Skretting is building a new R&D shrimp facility in Ecuador to complement Skretting's network of Aquaculture Research Center (ARC) network. Shrimp is the fastest growing aquaculture protein and is expected to continue to grow at around 5% per year for the next several years globally.
The new facility, Skretting ARC Guayas Research Station, will be located next to the recently completed Skretting Ecuador aquafeed plant. The new R&D center, coordinated by Skretting ARC in Norway, will comprise fully equipped laboratories and state-of-the-art experimental units to carry out tests under controlled conditions. In addition, green-water tanks will ensure maximum applicability in production conditions.
“We are committed to supporting the growth of the shrimp industry globally,” said Alex Obach, R&D director for Skretting global. “We know the importance of optimal diets combined with high quality of post-larvae and professional aquaculture practices. The development of solutions requires world-class R&D facilities, combined with local expertise.”
Carlos Miranda, general manager of Skretting LatAm, said that “in Ecuador, Skretting is recognized for our high-performance diets and expert technical service, including our Skretting 360+ program. We have best-in-class feeding facilities, supported by the best R&D, plus a world-class genetics program together with Hendrix Genetics and supported by Nutreco. However, we do not rest. We are serious about our commitment to drive Ecuadorian shrimp industry further and help our clients deliver to the most demanding global shrimp markets.”
Skretting ARC currently has research facilities in Norway, Italy, Japan, Chile and China and additional validation facilities around the world, a team of 140 highly trained specialists and annual investment in R&D of $18 million.
“Over the years, our scientists, together with our extensive research network, have contributed to the launch of important feed solutions for all shrimp life stages,” said Obach. “Now, we want to go further. This new world-class shrimp research facility will drive our knowledge of shrimp nutrition in Skretting Ecuador and deliver new solutions to improve shrimp performance: faster growth, shorter production cycles and higher shrimp survival rates.”
