Australis Aquaculture LLC, operating under the consumer-facing brand "The Better Fish®", is a pioneering company in sustainable aquaculture headquartered in Greenfield, Massachusetts, USA. Founded by Josh Goldman, a recognized innovator in aquaculture systems, Australis has earned international acclaim for redefining how fish are farmed and consumed with a strong emphasis on sustainability, nutrition, and responsible sourcing.
Core Business and Specialization
Australis specializes in the farming and global distribution of Barramundi (Lates calcarifer), a mild-flavored, omega-3-rich white fish. The company’s operations span both the U.S. and Vietnam, with large-scale, closed-containment farming facilities that integrate cutting-edge recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) technologies and ocean-based net pens. Australis is one of the few vertically integrated aquaculture companies, managing the entire supply chain from hatchery to harvest to distribution.
Its core specialization lies in producing Clean Harvest® Barramundi, which is antibiotic-free, hormone-free, and certified sustainable. Australis was the first aquaculture company in the world to be recognized as a Climate Smart Agriculture Innovator by the United Nations FAO for its carbon-reduction initiatives in seafood farming.
Product Portfolio
Australis offers a robust range of ready-to-cook and frozen products under the brand The Better Fish®, catering to both retail and foodservice markets.
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Frozen Products
- Simply Skinless Barramundi Fillets
- Hand-Cut Strips
- Crispy Fish Tenders
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Prepared Meals
- Tuscan Herb Butter Barramundi
- Lemon Herb Butter Barramundi
These products are distributed in major U.S. grocery retailers including Whole Foods Market, Costco, and Sprouts, and are also exported internationally.
Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Australis’ USP is rooted in its "Better Fish, Better World" philosophy. The company is known for:
- Low Carbon Footprint: Barramundi has one of the lowest feed conversion ratios (FCR) in aquaculture.
- No Antibiotics Ever: Promoting clean, traceable protein.
- Certified Sustainability: Ocean Wise, BAP (Best Aquaculture Practices), and Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch “Best Choice”.
The Barramundi species itself is uniquely suitable for aquaculture due to its efficient feed-to-protein conversion, adaptability to various farming environments, and omega-3 rich profile.
Financial Strength and Growth
While privately held and not publicly disclosing annual revenue figures, Australis has reported significant growth in its international export markets and retail penetration in the U.S. The company received private equity investment from Butterfly Equity, signaling robust investor confidence in its scalable model and sustainability-driven brand.
Shipment and Export Performance
According to international trade data:
- Australis Aquaculture LLC has completed over 150 international shipments in the past 3 years.
- Key export destinations include the United States, Canada, Japan, and Singapore.
- The average shipment value is estimated to range between $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the volume and destination.
- Australis is listed on platforms such as ImportYeti and Volza, confirming its active trade presence in the global seafood market.
Target Market
Australis serves both B2B and B2C segments across the globe:
- Retail chains like Whole Foods, Sprouts, Costco
- Foodservice providers and meal kit services
- Health-conscious consumers, flexitarians, and those seeking sustainably sourced seafood
Their positioning is especially attractive to millennial and Gen Z consumers who prioritize ethical sourcing and health benefits.
Capabilities and Infrastructure
Australis’ capabilities include:
- Fully integrated hatchery, grow-out, and processing operations
- Cold chain logistics for frozen seafood distribution
- Proprietary RAS and ocean aquaculture technologies
- Regulatory compliance expertise across multiple jurisdictions
Their Vietnam facility is one of the largest barramundi farms globally and meets export standards for North America, the EU, and Asia-Pacific.
Certifications and Compliance
Australis maintains a comprehensive compliance framework:
- Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) Certification: For farm, hatchery, processing, and feed operations
- Ocean Wise Certification: Signifying sustainable and environmentally friendly seafood
- Seafood Watch “Best Choice” Rating: From Monterey Bay Aquarium
- FDA and EU-approved HACCP systems: For food safety and quality assurance
Customer Testimonials and Recognition
Australis has received accolades and endorsements from:
- James Beard Foundation: Recognized for sustainable seafood advocacy
- UN FAO: Cited as a model for climate-smart aquaculture
- Whole Foods Market: Labeled as a leader in clean protein innovation
Customer testimonials consistently highlight:
“Barramundi from The Better Fish is not only delicious but also ethically produced—this is the future of seafood.”
— Executive Chef, Sustainable Seafood Expo
Major Achievements
- Introduced Barramundi to the U.S. market, creating and leading a new category of white fish
- Over 25 million servings of Barramundi sold annually
- Recognized in Time Magazine, The New York Times, NPR, and National Geographic
- Developed one of the world’s first low-carbon aquaculture farms using integrated mangrove ecosystems in Vietnam
Australis Aquaculture LLC continues to shape the future of seafood by combining innovation, environmental stewardship, and culinary excellence in every fillet they produce.