What is Australis Seafoods?

Australis Seafoods operates as a vertically integrated Chilean salmon and trout farming company producing Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and Rainbow trout for domestic and international markets. The company processes approximately 49,000-54,000 metric tons annually as documented in recent years, following operational adjustments from previous production levels that reached 108,000 metric tons in 2020. Australis operates through facilities spanning Chile's Biobío, Los Lagos, Aysén, and Magallanes regions, with primary focus on seawater farming operations in southern Chilean Patagonia.

The company operates under a fully vertical business model encompassing genetic programs, freshwater hatcheries (Landcatch Chile division), seawater farming (Australis Mar division), and processing facilities. According to company disclosures, Australis maintains 96 marine concessions distributed across Chile's southern regions, with approximately 47 economically viable farming sites currently in operation. Company materials indicate operations encompass two processing plants: Planta Fitz Roy located in Calbuco and Planta Dumestre in Puerto Natales.

Australis Seafoods distinguishes itself through documented production of salmon without antibiotics, achieving 14,050 metric tons with Raised Without Antibiotics (RWA) certification in 2024, positioning among Chilean producers with lowest antibiotic usage rates. The company employs remote feeding technology across all farming centers and maintains extensive certification coverage including ASC, BAP, BRC, HACCP, Kosher, and Halal standards.

Corporate Foundation

Australis Seafoods traces operational origins to 2003 when current controller Isidoro Quiroga Moreno acquired Australis S.A., a freshwater smolt producer with ten years of established experience. The company expanded into seawater salmon farming in 2007 through subsidiary Australis Mar S.A. That same year, Australis Seafoods S.A. was incorporated as a holding company to provide corporate structure for consolidated aquaculture activities across the production chain.

The company was acquired by Joyvio Group on February 28, 2019, in a transaction valued at approximately USD 921 million. Joyvio Group operates as a subsidiary of Legend Holdings, a publicly listed company in Hong Kong with reported enterprise value of approximately USD 40 billion. Legend Holdings is the parent entity of technology company Lenovo. Company materials indicate Joyvio Group focuses on fruit, animal protein, and processed food businesses, with strategic emphasis on developing fresh fruit and seafood supply chains for Chinese consumers.

As documented in the 2024 Sustainability Report, Australis Seafoods S.A. is controlled by Food Investment SpA, which in turn is 100% controlled by Fresh Investment SpA. There are no natural persons behind Fresh Investment SpA who qualify as controllers under Chilean securities law. Headquarters is located at Decher 161, Puerto Varas, Los Lagos Region, Chile.

Following the 2019 acquisition, the company underwent significant operational transitions including management changes, environmental compliance investigations, and production adjustments. In 2022, Australis filed self-denunciations with Chile's Superintendence of the Environment (SMA) regarding production volumes exceeding authorized environmental permits during the 2016-2022 period under previous management. Company statements indicate over 80,000 metric tons of unauthorized overproduction occurred during this timeframe, prompting comprehensive operational restructuring and regulatory compliance programs initiated under current CEO Andrés Lyon, appointed in June 2022.

Production Infrastructure

Australis Seafoods operates as a fully vertically integrated producer controlling all production stages from genetic selection through final processing and export.

Freshwater Operations

The freshwater division operates under the Landcatch Chile subsidiary, responsible for egg production based on genetic programs documented at more than 15 years of development. Company materials indicate operations include broodstock maintenance, egg incubation, fry production, and smolt cultivation. The Las Vertientes Hatchery serves as a primary freshwater facility referenced in company materials. Juvenile salmon develop through controlled freshwater stages before transfer to seawater farming sites.

Seawater Farming

According to Chilean regulatory disclosures and company materials, Australis maintains 96 marine concessions distributed across four regions: Biobío (Region VIII), Los Lagos (Region X), Aysén (Region XI), and Magallanes (Region XII). Of these concessions, approximately 47 farming sites are economically viable for active production operations. The geographic distribution spans from central-southern Chile through Chilean Patagonia, providing access to cold marine waters suitable for salmonid cultivation.

Company materials from 2024 document implementation of remote feeding technology with latest-generation equipment across all seawater farming centers. The systems enable precise control and real-time monitoring of feeding processes, equipment status, and fish behavior, supporting optimization of feed conversion ratios. Australis achieved recognition at BioMar's 2023 Farmer of the Year awards, with Caleta Fog center (Magallanes, Region XII) winning first place for feed conversion factor in salares, and Moraleda center (Aysén, Region XI) achieving second place.

