Statement in response to government's aquaculture strategy

Attributable to Grant Rosewarne, CEO, NZ King Salmon

June 14, 2012

Commenting on the just-released five year action plan to support aquaculture, NZ King Salmon CEO Grant Rosewarne says his company’s plans are fully aligned with the government’s strategy.

“We are very pleased with the government’s aquaculture plans which set the scene for sustainable growth, something we have consistently supported.

“The government’s strategy has major regional benefits for the Top of the South. The region is in the enviable position of being home to the world’s biggest farmer and supplier of nutritious and healthy King salmon.

“The Top of the South must embrace the opportunities the government has provided to create new jobs and bring in millions of dollars to the regional economy while maintaining a healthy aquatic environment.”

About New Zealand King Salmon

New Zealand King Salmon (NZKS) sustainably farms King salmon from five sea farms in the cool, deep waters of the South Island’s Marlborough Sounds. NZKS invests heavily in research and development and is recognised worldwide for its best in class King salmon farming practises. It is firmly committed to the sustainability and viability of a renewable resource with its success centred on maintaining the quality of the waters in which the salmon are farmed. King salmon has the highest natural content of healthy long-chain Omega-3 oils important for life and good health and which can help to maintain a healthy heart.

NZ King Salmon:

Is NZ’s largest fin fish aquaculture producer employing more than 455 skilled workers in New Zealand and a further 10 in Australia, the US and Japan.
Currently produces 8,000 metric tonnes of King salmon annually accounting for 70 per cent of New Zealand’s salmon production.
Total sales on domestic and exports markets are NZ$115 million p.a.
Is the world’s biggest farmer and supplier of the King salmon variety with 55 per cent of the global market and earns around NZ$60 million a year in foreign exchange.
Has clear market advantages including great tasting salmon from a sustainable, disease-free, chemical-free, clean growing environment, fresh-to-market distribution, vertical integration and supply chain product traceability.