Exhibiting at Thaifex - Anuga Asia 2025

Br. Karlsen AS is a family-owned seafood company based in Husøy on the island of Senja in Troms, Norway. With a heritage rooted in Norway’s long-standing fishing traditions, the company has evolved into a modern, vertically integrated seafood processor specializing in both aquaculture and wild-caught fish. Its strategic location on the northern Norwegian coast enables direct access to some of the world's richest fishing grounds, contributing to the exceptional freshness and quality of its products.

Core Business

Br. Karlsen AS focuses on the processing, packaging, and global export of high-quality seafood. The company handles a wide range of species, including salmon, trout, cod, haddock, and saithe. It manages the entire value chain—from receiving fresh catch to final packaging—ensuring strict control over quality and sustainability at every step. Both aquaculture and wild-caught species are processed in their state-of-the-art facilities, which are certified according to European and international food safety standards.

Product and Service Offerings

Br. Karlsen’s product portfolio is robust and diversified:

• Fresh Fish: Salmon, trout, cod, haddock, and saithe—available gutted and cleaned, whole or filleted.
• Salted and Dried Fish: Traditional Norwegian products such as salted cod and dried cod, primarily targeting Southern European and South American markets.
• Organic Salmon: Certified organic salmon produced under strict guidelines for ecological aquaculture.
• By-products: The company utilizes fish trimmings and waste to produce value-added products such as fish oil and fish meal, adhering to circular economy principles.

Specialisation and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

Br. Karlsen’s key strengths lie in its ability to deliver fresh, high-quality seafood within hours of harvesting. Located just meters from the quay, its facilities reduce the time from catch to processing, significantly preserving quality and freshness. The company also distinguishes itself by offering certified organic seafood and products tailored to niche markets, such as salted and dried fish, which meet specific cultural and culinary demands.

Financial Performance

Although Br. Karlsen is a privately held company and does not publish full financials, public records and Norwegian business registries suggest consistent annual revenues in the range of NOK 250–300 million (approximately USD 23–28 million) over recent years. The company’s stable revenue stream is bolstered by long-term contracts with international partners and recurring exports to European and Asian markets.

Shipment and Export Data

According to export shipment tracking platforms like Volza and Tradewheel, Br. Karlsen regularly ships large volumes of salmon and cod to countries including Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Brazil. Shipment volumes have shown steady year-on-year growth, with an estimated 1,000–1,200 metric tons of processed seafood exported annually. The company has developed robust logistics capabilities, enabling cold-chain-compliant deliveries across global markets.

Target Markets

Br. Karlsen exports to over 20 countries worldwide, with a strong presence in:

• Europe: Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, and Germany
• Asia: Japan, South Korea, and China
• South America: Brazil and Argentina
• North America: Niche shipments to Canada and the United States

Their offerings are tailored for retailers, food service distributors, and industrial food processors.

Capabilities

• Integrated processing facility located at the landing harbor
• EU and HACCP-certified production lines
• Organic certification for select aquaculture products
• Cold storage and quick-freezing infrastructure for exports
• Strong sustainability credentials with an emphasis on full resource utilization

Certifications and Compliance

Br. Karlsen AS operates under the following certifications:

• HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point)
• EU Approval for Export to the European Market
• Organic Certification for Salmon
• Norwegian Food Safety Authority compliant
• MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certified for select wild-caught species

Customer Testimonials

“We've been sourcing cod and salmon from Br. Karlsen for over five years. Their reliability, consistent quality, and sustainability practices make them a preferred partner.”
— Pedro Alvarez, Seafood Importer, Spain

“Their dried cod is unmatched in flavor and texture. Our customers love it, and we love working with them.”
— Maria Ribeiro, Brazilian Retail Distributor

Major Achievements

• Over 60 years of operational history in the Norwegian seafood industry
• Among the top exporters of salted cod in Norway to Southern Europe
• Pioneer in certified organic seafood production in Northern Norway
• Implementation of full traceability systems from sea to table
• Ongoing investment in automated processing technologies to increase efficiency and quality control

Br. Karlsen continues to set benchmarks in quality, sustainability, and operational excellence in the global seafood sector. With a legacy of trust and innovation, the company is poised for continued expansion into emerging markets while staying true to its Norwegian roots.