Salmones Antártica S.A. is one of Chile’s longest-standing and most reputable salmon farming and processing companies, with operations based in Chonchi on Chiloé Island. Founded in 1982 and now under Japanese ownership via Nippon Suisan Kaisha Ltd. (Nissui Group), the company integrates aquaculture excellence with international food standards to produce premium-quality salmon and trout for global markets.
Core Business
Salmones Antártica specializes in the cultivation, harvesting, processing, and export of three major salmonid species:
- Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)
- Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch)
- Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
The company oversees the full production cycle—from hatchery and seawater farming to processing and export—ensuring complete traceability and quality assurance throughout its value chain.
Product and Service Offerings
Salmones Antártica exports a range of value-added and whole frozen seafood products, including:
- Frozen Head-On Gutted (HOG) Salmon and Trout
- Fillets (Trim C, D, and E)
- Portion-cut products and vacuum-packed fillets
- Custom processing and private label packaging for international clients
Their products are primarily destined for major markets in Japan, the United States, Brazil, Russia, China, and Europe.
Specialisation and Core USP
The company’s strengths are anchored in:
- Vertical Integration: End-to-end control from egg to final product, delivering consistent quality and safety.
- Species Diversification: Unlike most Chilean producers focused on Atlantic salmon, Salmones Antártica maintains a strong position in rainbow trout and coho salmon, offering buyers more variety.
- Japanese Quality Standards: As part of the Nissui Group, Salmones Antártica adopts rigorous Japanese processing and quality control practices.
- Sustainable Aquaculture: Long-term commitment to ocean stewardship, low-density farming, and certified animal welfare practices.
Financials and Export Data
According to Chilean customs and aquaculture export data (ProChile and Subpesca):
- Annual production exceeds 45,000 metric tons WFE (Whole Fish Equivalent).
- In 2022, Salmones Antártica reported over $270 million USD in export sales, placing it among the top 10 Chilean salmon exporters.
- Key export markets and shares:
- Japan (34%)
- United States (24%)
- Brazil (16%)
- China and Southeast Asia (15%)
- Other markets (11%)
The company’s five-star brand reputation in Japan has earned it consistent demand and premium pricing in retail and foodservice channels.
Target Market
Salmones Antártica caters to:
- Premium seafood distributors and retailers
- Sushi and sashimi grade importers
- Hotel, Restaurant, and Catering (HORECA) operators
- Private label partners and food processors
Markets with the highest growth interest include Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions.
Capabilities
- Marine farming sites in Regions X and XI (Los Lagos and Aysén)
- State-of-the-art processing plant in Chonchi with BRC and HACCP certifications
- Integrated logistics including freezing tunnels, vacuum packing, and global cold chain
- Highly trained personnel and Japanese QA engineers embedded in production oversight
- Production Flexibility: Ability to customize filleting, trimming, and packaging formats for different market needs
Certifications and Compliance
Salmones Antártica meets international food safety and environmental standards, including:
- HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)
- BRCGS (British Retail Consortium Global Standard)
- Global GAP Aquaculture Certification
- Friend of the Sea sustainability certification
- Sernapesca Certification for Chilean aquaculture transparency
Additionally, they comply with Japan’s JFS-A/B food safety protocols, facilitating seamless exports to the Japanese market.
Customer Testimonials
“We’ve worked with Salmones Antártica for over a decade. Their coho salmon quality is unmatched, and they understand Japanese market demands deeply.”
— Import Manager, Leading Seafood Trading Company, Tokyo
“Our clients consistently request their rainbow trout due to its consistency and premium appearance.”
— Foodservice Distributor, São Paulo, Brazil
Major Achievements
- Over 40 years of uninterrupted operations, making it one of the oldest salmon farming companies in Chile
- Among the top exporters of rainbow trout from Latin America
- Successful long-term integration into the Japanese seafood market, a region known for strict quality standards
- Pioneered early antibiotic-free farming practices in Chilean aquaculture
- Developed the proprietary brand “Five Star”, synonymous with top-tier quality in Asian markets
Salmones Antártica continues to lead by combining Chilean aquaculture tradition with Japanese precision and sustainability, offering the global market premium salmonid products with traceability, taste, and trust.