Australis Barramundi’s Success Spawns Expansion
Delivering on state-of-the art, environmentally-friendly, fish farming
(December 2005, Turners Falls, MA) Having been rapidly embraced by restaurants, prominent chefs, and the sustainable seafood industry, Australis Aquaculture has broken ground on a major expansion of its Barramundi farming operations. By the end of 2006, output will increase 40%, from 700 tons to 1,000 tons of fish per year.
“We’re thrilled that Australis Barramundi has been so well received in the market. It’s clear that the combination of Barramundi’s delicious taste, unparalleled freshness, and health and sustainability benefits have caught the attention of seafood buyers everywhere”, says Joshua Goldman, President of U.S. Operations. Indeed, Australis Barramundi has become so popular that the company is producing to full capacity, with many buyers asking for more. Says Goldman, “With this new expansion, we’ll be able to satisfy current and future demand, while growing into new geographical and vertical markets at a healthy clip.”
The expansion will include the addition of a 19,000–square-foot facility holding eight new culture tanks. In addition to physical growth, the company is also expanding its marketing and advertising initiatives. Driving that effort will be Carol Devine, Australis’ new Vice President of Marketing & Strategic Development. In this new position, Ms. Devine will lead the company’s communications and brand development efforts. Says Devine, “Judging from the early market response, it’s clear that Australis Barramundi is poised for tremendous success. They’ve already broken the mold by creating a brand for Barramundi, something that’s rarely been done with fish. I’m looking forward to building upon the strong buzz that’s already been generated, and making Australis Barramundi the next fish sensation in North America.”
Australis Aquaculture completed a highly successful IPO in August 2004, and has been one of the best performing new issues on the Australian Stock Exchange. Relatively unknown in America and only available seasonally until now, Barramundi is one of Australia’s most popular fish. A type of sea bass, Barramundi shares the moist flesh and buttery flavor of its better-known relatives, and naturally produces healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Using state-of-the art environmentally-friendly production methods, Australis is delivering on the promise of fish farming, by minimizing use of marine fish meal and oil while virtually eliminating the risk of contamination with PCBs, mercury, or other contaminants.
For Australis Barramundi recipes, click on http://www.australis.us/barramundi_recipes.htm
For product samples, recipes, and product photography contact:
Carol Devine (413) 863-2040 x108 carol@australis.us
For sales information, contact Nat Reiken at 201-233-3138, or click on Australis’ website at http://www.australis.us/index.htm
Chef2Chef News Desk