Leading Japanese processor Oji Salmon Co. has announced its move to steelhead trout production, (often referred to as “salmon” in Japanese), in response to rising global seafood prices and supply challenges.
Previously reliant on imports from Norway and Chile, the company is now farming trout at its facility in Kamikawa Town, Hokkaido.
This move is designed to ensure a stable supply of fish while enhancing product quality, according to a press release from the company.
Oji Salmon’s current operation includes a 3,600-square-meter hatchery and a 19,000-square-meter farm, with an expected yield of 70-100 tons annually, aiming to scale up to 1,000 tons in the future.
Branded as “Hokkaido Daisetsu Salmon,” the trout are raised in the Daisetsu Mountains, without the use of antibiotics or vaccines. This has attracted significant interest from restaurants and hotels, with the company expecting to sell out this year’s production, according to Oji.
Sustainability is a key aspect of Oji Salmon’s operations, with plans to introduce solar power into its farming process.
The company is also looking to expand its market presence both in Japan and abroad, leveraging Hokkaido’s reputation for high-quality water and reliable production.
