With its long-standing and high reputation on salmon production, Bolaks started collecting broodstock for the SalmoBreed strain back in 1975. In 1999, Bolaks was one of the founders of the SalmoBreed breeding company acquired by Benchmark Holdings plc in 2014. Since then Bolaks and Benchmark Genetics have collaborated on broodstock and ova production to supply the Norwegian customer demand of Benchmark Genetics . A 10-year contract was signed in September 2019 to continue the long-standing relationship between the two companies.
Benchmark Genetics Norway AS (former SalmoBreed AS) and Salmar Farming AS formed a 50/50 joint venture in March 2017 to provide genetics, health and knowledge services connected with the Rauma strain owned by Salmar Farming. The collaboration includes the production facility at Reistad, Norway. Benchmark can sell surplus eggs from this program to external customers of the company.
Since February 2016 Benchmark Genetics has collaborated with Lerøy Seafood Group ASA on genetics R&D and ova delivery from the SalmoBreed strain. The agreement includes delivery of elite ova for broodstock production and ova at Lerøy Aakvik Rogn og Stamfisk AS. In addition Benchmark has the opportunity to commercialize surplus production to external customers of the company.
The family-owned salmon farming company is well known for their high focus on sustainable farming practices. The collaboration with Benchmark Genetics includes the operation of the sea-based broodstock license of Benchmark Genetics Salten AS. This fish is farmed according to the same high standards as the commercial production that ends up in the fish counter of the US retailer, Wholefoods.
In the pristine Skjærstadfjorden Salten Stamfisk holds two licenses for broodstock production of the SalmoBreed strain. The long-standing and tight collaboration with Benchmark Genetics resulted in the establishment of Benchmark Genetics Salten and the construction of the land-based breeding facility of which Salten Stamfisk is a 25% shareholder.
