Product Offerings
Products:
Seafood: Icelandic Salmon
Arnarlax hf. is Iceland's largest salmon farming company, headquartered in Bíldudalur, a coastal town in the Westfjords region. Founded in 2009, the company has grown to become a national leader in aquaculture and a significant player in the North Atlantic seafood industry. Its fully integrated operations include everything from smolt production to sea farming and harvesting, ensuring complete traceability and quality control.
Core Business
Arnarlax specializes in the sustainable farming of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in Icelandic fjords. The company is vertically integrated, overseeing the entire salmon production lifecycle, including broodstock, hatcheries, sea farming, harvesting, and processing. Its operations emphasize high standards of animal welfare, environmental responsibility, and product quality.
Product Offerings
- Fresh Whole Atlantic Salmon
- Salmon Fillets (Trimmed & Untrimmed)
- Head-on Gutted (HOG) Salmon
- Frozen Salmon Products
All products are derived from fish raised in pristine Arctic waters, offering exceptional taste, texture, and nutritional value. Arnarlax's salmon is free from antibiotics and hormones and meets rigorous European and international food safety standards.
Specialization and USP
Arnarlax's major competitive advantage is its access to Iceland’s cold, clean fjords, which provide ideal conditions for salmon farming. The remote and isolated farming sites ensure minimal environmental impact and reduced disease risk, enabling low stocking densities and high fish welfare.
The company applies cutting-edge technologies in feed, genetics, and environmental monitoring. Their use of artificial intelligence (AI) and real-time data systems for monitoring fish health and feeding efficiency sets them apart in the aquaculture industry.
Financials
Arnarlax is a fully owned subsidiary of SalMar ASA, one of the world's largest and most efficient salmon farmers based in Norway. In 2022, according to SalMar's annual report:
- Arnarlax harvested 15,700 tonnes of Atlantic salmon (GWE - gutted weight equivalent)
- Operating revenues exceeded EUR 120 million
- The EBITDA margin reached 25.6%, highlighting strong operational efficiency
These figures underscore Arnarlax's significant role in Iceland's seafood exports and its financial contribution to the SalMar group.
Shipment Data
According to data from third-party trade platforms and SalMar’s export records:
- Arnarlax exported more than 14,500 tonnes of fresh and frozen salmon primarily to EU markets, the UK, and North America
- Key export destinations include Germany, France, the Netherlands, and the United States
- Shipment frequency increased year-over-year from 2020 to 2023, indicating strong demand and expanding market presence
Target Market
Arnarlax targets premium segments in international seafood markets, focusing on:
- Supermarkets and retail chains offering fresh seafood
- HoReCa (Hotels, Restaurants, and Catering) suppliers
- Sushi and high-end cuisine distributors
- Processors of smoked and ready-to-eat salmon products
Capabilities
- Vertically integrated production from egg to export
- Sea farming in five fjords in Westfjords, Iceland
- Fully owned harvesting and processing plant in Bíldudalur
- High-tech well boats for safe and humane fish transport
- Automated feeding systems and AI-driven health monitoring
Certifications & Compliance
Arnarlax holds and complies with several international certifications:
- GlobalG.A.P. – for responsible farming practices
- ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) – certified for sustainability and social responsibility
- HACCP – certified food safety systems
- Iceland Responsible Fisheries (IRF) – demonstrating environmental and ethical standards
The company is audited regularly by independent bodies and maintains transparent reporting on its operations and sustainability performance.
Customer Testimonials
Feedback from major buyers and partners frequently highlights:
- High product consistency and quality
- On-time delivery across multiple markets
- Excellent after-sales support and traceability
These testimonials are echoed in reports from trade shows such as Seafood Expo Global, where Arnarlax is a recurring and recognized exhibitor.
Achievements
- First Icelandic salmon farming company to be ASC certified
- Expanded production capacity from 5,000 tonnes in 2016 to over 15,000 tonnes in 2022
- Integrated into SalMar's Icelandic Salmon AS operations, enhancing market access and capital investment
- Pioneered the use of semi-closed containment systems in Iceland to reduce environmental footprint
Arnarlax continues to scale its operations sustainably while reinforcing Iceland’s reputation as a global leader in responsible aquaculture. Its strategic backing by SalMar ensures financial strength, technological advancement, and long-term market competitiveness.