourselves in a new demanding time with war, crises and turmoil in the markets.

“My experience is that the crises of recent years have helped to bring us together.”

“A lot has also happened internally in the seafood industry in the last eight years. In my many meetings with employees, managers and owners of Norwegian seafood companies, sustainability is now an even hotter topic.

“The role of seafood in the green transition seems to be what everyone is working on, and there is a constant focus on improvements and preparations to meet stricter requirements from authorities, banks and customers.”

He added: “On the consumer side, a changed picture is also noticeable. Many more people than before are now concerned with consumer attitudes, marketing, competitors and shopper behaviour.

“In addition, there is even more talk about the need for market access and development of both established and new seafood markets.”

CEO Chramer, who also spoke of improving skills and training more young people, said he was happy to note that the Seafood Council has also improved and strengthened since he was last there.

“We have become more efficient, more commercial and developed a stronger digital portfolio with insights, plans and tools.”

Christian Chramer