Kingfish Zeeland

The Kingfish Company, operating through its subsidiary Kingfish Zeeland, is a pioneering aquaculture company specializing in the sustainable production of Yellowtail Kingfish (Seriola lalandi) using advanced recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) technology. Founded in 2017, the company's primary facility is located in Zeeland, the Netherlands, where it has been in operation since 2018. The company utilizes a land-based "greenhouse for fish" approach, drawing water from the pristine Eastern Scheldt estuary to raise its premium fish product, known as Dutch Yellowtail.

The company's RAS technology allows for the production of high-quality, antibiotic-free yellowtail kingfish in a controlled environment. This method enables local production of a species typically dependent on imports, particularly for European and North American markets. The Dutch Yellowtail is marketed as a versatile, premium fish suitable for various culinary applications, including sushi, sashimi, grilling, and smoking.

As of 2021, Kingfish Zeeland's production capacity in the Netherlands stood at 1,500 metric tons annually, with plans to expand to 3,500 metric tons in 2023. The company has demonstrated strong production capabilities, exceeding its system design capacity by 30% in 2020, producing 677 tons in a system designed for 520 tons yearly. The company's operational excellence is reflected in its sector-leading productivity score of 0.64 kg growth/m3/day in Q4 2020.

The Kingfish Company emphasizes sustainability in its operations. The facility runs on 100% renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, and biogas. The company has also achieved several certifications, including Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certifications, underscoring its commitment to environmentally responsible practices. In 2022, Kingfish Zeeland became the first company in Europe to complete a pilot of the Global Seafood Alliance's Raised Without Antibiotics Standard.

Key customers and partnerships

The Kingfish Company has established a diverse customer base across various European markets, balancing between the Horeca (hotel, restaurant, and catering) sector and retail channels. As of 2021, the company reported an almost 50/50 split between these two segments, with flexibility to adjust based on market conditions.

In the retail sector, the company has secured partnerships with major chains. Whole Foods stores stock yellowtail from the company's Netherlands operation. In 2021, The Kingfish Company signed deals with two leading retail chains in France and Italy, further expanding its market presence.

For its US expansion, the company has partnered with Bristol Seafood, a certified B Corp, to process its first batch of Maine-harvested Dutch yellowtail. This limited release in 2023 was distributed to restaurants in Maine, Boston, Washington D.C., and California, marking an important step toward establishing its presence in the North American market.

The company also collaborates with leading aquafeed producers, including BioMar and Skretting, to develop and optimize feeds specifically for yellowtail kingfish production in RAS environments.