Norwegian salmon producer Bremnes Seashore will discontinue its premium Salma salmon brand due to mounting losses and challenging market conditions, affecting more than 100 jobs, the company announced.
The company said the Salma division had been operating at a loss in recent years, with projected annual deficits running into tens of millions of Norwegian kroner. Rising raw material costs and increased operational expenses have made it difficult to achieve the volumes necessary for profitability.
"Salma has been an adventure that put Norwegian salmon on the world map and created great pride throughout the organization," said CEO Linda Litlekalsoy Aase. "However, economic realities mean we can no longer justify continued investment in Salma."
The decision comes amid broader economic pressures facing Norway's seafood processing sector, including higher taxes and what the company described as challenging regulatory conditions for domestic ownership and processing operations.
"Raw material prices have risen, and both internal and external costs have increased since we decided to invest in a new factory," Aase explained. The facility's cooling systems, freezing facilities, and modern fillet line will continue operations, while only the Salma production line will be discontinued.
The restructuring is part of a larger cost-reduction initiative across the company's value chain. "To succeed in the future, we must be well-equipped to ensure that the salmon we produce is healthy, grows well, and maintains high quality," said Aase. "This requires investments in larger post-smolt facilities, improved sea-based screening technology, upgraded harvesting facilities, and enhanced biosecurity measures."
Principal owner Olav Svendsen underlined the brand's legacy: "Salma has meant a great deal not only to us as an organization but to many other people. The product has been an important part of Norwegian food culture, and we are proud of what we have achieved."
Regarding the job cuts, Aase acknowledged the timing was particularly difficult: "This is a very tough message to deliver, especially right before Christmas. We will ensure a proper and fair process in close cooperation with employee representatives."
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