Coho salmon, also called "Pacific salmon" (Oncorhynchus kisutch), is the second most important species in salmonid production in Chile.
Photo: Salmofood / Vitapro.
Salmofood—a brand of Vitapro, itself a subsidiary of Alicorp, and a leader in the production of aquaculture feed—organizes the 'Pacific Silver' forum, a technical meeting designed not only to put Coho salmon at the center of the conversation, but especially to highlight its role as a pillar of future growth for salmon farming in Chile.
The event, which will begin with a presentation by Dr Hugh Ferguson, professor emeritus of the Institute of Aquaculture at the University of Stirling, a specialist in fish pathology, will bring together national and international leaders of the aquaculture industry next Tuesday, August 25, at the Wyndham Pettra Hotel in Puerto Varas, Los Lagos region.
"With 'Pacific Silver', from Vitapro Chile and its Salmofood brand, we seek to contribute to the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry, promoting the exchange of knowledge, collaboration between key players and a high-level debate around Coho salmon, a species that will undoubtedly be key to the growth of Chilean salmon farming in the medium and long term," said Francisco Valdés, Commercial Director of Vitapro Chile.
Francisco Valdés, Commercial Director of Vitapro Chile.
As mentioned, the objective of the forum is to analyze the current global scenario for Coho salmon, Chile's position in that market and the opportunities for expansion of the species, which is currently the second most important within Chilean salmonid production.
As Salmofood highlights in its release, citing data from the 2025 Statistical Yearbook of Fisheries and Aquaculture by Sernapesca—Chile's National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service—last year, Chilean salmonid harvests exceeded 1,100,000 tons.
Of these, Atlantic salmon led the way with 810,892 tons, followed by Coho salmon with 309,521 tons, and rainbow trout with 48,805 tons.
Compared to 2024, Coho registered an increase of 14.44%, consolidating Chile as one of the world's leading producers of the species, with exports concentrated in Asia (mainly Japan) and, to a lesser extent, in regional markets such as Brazil and the United States, in addition to also registering a growing share in destinations such as Vietnam, China and Russia.
"Coho salmon plays a key role in Chile's export portfolio and in the industry's future prospects," noted Francisco Valdés, as said, Commercial Director of the forum's organizer, Vitapro Chile.
"Many companies are increasing production of this species, driven by its attributes. This scenario motivated us to create a forum to address the challenges and new opportunities this reality presents for the Chilean salmon farming industry," he added.
Organized by Vitapro's Salmofood brand, 'Pacific Silver' will be held on August 25.
Aimed at salmonid producers, research centers, universities, technology providers, authorities and public-private actors linked to the development of the aquaculture sector, 'Pacific Silver' is conceived as a technical-strategic forum.
Lasting just half a day, the event will include concise presentations, discussion sessions, and a closing panel focused on projecting the opportunities and future of Coho salmon in international markets.
Taking a comprehensive approach, national and international leaders in the aquaculture industry will address the main challenges and opportunities for the species throughout the entire value chain.
As mentioned above, Dr Hugh Ferguson will open the day with a presentation in which he will review the main diseases affecting Coho salmon and how they impact their productive performance, among other relevant aspects for farming.
The review of the species' health problems will be complemented by topics such as innovation in nutrition and formulation of specific diets, based on the experience of Vitapro Chile; productive performance; analysis of the national and international market and consumption trends; business and investment opportunities; along with a debate on the profitability, economic sustainability of the species and demand projection.
Anyone interested in participating in the event can find more information—available in Spanish and English—on its website, where registration is now open.