#Japan #Aomori #Okamura Foods #Aomori Salmon #Sustainable Aquaculture

Okamura Foods Begins Harvesting Aomori Salmon®

Okamura Foods Co., Ltd., headquartered in Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture, has announced that it has started its harvesting of Aomori Salmon® from April 6. The company has been at the forefront of a vertically integrated business model that covers everything from aquaculture to processing and wholesale.

Expanding Aomori's Domestic Salmon Farming

This year marks the ninth season since Okamura Foods launched its large-scale salmon farming operations in Aomori Prefecture in 2017. Utilizing advanced aquaculture techniques and knowledge gained from its group company in Denmark, a leader in salmon farming, the company continues to strengthen its farming systems year after year. With specific targets set, the domestic salmon farming production is expected to reach 3,476 tons by the 2025 season, with ambitious plans to ramp up to 4,300 tons in 2026. The initial catch for this season will take place in Imabetsu Town before expanding to areas in Fukaura Town and Wakinosawa district in Mutsu City, as well as test farming in Hokkaido. The harvest will occur sequentially from April until early July.

What is Aomori Salmon®?

Aomori Salmon® refers to the sushi-grade salmon trout farmed by Japan Salmon Farm Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Okamura Foods, in the waters off the coast of Aomori Prefecture in the Sea of Japan. The region surrounding the Tsugaru Strait is renowned for its fast currents and a diverse yield of marine life, making it a “rich sea.” Salmons raised in the cold and challenging Northern sea environment develop firm flesh and excellent fat quality, resulting in a remarkable taste.

From Egg to Table: The Salmon Aquaculture Process

The domestic salmon farming process begins each year between November and December with fertilized salmon eggs. Post-hatching, the young salmon are nurtured onshore for about a year, during which their growth and health are closely monitored. They are raised to an intermediate weight of approximately 600g to 800g. By the following December, they transition to net-cage farming in the ocean, growing to about 3 to 4 kg before being harvested. Every step of this process, from hatching to harvesting, is conducted in-house. To ensure freshness, the harvesting begins early in the morning, allowing same-day shipments. After being humanely killed, the fish are quickly transported to processing facilities for primary processing before distribution both domestically and internationally.

Learn more about the domestic salmon farming process here.

A Commitment to Sustainable Aquaculture

Okamura Foods is dedicated to establishing a sustainable fishing industry by ensuring a stable supply of seafood through responsible fish farming. The company aims to continuously deliver the blessings of the sea to people while promoting healthy eating habits. Their mission is to secure sustainable aquatic resources for the future and implement sustainable farming practices.

Discover their commitment to sustainable aquaculture here.

Company Overview

Okamura Foods is engaged in a vertically integrated business model that encompasses salmon farming and the processing, sale, and wholesale distribution of various seafood products, catering to both domestic and international markets. With a strong focus on quality raw material procurement, they aim to tailor product offerings to customer needs and maintain a reliable supply of seafood products.

Company Name: Okamura Foods Co., Ltd.
Stock Code: 2938 (Tokyo Stock Exchange Standard)
Founded: August 1971
CEO: Koichi Okamura
Location: 1-6-11 Yaeda, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture
Website: Okamura Foods
Note: Okamura Foods Note