From 14–21 March, Andrea and Gaute joined a Norwegian delegation on Innovation Norway’s trade mission to Chile. The mission brought together 12 Norwegian companies from the aquaculture industry, and the programme was packed from start to finish with meetings, professional discussions, and company visits.
The programme began in Santiago with an in-depth introduction to the Chilean aquaculture market, including the regulatory framework and practical insights into how foreign companies can establish and grow their business in Chile. That evening, we visited the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Santiago, where we received a warm welcome. The embassy hosted a networking event that gave us the opportunity to meet representatives from several Chilean companies and build valuable relationships that may serve as a foundation for future collaboration.
Chile is the world’s second-largest producer of salmon, and the mission gave us valuable insights into how the country’s aquaculture industry operates—from operational practices and regulatory frameworks to technological innovation.
The programme began in Santiago with an in-depth introduction to the Chilean aquaculture market, including the regulatory framework and practical guidance on how foreign companies can do business in Chile. That evening, we visited the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Santiago, where we received a warm welcome. The embassy also hosted a networking event, giving us the opportunity to meet representatives from several Chilean companies and establish valuable connections that could pave the way for future collaboration.
The journey then continued to Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas, the heart of Chile’s salmon farming industry. We had originally planned to visit one of Mowi Chile’s sea sites, but due to adverse weather conditions the port was closed. Instead, we had an excellent meeting with the Mowi Chile team at our hotel, where we discussed operations, sustainability, and developments within the industry. We also visited Cermaq Chile, where we gained valuable insights into their production methods and ongoing development initiatives in Chile.
We also visited Chile’s largest salmon producer, Empresas AquaChile, where we were given a comprehensive tour of their freshwater hatchery, research station, and processing facility. The mission concluded with a visit to Multi X, Chile’s second-largest salmon farming company, where we toured a newly built recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facility as well as a state-of-the-art feeding centre.
One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to Patagonia Biotech HUB, where we met with several Chilean technology companies developing innovative solutions for environmental monitoring, aquaculture lighting, and water treatment. The visit provided valuable insight into the vibrant innovation ecosystem supporting the aquaculture industry in the region.
We also met with representatives from the Environmental Assessment Service (Servicio de Evaluación Ambiental), Intesal, and SalmonChile AG, who shared valuable perspectives on Chile’s regulatory framework and the key challenges facing the country’s aquaculture industry.
Wherever we went, we were met with exceptional hospitality. Everyone we met was open, welcoming, and generous in sharing their knowledge and experience, making the visit both informative and inspiring.
Equally valuable was the opportunity to get to know the other Norwegian companies participating in the trade mission. The delegation included:
Helland Silosystem AS, Avo Consulting, GSG AS, Alde Akva AS, AMOF Fjell Process Technology AS, Appfarm, Anteo AS, Ramboll, Hatch Blue, Horizon Software, and Dynamic FishEye, as well as a journalist from Intrafish.no.
Over the course of five intensive and rewarding days, we gained valuable industry insights, broadened our perspectives, and engaged in many meaningful discussions. Trade missions like this also provide a unique opportunity to learn from one another, build strong professional relationships, and lay the foundation for future collaboration.
A special thank you to Pilar Neves, Martin Fredrik Olsen, and Patrick Reurink at Innovation Norway for organizing such a well-planned and insightful trade mission.
We can highly recommend participating in one of Innovation Norway’s trade missions. It’s an excellent opportunity to gain first-hand market insights, expand your professional network, and explore new business opportunities in international aquaculture markets.
