Aker BioMarine was honored with this year's Export Award given by Export Finance Norway and Innovation Norway. This is the first time in nine years that a company within aquaculture has been awarded – Lerøy won in 2015. The company convinced the jury that it is possible to achieve export success through a targeted, sustainable and innovative business strategy.

Over several years, the company has proven that export success can be achieved with pioneering products. It also masters the entire value chain – from Antarctic krill fishing, 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 is 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. The company has contributed to the development of a new billion-dollar industry and has established itself as the world's leading exporter of new raw materials on the global market. Aker BioMarine strives to minimize bycatch by constantly developing its fishing methods," the jury statement said.

The official Export Prize is being awarded to a Norwegian export company that has succeeded in building value in Norway through foreign markets. “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,” said the Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industries, Jan Christian Vestre.

Matts Johansen, CEO of Aker BioMarine, said that “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 honor 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.”