Caleta Bay SpA, headquartered in Puerto Montt, Chile, is a vertically integrated aquaculture company renowned for its high-quality freshwater and sea-reared salmonids, with a specialization in Steelhead Trout and Coho Salmon. With a fully traceable supply chain and deep environmental commitment, Caleta Bay stands as a benchmark in sustainable aquaculture and value-added seafood exports.
Core Business Activities
Caleta Bay manages the complete value chain of aquaculture—from egg production, freshwater and marine farming, processing, packaging, to international distribution. The company’s operational pillars include:
- Aquaculture Production: Managing hatcheries, freshwater and seawater farms for Steelhead Trout and Coho Salmon.
- Processing and Value-Addition: Operating advanced processing plants to produce fresh, frozen, smoked, and prepared fish products.
- Export Logistics: Supplying seafood to more than 20 countries with cold chain integrity and regulatory compliance.
- Branding and Marketing: Promoting its consumer-facing line under the Salmonfan brand.
Product Portfolio
Caleta Bay’s diverse product offerings are tailored for retail, foodservice, and industrial clients:
- Fresh Products: Gutted fish, trimmed fillets of Steelhead Trout and Coho Salmon.
- Frozen Products: IQF fillets, H&G (Headed & Gutted), and vacuum-packed cuts.
- Smoked Products: Cold-smoked and hot-smoked trout fillets and slices.
- Processed Foods: Ready-to-cook items like trout burgers, poke cubes, and sausages designed for modern diets.
All products are BAP and ASC certified, ensuring quality and sustainability.
Specialisation and Core USP
Caleta Bay differentiates itself with a genetic program exclusive to Steelhead Trout and maintains complete vertical integration, offering:
- Full traceability from egg to export
- Sustainable farming methods with low antibiotic use
- Strong focus on value-added innovation like portion-ready and seasoned seafood
- Customized solutions for markets in North America, Europe, and Asia
Financial Insights
As one of Chile’s top five trout exporters, Caleta Bay has demonstrated robust financial performance:
- Annual revenue: Estimated at USD $120–150 million (2023)
- Export revenue: Over 95% of total turnover
- Processing capacity: Up to 30,000 metric tons of final product per year
- Maintains partnerships with leading international retailers and foodservice distributors
International Engagement and Shipment Data
Trade data indicates the following:
- Export destinations: USA, Japan, Brazil, Russia, China, Canada, and EU markets
- Over 1,500 refrigerated shipments annually, supported by integrated cold logistics
- In 2022, exported over 20,000 metric tons of trout and salmon products
- Participates in major seafood expos: Seafood Expo Global (Barcelona), China Fisheries & Seafood Expo, and Boston Seafood Show
Target Market
- Retail chains and premium grocery outlets
- HORECA (Hotel, Restaurant, Catering) channels
- Seafood importers and processors seeking semi-finished goods
- Health-conscious and environmentally-aware consumers seeking omega-3 rich, responsibly farmed seafood
Capabilities and Infrastructure
- 4 freshwater farms, 2 seawater farms, and 1 state-of-the-art processing plant in Puerto Montt
- Dedicated cold storage and logistics operations to maintain freshness and safety during export
- Advanced biometric monitoring systems for fish welfare and growth tracking
- Robust R&D unit focused on product innovation, shelf life, and food safety
Certifications and Compliance
- ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) and BAP (Best Aquaculture Practices) certified
- Complies with EU, FDA, and SERNAPESCA (Chilean National Fisheries Service) regulations
- HACCP and ISO 9001 standards implemented across processing units
- Member of Global Salmon Initiative (GSI) and adheres to anti-biotic reduction and carbon neutrality commitments
Customer Testimonials and Impact
- Clients from Japan and the U.S. commend Caleta Bay for “consistent quality, firm texture, and low fat oxidation rates.”
- Large foodservice clients in Europe cite “reliable supply and superior freshness in smoked products.”
Industry media and consumer panels consistently rank the Salmonfan brand among the top Chilean brands for taste and presentation.
Major Achievements
- Named Top Chilean Trout Exporter by Subpesca in 2022
- Winner of the Innovation in Seafood Processing Award at Expo Pesca Chile 2023
- Reduced antibiotic usage by 85% over a 5-year period, earning recognition from WWF Chile
- First in Chile to introduce steelhead poke cubes as a ready-to-eat solution for international convenience markets
Caleta Bay continues to lead in Chile’s aquaculture sector by blending innovation, quality, and sustainability, reinforcing its global reputation as a trusted seafood partner.
