Nordlaks Sales AS, based in Stokmarknes, Norway, is a key player in the global aquaculture industry, specializing in the production, processing, and export of high-quality Atlantic salmon and related value-added products. As the commercial division of the vertically integrated Nordlaks Group, the company is responsible for marketing and distributing its premium salmon to international markets across Europe, Asia, and North America.
Company Background
Established in 1989, Nordlaks is a family-owned company that has grown into one of Norway’s largest privately held aquaculture enterprises. Nordlaks Sales AS manages the commercial strategy and sales operations of the group’s extensive farming, harvesting, and processing network. The company controls the entire value chain—from roe to final packaged product—allowing full traceability, quality assurance, and sustainability compliance.
Headquartered in northern Norway, Nordlaks is uniquely positioned in the cool, clean waters of the Vesterålen archipelago, providing optimal conditions for sustainable salmon farming.
Core Business and Product Range
Nordlaks Sales AS offers a diversified portfolio of high-grade salmon products:
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Fresh Salmon Products:
- Whole Atlantic salmon (HOG - head-on gutted)
- Fresh fillets (trimmed to customer specification)
- Salmon portions and loins
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Frozen Salmon Products:
- Individually quick frozen (IQF) whole salmon
- Frozen fillets and portions
- Frozen by-products for processing and animal feed
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Value-Added Products:
- Smoked salmon
- Marinated and seasoned salmon cuts
- Pre-packed retail items for private label clients
Nordlaks processes fish at its advanced facility in Børøya, equipped with modern filleting, portioning, and freezing technologies. Products are packed according to client requirements for retail, wholesale, or industrial applications.
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition
Nordlaks Sales AS distinguishes itself through:
- Vertical Integration: Total control over the supply chain from hatcheries and sea farms to harvest and sales
- Innovation in Farming: Use of groundbreaking technologies such as the Havfarm – a pioneering semi-offshore aquaculture facility designed to reduce environmental impact and enhance fish welfare
- Sustainability Leadership: Early adopter of non-medicinal sea lice management, ASC/GlobalG.A.P certifications, and low carbon footprint initiatives
- Custom Solutions: Flexibility in product cuts, packaging formats, and logistics tailored to B2B client needs globally
Financials and Market Footprint
As part of the Nordlaks Group, Nordlaks Sales AS contributes to the company’s strong economic position in the Norwegian aquaculture sector:
- Annual turnover of Nordlaks Group: Exceeds NOK 4 billion (~$370 million USD)
- Annual harvest volume: Over 45,000 metric tons of Atlantic salmon
- Export presence: Products shipped to more than 30 countries
- Primary export markets: Germany, France, UK, Japan, South Korea, China, USA
The company operates an efficient export system from the port of Stokmarknes and other regional hubs with cold chain integrity to ensure product quality.
Shipment and Export Data
Trade data and company reports indicate:
- Nordlaks completes hundreds of reefer container shipments annually
- Products are exported fresh and frozen using air freight, containerized sea freight, and road distribution
- EU, Asia, and North America are serviced through direct partnerships and regional distributors
- Maintains a Just-In-Time supply model for fresh salmon shipments to major retail and foodservice clients
Target Market
Nordlaks Sales AS serves a global client base that includes:
- Retail chains (under private label or Nordlaks branding)
- Seafood distributors and importers
- Foodservice operators
- Sushi and sashimi wholesalers
- Smoked fish producers and processors
Their products cater to high-volume buyers demanding consistent quality, traceability, and sustainable sourcing.
Capabilities
- Automated Processing Facility: Capable of processing thousands of tons annually with high precision
- Bespoke Packaging: MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging), vacuum skin packs, bulk, and IQF formats
- Cold Chain Logistics: Integrated refrigerated transport and port access for global distribution
- R&D Investment: In-house team working on feed optimization, fish health, and digital traceability systems
Nordlaks also leads technological innovation through the Havfarm platform and sustainable site management systems.
Certifications and Compliance
Nordlaks Sales AS and its production facilities comply with stringent international standards, including:
- GlobalG.A.P. – Good Agricultural Practices
- ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) – Certification for responsible aquaculture
- ISO 22000 and HACCP – Food safety management systems
- FDA Registration – For exports to the United States
- EU Approved Exporter – Under Norwegian Veterinary Authority
- Friends of the Sea and other eco-labels (on selected products)
They also adhere to the Norwegian seafood industry's Code of Conduct, ensuring environmental stewardship and animal welfare.
Customer Testimonials
“Nordlaks offers reliable supply and exceptional freshness. Their fillet quality and traceability systems make them one of our most trusted partners.” — Seafood Distributor, Germany
“The Havfarm concept is revolutionary. We’re proud to source salmon from a company at the forefront of sustainable innovation.” — Retail Buyer, France
Major Achievements
- Launched the first Havfarm in Norway—an innovative floating structure to enhance offshore aquaculture
- Expanded operations to become one of Norway’s top privately held salmon companies
- Invested in a new smolt plant at Innhavet, increasing production capacity and fish health
- Recognized for cutting-edge sea lice management without antibiotics or chemicals
- Winner of environmental and technology innovation awards in aquaculture
Nordlaks Sales AS continues to set benchmarks in quality, innovation, and sustainability within the global salmon farming industry, reflecting the excellence of Norwegian aquaculture on the world stage.