Atlantic Sapphire celebrates first harvest of Bluehouse Salmon from Miami RAS facility

Atlantic Sapphire is celebrating the first commercial harvest of salmon raised in its new recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) farm in Miami, Florida, U.S.A., according to a 28 September release.

The company also announced a partnership with Chef’s Warehouse that will see the purveyor of high-quality artisan ingredients for chefs receive the first of Atlantic Sapphire’s Bluehouse-brand salmon.

“We are thrilled for this historic moment in our industry and eagerly await for the first shipment to arrive at our warehouses. The sustainability model, coupled with domestic production, makes this a no-brainer for our chef customers,” The Chef’s Warehouse said in a release. “Within 48 hours from harvest, we will provide the foodservice community the freshest and incredibly clean tasting salmon that compares to no other."

Atlantic Sapphire recently announced the company is close to completing its phase-one build-out, which will enable the firm to harvest approximately 10,000 metric tons (MT) of salmon annually in Miami. The company has also secured permits that will enable it to eventually produce up to 90,000 MT onsite, and has a targeted harvest volume in 2031 of 220,000 tons.

Initial partners in Atlantic Sapphire’s network of nationwide distribution include supermarket chains Giant Eagle, H-E-B, New Seasons Market, Publix, Safeway, Sobey's, Sprouts Farmers Market, and Wegmans.

"Finally, a locally produced salmon, fresh from Florida, that meets the growing demand from our shoppers for a delicious, healthier alternative that minimizes the impact on the environment,” Giant Eagle Director of Seafood Rich Castle said. “The extra freshness and the mild taste are a game-changer. We are thrilled to be part of the launch in our region and are looking forward to a long-term partnership.”

Adam Caslow, co-chief executive officer of Acme Smoked Fish, which earlier this month announced a supply agreement with Atlantic Sapphire, called the first harvest “a landmark achievement.”

“Land-based aquaculture salmon from the U.S.A. is a seismic shift within the seafood industry. The path to sustainable growth is clear as we work together to provide the marketplace with high-quality protein that greatly reduce their environmental impact,” Caslow said. “Acme is proud to contribute our expertise for the benefit of generations to come.”

Atlantic Sapphire USA, a subsidiary of Norwegian farmed salmon firm Atlantic Sapphire A/S, announced it would build an RAS farm in the United States in 2017. It has been operating a smaller facility in Denmark since 2011, using it for research and development and innovation to equip the company with technology and procedures that “enables the company to commercially scale up production in end markets close to the consumer.”

That goal is on pace to be achieved, according to Atlantic Sapphire CEO Johan Andreassen.

“We knew we had the potential to have an enormous impact on the salmon industry, and with much of the seafood imported into the United States, we wanted to continue to make a positive contribution by seeking out a location that would reduce the carbon footprint of salmon available in the North American market,” Andreassen said. “We’re proud to finally start serving Americans delicious Bluehouse Salmon with a quality and freshness they have not experienced before.”

According to Andreassen, the successful first harvest shows his company is poised for exponential growth.

“Our innovative production technology has resulted in sustainably raised, premium salmon, fresh from Florida,” Atlantic Sapphire said. “This development marks a historical moment for the U.S. seafood industry.”

Photo courtesy of Atlantic Sapphire