Export award for krill harvester Aker Biomarine

Krill harvesting company Aker BioMarine has won this year’s Innovation Norway and Eksfin export award.

The company was able to convince the jury that it is possible to achieve success through a “targeted, sustainable and innovative strategy”.

The award was announced at last week’s Export Conference, held by Innovation Norway and Eksfin, the Norwegian government’s export finance agency at the MUNCH Museum in Oslo.

Aker BioMarine also says it has proven over several years that export success can be achieved with pioneering products.

The company manages the entire value chain, from Antarctic krill harvesting  research and product development to the production and sale of krill-based ingredients and products.

Krill is used as both fish and animal feed. In addition, there is a growing consumer market that sources high-quality proteins from krill.

The jury   said it was particularly impressed by the fact that 91% of the company’s turnover comes from exports. The company’s main markets are in America and Asia.

“We have contributed to the development of a new billion dollar industry and has established itself as the world’s leading exporter of a new raw material on the global market. Aker BioMarine strives to minimize bycatch by constantly developing its fishing methods.”

The Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industries, Jan Christian Vestre said: “It’s great to see a Norwegian company making an export success out of a resource from the sea that can be used for both fish feed and human nutrition. Aker BioMarine is a strong example of innovative Norwegian exports,

Matts Johansen, CEO of Aker BioMarine (pictured, receiving the award), said: “At Aker BioMarine we are very proud to receive the Export Award, in recognition of what we have built up since we started the company.

“But above all, this is an honour for our employees who dare to think outside the ordinary every day and put in the efforts required to lead an industry that our company has created.”