Bluecirc appoints new Marketing Director

February 29, 2024 - Bjorn Ronge has been appointed Business Development Director of Bluecirc, a technology supplier that came as a spin-off company of MoreFish, Norway. The company specialises in providing technology for RAS systems while for the design and construction the expertice of MoreFish will be used.

Bjorn Ronge

Bjorn has been in aquaculture for over a decade, coming into the industry with a background in engineering with biotechnology and business and marketing, he began working with seaweed production before moving onto fish feed where he has specialised for the past eight years.

This background in engineering is what helped him succeed at PTAqua, where he worked until 2023 before recently starting at Bluecirc, as he could use his technical knowledge to help push his projects forward.

“My new role is more about investigating the market, finding potential clients, and products from Europe and rest of the world and trying to transfer those to the Norwegian market and vice versa. As I have a background in Engineering, I find this opportunity to work with Bluecirc and technology products really exciting”, says Bjorn.

Technical knowledge is not the only thing Bjorn brings to the table however, his many years as a Marketing executive experience brings a large network with him and his relationships with various suppliers and farmers will help to break the new company into the market and expand their business and successfully and quickly as possible.

For more information, visit HERE.

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Shortlist announced for record Aquaculture Awards 2024

February 28, 2024 - The shortlist for the Aquaculture Awards 2024, announced today, has been drawn from a record number of entries, up more than 20 percent on last year's awards.

Aquaculture UK 2022

With almost 100 nominations reflecting the wide range of talent across the sector, the judges had a particularly difficult task selecting winners this year. 

The awards, to be presented on May 15 at a gala dinner during Aquaculture UK in Aviemore, including 13 separate categories covering everything from innovation to community initiative, sustainability to animal welfare, and the best of the suppliers and new start-ups.

They recognise both hands-on diligence and high-tech brilliance, honouring those individuals and businesses whose endeavours set them apart from their peers. This year the aquaculture community can get involve in the judging process by voting for the winner of the Outstanding Contribution award, chosen from four shortlisted candidates, each of whom has carved out a distinguished career in their field.

Cheri Arvonio, Awards Director, said: "The Aquaculture Awards champion the achievements of the sector over the past year and highlight the exceptional people making a difference, whether at home or abroad.

"We're thrilled with the level of engagement this year and look forward to welcoming all those in the running, our award sponsors and some 600 guests for a night of celebration, socialising and Highland fun."

The full shortlist can be viewed, HERE.

The awards night, to be hosted by Fred MacAulay, takes place on May 15 at the Macdonald Resort in Aviemore, venue for Aquaculture UK, which runs from May 14-15.

For tickets to the Aquaculture Awards, contact Aquaculture UK organiser Diversified Communications via aharrison@divcom.co.uk. 

For more information, visit HERE.

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Optimar joins forces with Kaldbakur

February 27, 2024 - As of February 26, 2024, the Icelandic investor Kaldbakur has acquired Optimar International AS after negotiations with the company's former shareholders, the German investment firm Franz Haniel & Cie GmbH, as well as Optimar AS management and employees. As part of Kaldbakur's portfolio, Optimar will continue to serve its customers worldwide as an independent company.

  

Optimar, headquartered in Valderøya just outside Ålesund, is a world leader in automated fish processing systems for use aboard fishing vessels, on land, and in aquaculture. As a global company with branches in Norway, Spain, Romania, and the USA, it is known by its customers in more than 30 countries for offering innovative product development and world-class service.

Reliable long-term partner for the global fishing industry

Kaldbakur serves as the investment vehicle for the owners of the Icelandic seafood company Samherji, a leading family-owned vertically integrated company founded in 1983 that operates a fleet of fishing vessels, fish processing factories, and land-based fish farming facilities. Through the acquisition of Optimar, Kaldbakur aims to strengthen its strategic network in the region. 

"Optimar is a reliable, long-term partner for the global fishing industry with strong customer relationships. We are excited about the opportunities our partnership will bring to both Optimar and our broader portfolio," said Eiríkur S Jóhannsson, CEO of Kaldbakur.

Haniel acquired Optimar in 2017 and has since supported the development of the company in a partnership.

Like coming home

"Kaldbakur is the perfect strategic partner for Optimar at this time and has committed to offering its deep knowledge and proven expertise to further shape the company's future. We sincerely wish both the Optimar and Kaldbakur teams much success in their new partnership," said Thessa von Hülsen, investment partner at Haniel.

Optimar CEO Georg Saint-Denis said in a comment that Optimar is very pleased with this agreement and feels that this is the right and good owner for Optimar. "This is a bit like coming home for Optimar. The companies know each other well through a long and good collaboration and see this as a strategic turning point for Optimar."

For more information, visit HERE.

The Aquaculturists

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