Ecuador.- Hendrix Genetics, in partnership with Nutreco and Ecuacultivos, will invest in Ecuador to establish a state-of-the-art shrimp hatchery. The hatchery will deliver high quality, high health Pacific whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) post larvae to Ecuadorian farmers. The new joint venture will take over the existing Macrobio hatchery and will focus on providing local shrimp production with the most advanced genetics and breeding technologies, nutritional solutions from the world leader in aquaculture feed supply, Skretting, combined with the best farming practices.
Hendrix Genetics, Nutreco (with aquaculture division Skretting), and Ecuacultivos will invest capital in upgrading the Macrobio hatchery to a state-of-the-art production facility and developing a world-class shrimp breeding program locally. Backed up with global leading innovation and R&D and expertise in nutrition and genetics, the joint venture aims to increase the competitiveness of the Ecuadorian shrimp industry in a sustainable manner. The hatchery is located in the western region of the country and currently employs around 50 people.
Antoon van den Berg, CEO of Hendrix Genetics, is excited about this new venture, stating “After our entry into shrimp breeding in 2017, we have put most effort into developing the Kona Bay shrimp breeding program. This is an important development to gain access to one of the main markets.”
“Our strategy for the coming years is to invest in innovative projects that support sustainable market growth,” explains Nutreco CEO Rob Koremans. “We’re delighted that this partnership will promote the sustainable growth of shrimp farming in Ecuador, a key market for our aquaculture division Skretting.”
This partnership represents a milestone in the shrimp industry as noted by Neil Manchester, Managing Director Aquaculture of Hendrix Genetics, “We believe that bringing together global leaders in genetics and nutritional technology with first class local production operations is the combination best placed to deliver value and efficiency to the Ecuadorian industry.”
Within the aquaculture market in Ecuador, the Pacific whiteleg shrimp is the most important aquatic species produced. The production volumes skyrocketed in recent years, putting Ecuador currently at the third largest producer after China and Indonesia. The market for Ecuadorian shrimp has also changed drastically. In the past, the European Union and the United States were, by far, the largest markets. However, China is now importing about 50% of Ecuador’s total shrimp output.
According to Skretting Ecuador General Manager Carlos Miranda Illingworth, “The combination of our nutritional knowledge combined with genetic know-how and best farm practices make this joint venture a very exciting one for the shrimp business in Ecuador. Through this partnership, we plan to produce a disease-resistant animal to keep the Ecuadorian shrimp industry antibiotic free and with improved growth so farmers can optimize land use and produce more with less.”
About Nutreco
Nutreco is a global leader in animal nutrition and aqua feed. Nutreco’s advanced feed solutions are at the origin of food for millions of consumers worldwide. Innovation, sustainability and quality are guiding principles, embedded in the Nutreco culture from research and raw material procurement to products, models and services for livestock farming and aquaculture.
Nutreco employs over 12,000 people in 32 countries with net sales of € 5.9 billion in 2017. Its two global company brands Skretting (aqua feed) and Trouw Nutrition (animal nutrition) have sales in over 90 countries. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of SHV Holdings N.V., a family-owned multinational with net sales of €19.8 billion in 2017.
www.nutreco.com
About Skreting
Skretting is the global leader in providing innovative and sustainable nutritional solutions for the aquaculture industry. Skretting has production facilities in 19 countries on five continents, and manufactures and delivers high quality feeds from hatching to harvest for more than 60 species. The total annual production volume of feed is more than 2 million tonnes. The head office is located in Stavanger, Norway.
www.skretting.com
About Ecuacultivos SA
Ecuacultivos is a large scale, progressive Ecuadorian shrimp farming company operating for nearly 40 years, and specializing in high quality, efficient shrimp production.
About Hendrix Genetics
Hendrix Genetics serves the animal protein value chain with genetic solutions in turkeys, layers, traditional poultry, swine, Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, shrimp, and various other aquaculture species. Founded in 2005 and backed by a strong portfolio of leading brands, Hendrix Genetics provides expertise and resources to producers worldwide with operations and joint ventures in 25 countries and over 3,400 employees. With respect and care for people, animals and the environment, Hendrix Genetics is committed to delivering better breeding today, for a brighter life tomorrow .
www.hendrix-genetics.com
