Nutreco partners with Hendrix Genetics

13 February 2019

Nutreco has announced today that, together with Hendrix Genetics and Ecuacultivos, we will invest in Ecuador to build a state-of-the-art shrimp hatchery. The hatchery will deliver healthy Pacific whiteleg shrimp post larvae to Ecuadorian farmers.

The new joint venture will take over and upgrade the existing Macrobio hatchery in the west of the country, turning it into a state-of-the-art production facility that develops a world-class shrimp breeding program. The most advanced genetics and breeding technologies will be used, with nutritional solutions provided by Skretting. The hatchery currently employs around 50 people.

Sustainable growth

The joint venture also aims to increase the competitiveness of the Ecuadorian shrimp industry in a sustainable way. Ecuador’s shrimp sector is set to grow at around 5-7% per year over the next seven years. Within the country’s aquaculture market, the Pacific whiteleg shrimp is the most important aquatic species produced. Production volumes skyrocketed in recent years, putting Ecuador currently at the third largest producer after China and India.

The joint venture announced today will be a major commercial initiative in the country, bringing high level of expertise to the shrimp market. Combining Nutreco’s strengths with those of its co-investors will make it possible to grow healthier, higher quality shrimp to meet this rising demand.

"Our strategy for the coming years is to invest in innovative projects in the value chain that support sustainable market growth. We’re delighted that today’s announcement will promote the sustainable growth of shrimp farming in Ecuador, a key market for our aquaculture division Skretting."

Rob Koremans - Nutreco CEO

Eliminating antibiotic use

The joint venture is in line with Skretting’s drive to continue expansion into nutritional solutions for warm water aquaculture species.

Skretting Ecuador General Manager Carlos Miranda Illingworth says, “The combination of our nutritional knowledge combined with genetic know-how and best farm practices make this joint venture a very exciting one for the shrimp business in Ecuador. Through this partnership, we plan to produce a disease-resistant animal to keep the Ecuadorian shrimp industry antibiotic free and with improved growth so farmers can optimize land use and produce more with less.”

Skretting is currently building a new production facility in Ecuador as proof of its commitment for the country to ramp up its sustainable shrimp production. The facility, which will use state-of-the art innovation in feed production and nutrition, will be completed in 2019.