Hofseth International AS, headquartered in Ålesund, Norway, is a globally recognized name in premium seafood production and aquaculture. Established in 2005 by Roger Hofseth, the company has evolved into one of Norway’s leading vertically integrated seafood exporters, delivering fresh, frozen, and value-added salmon and trout products to over 20 countries worldwide.
Core Business
Hofseth’s operations span the entire aquaculture value chain, including farming, harvesting, processing, packaging, and global distribution. With a robust sustainability framework, the company focuses on maximizing resource utilization, minimizing environmental impact, and producing healthy, traceable seafood.
Product & Service Offerings
Fresh and Frozen Fillets
- Atlantic Salmon Fillets
- Fjord Trout Fillets
Portions
- IVP (Individual Vacuum Packed)
- IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) Portions
Smoked Products
- Cold Smoked Salmon
- Cold Smoked Trout
Plus Products (By-products for added value)
- Belly Flaps
- Brown Meat Strips
- Pre-Tails, Belly Meat
- Necks and Bits & Pieces
Whole Fish
- Fjord Trout
- Organic Certified Salmon
Roe and Shellfish
- High-Quality Trout Roe
- Norwegian Arctic Scallops (20/40, 40/60, 60/80 sizes)
Cod
- Farmed Atlantic Cod (New Line)
Specialization and USP
Hofseth International is known for:
- 100% traceability of all products, from fjord to fork
- Zero-waste production policy, converting all by-products into marketable goods
- Pioneering in animal welfare and sustainable aquaculture under Norwegian and EU standards
- Environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring systems to safeguard marine biodiversity
- In-house R&D for fish protein hydrolysate and collagen development from by-products
The company’s strategic location in Norway’s fjords provides natural cold-water conditions ideal for salmonid farming, enhancing flavor and texture.
Financial Strength
As of the most recent filings:
- Annual revenue exceeds NOK 2 billion (~USD 190 million)
- Robust export growth of 15–20% CAGR over the last 5 years
- Over 500 employees across its farming, processing, and administrative operations
- Key partnerships with North American, Asian, and European retailers
International Shipment Data
Export data and industry insights reveal:
- Shipping to over 20 countries, with top markets in USA, Japan, South Korea, Germany, and France
- Products are exported via air freight (fresh) and reefer containers (frozen)
- Handles an estimated 20,000+ metric tons of salmon and trout annually
- Has developed custom retail pack lines for Costco (US), Aeon (Japan), and Carrefour (Europe)
Target Market
Hofseth’s customer base includes:
- Retail supermarket chains
- Foodservice and HORECA clients
- Seafood importers and distributors
- Premium meal kit and e-commerce platforms
Their product versatility caters to both high-end culinary markets and bulk retail demand with sustainable sourcing guarantees.
Capabilities
- State-of-the-art processing plant in Ålesund with MSC/ASC certification
- Fully owned aquaculture farms, ensuring quality control and biosecurity
- In-house logistics division for cold chain efficiency
- Investment in AI and robotics for grading, cutting, and packaging precision
- R&D lab for nutraceutical development from marine by-products
Certifications and Compliance
- Global GAP
- MSC (Marine Stewardship Council)
- ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council)
- EU Organic Certification
- HACCP and ISO 22000 compliant facilities
- Registered with the Norwegian Food Safety Authority
Customer Testimonials
“Hofseth’s cold smoked salmon is unmatched in texture and taste. Our clients demand consistency and Hofseth delivers every time.”
— Bernard Joubert, Seafood Buyer, France
“As a sustainable seafood retailer, we rely on Hofseth’s traceability and environmental leadership. They are a benchmark in the industry.”
— Emily Chan, Procurement Director, Tokyo
Major Achievements
- Listed among Norway’s Top 10 Seafood Exporters (2023)
- Built the world’s first large-scale commercial eDNA monitoring in aquaculture
- Expanded operations with a new bio-refinery for value-added products
- Selected as a preferred supplier to major US retailers and foodservice companies
- Awarded multiple honors for sustainability leadership and innovation
Hofseth International AS represents the pinnacle of modern, responsible seafood production. With innovation, traceability, and sustainability at its core, the company continues to redefine the future of aquaculture while delivering exceptional quality to the global marketplace.
