Product Offerings
Products:
Sea Bream: Fresh Sea Bream, Frozen Sea Bream
Sea Bass: Fresh Sea Bass, Frozen Sea Bass
Meagre: Fresh Meagre, Frozen Meagre
Culmarex S.A., headquartered in Águilas, Spain, is one of the leading aquaculture companies in Europe, specializing in the sustainable farming of premium Mediterranean fish. As part of the global Cooke Aquaculture group since 2016, Culmarex has become a benchmark in the responsible production of high-quality sea bass, sea bream, and meagre, serving both European and international markets.
Company Background
Founded in 1986, Culmarex S.A. began as a pioneer in marine aquaculture along Spain’s Mediterranean coast. Over the years, the company expanded significantly, integrating advanced farming technologies and increasing its production capacities. Its acquisition by Cooke Aquaculture, a Canadian multinational, strengthened its global reach and operational expertise. Today, Culmarex operates 25 facilities across Spain, including marine farms, hatcheries, and processing plants, employing over 600 people.
Core Business
Culmarex focuses on the complete aquaculture value chain — from broodstock management and hatchery operations to grow-out, harvesting, processing, and distribution. Its operations are vertically integrated, ensuring full control over the production process and consistent quality assurance.
Product Offerings
Culmarex offers a wide range of Mediterranean fish products under its key brands “Culmarex,” “La Dorada Real,” and “Lubina Real”:
- Sea Bream (Dorada):
- Fresh Whole Sea Bream
- Frozen Sea Bream
- Sea Bass (Lubina):
- Fresh Whole Sea Bass
- Frozen Sea Bass
- Meagre (Corvina):
- Fresh Meagre
- Frozen Meagre
The company supplies these products in multiple formats, including whole, gutted, filleted, and vacuum-packed, catering to both retail and HORECA sectors.
Specialization and USP
- Sustainability Commitment: Culmarex prioritizes environmentally friendly practices, with low-impact offshore farms and initiatives supporting biodiversity.
- High Welfare Standards: Fish welfare is at the core of operations, with RSPCA-assured standards implemented across facilities.
- Traceability: Complete product traceability from hatchery to harvest ensures transparency and food safety.
- Organic Production: A portion of the company’s production is certified organic, addressing growing consumer demand for eco-labeled products.
Financials and Shipment Data
Though Culmarex’s financials are not individually published due to its parent company’s structure, its scale and market presence offer insights:
- Annual Production: Approximately 25,000 metric tons of fish per year, primarily sea bass and sea bream.
- Export Markets: France, Italy, Germany, Portugal, and other EU nations.
- Shipment Volume: Over 3,000 shipments annually across Europe and to select international markets (based on industry export data).
- Parent Company Revenue (Cooke Inc.): Estimated at $2.5 billion USD annually (2023).
Target Market
Culmarex’s products serve a wide array of markets:
- Retail Chains: Supermarkets and specialty seafood retailers across Europe.
- Foodservice Industry: High-end restaurants, hotels, and institutional food providers.
- Distributors and Wholesalers: Looking for premium, sustainably farmed Mediterranean fish.
- Organic Product Buyers: Through certified organic offerings.
Capabilities
- Integrated Production Chain: Full control from hatchery to distribution.
- Processing Flexibility: Custom cuts and packaging for retail and foodservice clients.
- Cold Chain Infrastructure: Maintains product quality during national and international shipping.
- R&D Investment: Innovation in feed, fish health, and farming techniques.
Certifications and Compliance
Culmarex’s operations meet rigorous international standards, demonstrating its commitment to quality and sustainability:
- GlobalG.A.P. Certified
- Friend of the Sea Certified
- IFS Food (International Featured Standards)
- ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) Certification – for selected farms
- Organic Certification (EU Organic) – for designated product lines
- BRC (British Retail Consortium) Certification
These certifications validate the company’s efforts toward responsible aquaculture and food safety compliance.
Customer Testimonials
While formal testimonials are limited in public domains, customer feedback through social media and B2B platforms frequently highlights:
- Consistent product quality
- Reliable supply chain and delivery performance
- Superior taste and texture of fish
- Trust in traceability and certifications
Major Achievements
- Part of Cooke Aquaculture Group: Enhanced global distribution, investment, and technical capacity.
- Pioneering Offshore Farming: Among the first in Spain to establish offshore aquaculture cages with minimal environmental impact.
- Recognition for Sustainability: Highlighted by Friend of the Sea and national media for responsible aquaculture practices.
- Strong Export Track Record: Culmarex fish are featured in major European supermarket chains and upscale culinary establishments.
Culmarex S.A. continues to lead the aquaculture sector by combining tradition, innovation, and sustainability — setting the standard for responsibly farmed Mediterranean seafood.