Aker BioMarine receives FDA approval for aquaculture feed in North America

16 Jun 2022 --- Aker BioMarine has received the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval for its Qrill Aqua and Qrill High Protein (QHP) salmon feed in North America. As of June 10, the products can be used for freshwater and marine salmonids.

“This FDA approval is important for Aker BioMarine to sell our krill meal to the salmon farming industry in North America,” Sigve Nordrum, executive VP, Animal Health and Nutrition at Aker BioMarine, tells NutritionInsight.

“Salmon is a highly valued seafood option in North America and with consumer preferences moving toward sustainable options, it was important to enter into this market.”

Expanding market reach
Qrill Aqua from Aker BioMarine is made from Antarctic krill and operates as a feeding stimulant, resulting in increased feed consumption and growth. Qrill Aqua has also improved fillet quality, health, and stress tolerance. Meanwhile, QrillHigh Protein is a protein-rich product used in aquaculture nutrition-designed feeds.

“Qrill High Protein is a protein-rich product used in formulated diets for aquaculture nutrition. It is an excellent source of marine protein for fish and shrimp.”

Following the FDA approval, established health and nutritional benefits of krill can be realized by the US salmon farming sector.“This approval is positive for Aker BioMarine as we continue to expand our markets and it’s important for the salmon farming industry to have access to [environmentally] sustainable, safe and nutritious ingredients for their feeds,” Nordrum continues.

“For years, feed companies and fish farmers in this region were well aware of the benefits of krill for fish feeds and salmon. Therefore they have been demanding these products for their North American operations.”

Astaxanthin and aquaculture demand
The FDA conducts a thorough review during the clearance process for ingredient approvals. As Aker BioMarine’s krill products contain astaxanthin – a natural source of red color that may enhance the color of salmon flesh – the FDA classified it as a color additive and conducted a comprehensive evaluation.

“Aker BioMarine’s aquaculture business, Qrill Aqua, has and will continue to be an important part of the company’s business,” adds Nordrum. “Over the past few years, the Qrill Aqua sales teams have grown in regions such as India and Chile.”

The FDA approved the use of Qrill Aqua and Qrill High Protein food in salmon feeds as of June 10th.“Securing FDA approval in the US has been a long-term goal for sales as well as for the regulatory teams. This will certainly help open new doors and opportunities for the business.”

Aquaculture, including salmon farming, will grow in the coming years since more and more consumers are shifting from meat products in favor of fish, Nordrum explains.

Regional growth: eyeing Asia
Aker BioMarine has been securing other patents and expanding to different regions. The company previously reported revenues of US$56.9 million during the first quarter of 2022, propelled by growth in the company’s Qrill and Superba krill categories. 

The company also expanded to Asia by opening a new office in Japan. The move was fueled by the demand for Superba krill oil products in this region.

In other developments, following a ruling by the European Patent Office, Norway-based Aker BioMarine received entitlement to enforce its patent related to the production and composition of krill oil. According to the company, the move strengthens its position across the EU, with investments in partnerships set to continue.

By Nicole Kerr