Following environmental compliance restructuring initiated in 2022-2023, Australis committed to reducing production capacity by 134,421 metric tons to align with authorized environmental permit levels. This adjustment reduced operational farming activity substantially from historical peaks. As documented in December 2024 statements, the company operates at approximately 50% of previous production rates compared to peak periods in 2020-2021.

Processing Facilities

Australis operates two processing plants documented in company materials:

Planta Fitz Roy: Located in Calbuco, Los Lagos Region. The facility processes Atlantic salmon and trout through filleting, portioning, and value-added operations. Certification documentation shows the plant holds ASC Chain of Custody, BAP processing certification, BRC Global Standard for Food Safety, FDA registration, HACCP certification, Halal certification, and Kosher certification. Company materials reference the plant as a center for employment diversity initiatives including the first women's filleting team ("Team Mujeres Recorteras") in the company's operations.

Planta Dumestre: Located in Puerto Natales, Magallanes Region. Documentation indicates the facility processes salmon primarily from Magallanes regional farming operations. Specific processing certifications and capacity details for this plant are less extensively documented in available English-language sources.

Company processing capabilities include whole fish preparation, filleting, portioning, and various value-added formats. Processing timelines emphasize rapid harvest-to-processing workflows to maintain product freshness and quality standards.

Product Portfolio

Australis Seafoods markets salmon and trout products through multiple brand identities targeting different market segments.

Primary Species

Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar): Represents the primary production species. Company materials indicate Atlantic salmon comprises approximately 88% of production volumes based on historical data from 2022. Products are available in fresh and frozen formats through various processing methods.

Rainbow Trout: Company descriptions consistently reference trout as a secondary production species alongside Atlantic salmon, comprising approximately 12% of historical production volumes. Trout products serve similar market channels as Atlantic salmon offerings.

Brand Architecture

South Ring: Referenced on the company's Brands and Products webpage (www.southring.cl) as a brand identity under the Australis portfolio. Specific product details and market positioning for South Ring are not extensively documented in available sources.

Mama Bear Salmon: Referenced on the company's Brands and Products webpage (www.mamabearsalmon.com) as a brand identity under the Australis portfolio. Specific product details and market positioning for Mama Bear Salmon are not extensively documented in available sources.

Retail and Food Service Products: Company materials indicate salmon products are available in "exquisite and attractive presentations for the home and food service." Specific format details (whole fish, fillets, portions, steaks) are not comprehensively detailed in available English-language sources, though standard industry processing would encompass these formats given the company's processing plant capabilities.

Raised Without Antibiotics (RWA) Products

In 2024, Australis achieved significant milestone production of 14,050 metric tons with RWA certification. This standard guarantees salmon received no antibiotics at any development stage, adhering to stringent biosecurity and fish health protocols. Company materials indicate 29% of total 2024 harvest was antibiotic-free, with 100% of Magallanes region production qualifying as antibiotic-free. The RWA production aligns with Monterey Bay Aquarium's CSARP+ project commitments and positions Australis among Chilean producers with lowest antibiotic usage in the industry.

Certifications & Quality Standards

MANDATORY DISCLAIMER: The following certifications are referenced in company materials and certification databases. AgriLinkage has not independently verified current validity, scope, or compliance status. Certification standing can change based on audit outcomes. Buyers requiring certified products should request current documentation directly from the supplier and verify validity with issuing bodies.

Aquaculture Certifications

Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC): Australis maintains ASC certification across multiple seawater farming centers as documented in the company's certification database. Specific farms certified include Punta Nolasco, Punta Pedro, Córdova 1, Córdova 2, Punta Obstrucción, Morgan, Punta Goddard, Moraleda, Muñoz Gamero 2, Pan de Azúcar, Punta Ramón, Caleta Fog, Punta Lauca, Isla Grande, Matilde 3, Humos 4, and Córdova 5, with certifications valid through 2026-2027 based on documentation available as of 2023-2024. Planta Fitz Roy processing facility holds ASC Chain of Custody certification. ASC certification addresses environmental and social responsibility including water quality, biodiversity impacts, waste management, disease control, chemical usage, and labor conditions. ASC is administered by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council, an independent non-profit organization.

Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP): Company certifications reference BAP standards across farming and processing operations. Documented BAP-certified farms include Punta Pedro, Punta Nolasco, Punta Obstrucción, Morgan, Punta Goddard, and Córdova 1 with certifications documented as valid through 2024 based on available records. Planta Fitz Roy processing facility holds BAP processing certification. BAP is administered by the Global Aquaculture Alliance (now Global Seafood Alliance) and evaluates environmental responsibility, social accountability, food safety, and animal welfare across hatcheries, farms, feed mills, and processing plants using a star rating system.

