With this new cod farm, Ode intends to continue contributing to the prosperity of coastal communities.
Photo: Ode.
After closing 2024 with the opening of its sixth marine site at Dysjaneset in the municipality of Sande, Norwegian cod producer Ode is starting the new year with the announcement of the approval of a new site, its seventh aquaculture site. Jonskjær, in the municipality of Smøla, Nordmøre, was finalized at the end of December.
"We celebrated the new year with this fantastic milestone, marking another step forward in our mission to produce sustainable and high-quality farmed cod for the global market," the company stated in a release.
A young company, but with the ambition to establish a new culture of farmed cod, in the last five years Ode has built a fully integrated value chain for cod farming.
Last year, this value chain, which extends from hatchery to consumer-packaged products, took a definitive step forward with the acquisition of the Vartdal processing plant, previously owned by Måsøval, and was further strengthened with the addition of the Ronja Ode, the world's first wellboat dedicated to cod resulting from the partnership between the Norwegian cod farmer and wellboat company Sølvtrans.
Thus, as Ode explained in the release about the new site, what started as a dream for two founders has grown into a company with more than 150 employees, which, by 2025, will deliver 50 million healthy and sustainable cod meals a year, processed locally in Norway.
"Jonskjær is a key milestone in our journey to expand production of healthy, sustainable food. This site will allow us to grow responsibly, create new opportunities, and strengthen our ability to deliver premium cod to our customers worldwide," said Ola Kvalheim, founder and CEO of Ode commenting on the approval of its seventh aquaculture site.
Kvalheim, who in a previous interview with WeAreAquaculture stated that the company's goal is to become a leading seafood company within the next 30 years, now said that "Starting the new year with this approval is a powerful motivation as we continue to work toward our long-term goals."
In its release, the company highlighted that Jonskjær further strengthens its position as a leader in cod farming, providing a stable and reliable source of premium seafood for the international market. However, in the same statement, the Head of Public Affairs at Ode, Falk Øveraas, emphasizes another objective.
"For Ode, contributing to thriving coastal communities is essential. With operations spanning several regions, we are already a positive force in many local areas. While our cod is enjoyed around the globe, it's vital for us to highlight where it comes from," he said.
"Along Norway's clean, cold coastline, our cod thrives best. By building our presence in these regions, we aim to create jobs, support local suppliers, and celebrate the unique heritage of the Norwegian coast," Øveraas concluded.
