The Kingfish Company N.V. is a pioneering aquaculture enterprise based in Kats, Zeeland, Netherlands, focused on the sustainable land-based production of high-value Yellowtail Kingfish (Seriola lalandi). The company has gained international recognition for its advanced Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) technology, which enables antibiotic-free and environmentally responsible seafood production. Operating under the brand name Dutch Yellowtail, The Kingfish Company serves premium foodservice and retail markets across Europe, North America, and Asia.
Core Business and Offerings
The Kingfish Company specializes exclusively in the farming and processing of Yellowtail Kingfish, known for its firm texture, mild flavor, and high Omega-3 content. Its offerings include:
- Fresh Whole Fish
- Loins and Fillets
- Frozen Portions
- Sashimi-Grade Products
These are available for both raw and cooked applications and are marketed primarily to the high-end gastronomy sector, sushi restaurants, seafood distributors, and upscale retailers.
Specialization and USP
The Kingfish Company stands at the forefront of sustainable aquaculture, with several unique selling points:
- 100% RAS Technology:
- Closed-loop water systems that minimize waste and environmental impact
- Located on the shores of the Oosterschelde marine reserve, ensuring optimal seawater intake
- No Antibiotics or Hormones:
- Fish are raised without antibiotics, GMOs, or chemicals
- Solar and Green Energy Use:
- Facility operations are powered by renewable energy sources
- BAP, ASC, and Friend of the Sea Certifications:
- Validating compliance with top-tier environmental and social responsibility standards
The company’s land-based model mitigates risks associated with open-sea farming, such as disease, escapes, and pollution, while ensuring traceability and biosecurity.
Market Reach and Export Performance
The Kingfish Company has built a robust international distribution network:
- Primary Export Markets:
- Netherlands, Germany, France, UK
- United States and Canada
- United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and Japan
- Annual Production Volume:
- Reached approximately 1,500 metric tons in 2022
- A second expansion phase in the Netherlands is expected to double capacity to 3,000 metric tons
- U.S. Expansion:
- A new facility under development in Maine, USA, targeting up to 8,500 metric tons/year of Yellowtail Kingfish upon completion
The brand’s traceable, sustainable model appeals strongly to importers seeking high-end, eco-conscious seafood options.
Target Market
The Kingfish Company caters to:
- Michelin-starred Restaurants
- Sushi and Sashimi Foodservice Channels
- Luxury Hotels and Resorts
- Retailers with Premium Seafood Programs
- Wholesale Seafood Distributors
Its Dutch Yellowtail is positioned as a sustainable alternative to wild-caught tuna, amberjack, and hamachi, especially in sushi and sashimi applications.
Infrastructure and Capabilities
The company’s flagship facility in Kats, Netherlands, includes:
- Advanced RAS Systems with full environmental monitoring
- Onsite Hatchery and Nursery
- Processing and Packaging Plant
- Automated Feeding and Water Quality Controls
- Cold Chain Logistics Integration
The facility design emphasizes animal welfare, energy efficiency, and scalability, allowing consistent year-round production.
Certifications and Compliance
The Kingfish Company maintains a strong commitment to global compliance and sustainability standards, with the following certifications:
- Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) Certification
- Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) Certification
- Friend of the Sea Certified
- GLOBALG.A.P.
- Certified Animal Welfare Standards
Additionally, the company’s sustainability achievements are aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in responsible consumption and climate action.
Brand Identity
Marketed under the Dutch Yellowtail brand, the product is synonymous with:
- High sashimi-grade quality
- Reliable, year-round availability
- Sustainability and traceability
- European aquaculture excellence
The brand is featured on menus of award-winning restaurants and in premium seafood counters across Europe and North America.
Major Achievements
- First European company to successfully produce Yellowtail Kingfish in a land-based RAS facility
- Named among the Top 25 Global Innovators in Sustainable Seafood by industry associations
- Secured distribution partnerships with leading foodservice providers in Europe and the U.S.
- Raised over €75 million in funding to support expansion in Europe and North America
- Achieved CO2-neutral operations through the use of renewable energy and carbon offsetting
With a vision to scale sustainable aquaculture and redefine premium seafood production, The Kingfish Company N.V. is setting a global benchmark in land-based fish farming through innovation, environmental stewardship, and culinary excellence.