Product Offerings
Product Categories:
Fish and Seafood Products, Seafood
Products:
Salmon & Trout: Atlantic salmon, Coho salmon, Sea trout
Tilapia: Farmed tilapia
Fish Feed: Pellets and aquafeeds
Product Gallery:
Empresas AquaChile S.A. is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of salmon and trout, operating from the heart of Chile’s aquaculture region in Puerto Montt. Known for its vertically integrated operations and sustainable farming practices, AquaChile plays a critical role in the global seafood supply chain, distributing premium fish to more than 50 countries worldwide.
Brief History
Founded in 1986, AquaChile began as a small salmon farming operation and rapidly scaled into a multinational aquaculture leader. Following its listing on the Santiago Stock Exchange in 2000 and subsequent acquisitions—including the integration of Los Fiordos, Salmones Magallanes, and Friosur—the company now represents over 20% of Chile’s total salmon output. In 2019, AquaChile was acquired by Agrosuper, one of Latin America’s largest food conglomerates, further strengthening its financial base and operational capabilities.
Core Business
AquaChile specializes in the breeding, farming, processing, and export of:
- Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)
- Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch)
- Sea Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
- Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.)
- Fish Feed Products for internal and third-party aquaculture use
These products are processed into various formats including fresh, frozen, filleted, and portioned items, compliant with international food safety standards.
Product and Service Offerings
Salmon & Trout
- Fresh and frozen whole fish
- Fillets (skin-on/skin-off)
- Portions and loins
- Smoked and value-added products
Tilapia
- Fillets and frozen whole fish for North American and Latin American markets
Fish Feed
- Aquafeed for internal operations and commercial sale in Latin America
Specialisation and USP
- Vertical Integration: Controls the entire value chain—from hatchery and farming to processing and logistics.
- Sustainability Leadership: Over 80% of its Atlantic salmon sites are ASC certified.
- Innovation in Genetics: Operates one of Chile’s most advanced genetic improvement programs in aquaculture.
- Global Reach: Serves more than 50 countries, with key markets in the U.S., Japan, Brazil, China, and Europe.
Financial Strength
AquaChile demonstrates robust financial performance, backed by Agrosuper:
- Revenue (2022): USD 1.18 billion
- EBITDA (2022): USD 189 million
- Annual Harvest Volume: 250,000 MT (2023 estimate)
- Employees: Over 5,500 direct employees
Shipment Records
Based on global export intelligence platforms:
- Top Markets: USA, Japan, Brazil, Russia, China, France
- 2023 Exports: Over 4,800 container shipments recorded globally
- Primary Export Ports: Puerto Montt, Puerto Chacabuco, San Antonio
- HS Codes Used: 0304.42 (Salmon fillets), 0303.13 (Frozen salmon), 0304.19 (Other fish meat)
Target Market
- Retail Chains and Supermarkets: Supplying major retailers like Costco, Carrefour, and Walmart
- Foodservice Distributors: Portion-ready salmon for restaurant and hospitality sectors
- Private Labels: Custom product solutions under client branding
- Sustainability-focused Consumers: Products certified under ASC, BAP, and GlobalG.A.P.
Capabilities
- Processing Plants: 4 large-scale plants with daily capacity exceeding 1,500 tons
- R&D Centers: Dedicated innovation centers for nutrition, health, and environmental sustainability
- Cold Chain Logistics: Integrated logistics and cold storage ensuring freshness upon arrival
- Digital Traceability: Every fish is traceable from egg to plate via advanced blockchain-linked systems
Certifications and Compliance
- ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council)
- BAP (Best Aquaculture Practices)
- GlobalG.A.P.
- HACCP
- IFS & BRC Certified Facilities
- FDA and EU Approved Exporter
Customer Testimonials
“AquaChile’s salmon consistently meets our quality and sustainability benchmarks. Their traceability system is industry-leading.”
— Procurement Manager, European Retailer (2023)
“Our partnership with AquaChile has enabled us to launch ASC-certified products across 5 new markets in Asia.”
— Seafood Category Director, Japanese Food Group (2022)
Major Achievements
- Top Exporter: Ranked #1 salmon exporter in Chile (by volume) in 2022
- Sustainability Awards: Recognized by SeafoodSource and Intrafish for responsible farming
- Carbon Neutral Goal: Committed to carbon neutrality by 2030 with significant reductions already achieved in packaging and energy use
- Verlasso Brand Expansion: The premium brand Verlasso gained national U.S. distribution in Whole Foods and other major retailers
Summary
Empresas AquaChile S.A. stands as a benchmark in the aquaculture industry through its combination of scale, sustainability, and product quality. With vertically integrated operations, international certifications, and a commitment to innovation, AquaChile continues to redefine excellence in the global seafood market.