Multi X targets North America, Europe with ultra-premium Arka brand

Chilean salmon farmer Multi X, previously known as Multiexport Foods, has created a new brand of ultra-premium, antibiotic-free certified fresh, frozen, and smoked salmon products for the U.S., Canadian, and European markets, with plans to expand to new markets in 2022.

The brand, Arka, whose name means “heaven” in the native Kawésqar dialect, will market salmon which are antibiotic-free, Aquaculture Stewardship Council-certified, and Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) 4 Star-certified, “making Arka ultra-premium salmon one of the world's most responsible and conscious salmon brands available for retail and food service today,” Multi X said in a 5 November press release.

Arka salmon are raised in southern Chile’s Magallanes Region, also known as Region XII.  The vertically integrated company noted that Arka is in full production, with 19,000 metric tons ready to be shipped to supply large retail and foodservice needs. The launch includes fresh and frozen whole salmon, fillets, and portions, and is available in a number of cold-smoked options.

“As one of the largest and most-trusted importers of Atlantic fresh, frozen, and smoked salmon into the U.S., Multi X is committed to nourishing the future by championing and pioneering responsible solutions that meet the world’s ever-growing protein demands,” Multi X Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Ricardo Grunwald said. “Listed in the top 25 percent of food companies worldwide on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index several years in a row, Multi X remains transparent and continues to lead the way forward in how we meet healthy food demands throughout our entire value chain and operation.”

Founded in 1987, Puerto Montt, Chile-based Multi X has more than 2,400 employees and handles some 100,000 metric tons of salmon annually, with expectations to increase its total to 125,000 metric tons by 2023. It has productive activities in southern Chile’s regions IX, X, XI, and XII and is present throughout the salmon production chain from reproduction to distribution to more than 30 countries.

Multi X reported Q2 operating income of USD 150 million (EUR 127 million), up 73.4 percent year-over-year. The company attributed the increase to a strong recovery in the hotel, restaurant, and catering sector and high demand from the retail sector in the U.S., as it achieved a 40 percent boost in average sales prices. Net profits reached USD 29.6 million (EUR 25 million) for Q2 versus net losses of USD 31 million (EUR 26.2 million) in Q2 of 2020.

Photo courtesy of Multi X