Processing and Food Safety Certifications

BRC Global Standard for Food Safety: Planta Fitz Roy documented as holding BRC certification with certificate CU 855354 2023.01 (valid to April 8, 2024, per available records). BRC (British Retail Consortium) Global Standard is an internationally recognized food safety and quality certification widely required by retailers, manufacturers, and food service organizations, particularly in European and North American markets.

HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points): Planta Fitz Roy documented as holding HACCP certification for 2023. HACCP is a systematic preventive approach to food safety addressing biological, chemical, and physical hazards in production processes.

FDA Registration: Planta Fitz Roy documented as FDA registered for 2023, enabling legal export of seafood products to the United States market under U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations.

Religious and Specialty Certifications

Kosher Certification: Planta Fitz Roy documented as holding Kosher certification (valid to September 30, 2023, per available records). Kosher certification verifies products meet Jewish dietary law requirements. Specific certifying body not identified in available sources.

Halal Certification: Planta Fitz Roy documented as holding Halal certification valid to January 18, 2024, per available records. Halal certification verifies products meet Islamic dietary law requirements.

Raised Without Antibiotics (RWA): Australis achieved certification for 14,050 metric tons under RWA standards in 2024, representing 29% of total production. This certification guarantees no antibiotic administration throughout the salmon's lifecycle, meeting Monterey Bay Aquarium CSARP+ project standards.

Management System Certifications

Company materials reference implementation of multiple management system certifications including ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety), ISO 50001 (Energy Management), and NCh 3262 (Chilean gender equality standard). The 2024 Sustainability Report documents DGAC (Chilean Civil Aviation Directorate) approval, likely related to drone or aircraft operations for site monitoring or logistics.

Global Salmon Initiative Participation

Australis participates as a member of the Global Salmon Initiative (GSI), a leadership collaboration of salmon farming companies committed to advancing responsible aquaculture. GSI members publicly report data across 16 sustainability metrics including ASC certification levels, sea lice management, antibiotic usage, escapees, mortalities, and environmental indicators. Company participation demonstrates commitment to transparency and industry-leading sustainability benchmarks.

Market Distribution

Australis Seafoods exports to multiple international markets with primary focus on the United States, Japan, and Brazil. The company's geographic distribution capabilities span domestic Chilean markets and international destinations across the Americas, Asia, and other regions.

Geographic Markets

United States: Company materials identify the U.S. as a primary export destination. Historical data from 2022 documents approximately 22,000 metric tons of Atlantic salmon exported to U.S. markets through September of that year, representing the largest single destination for Australis products. Distribution serves retail, food service, and institutional customers.

Japan: Documented as a primary market, particularly for trout products. Company references indicate strong Japanese market relationships for high-quality salmonids meeting Japanese consumer preferences.

Brazil: Historical 2022 data documents approximately 9,100 metric tons exported to Brazilian markets through September. Brazil represents a significant South American destination for Australis salmon.

Russia: Historical 2022 data documents approximately 6,800 metric tons exported to Russian markets through September, though geopolitical developments in 2022-2024 may have affected this trade relationship.

Additional Markets: Company descriptions reference "several South American and European countries" as export destinations without comprehensive country-level detail. Domestic Chilean market is served through retail presence.

Distribution Channels

Australis employs multi-channel distribution through direct export relationships, distributors, retail partnerships, and food service operators. The vertically integrated production model enables supply to commodity markets, branded consumer products, and value-added specialty segments.

Retail Presence: Company materials document retail store locations in Chile at La Dehesa Avenue 2035 (Lo Barnechea, Santiago) and Decher 161 (Puerto Varas), with reference to Thomas Rogers 143 (Puerto Natales) location. These outlets provide direct consumer access to Australis products in attractive presentations for home consumption.

Food Service: Distribution to restaurants, hotels, and institutional food service operators represents a significant channel documented in company materials.

Export Partnerships: Long-established export relationships enable access to international markets through distributor networks, importers, and direct retail partnerships in destination countries.

Sustainability Initiatives and Operational Challenges

DISCLAIMER: The following represents publicly stated initiatives and documented operational challenges disclosed in company materials and Chilean regulatory sources. Independent verification of implementation and current status would require third-party assessment.

Sustainability Progress

Antibiotic Reduction: Australis achieved documented leadership in antibiotic reduction, with 29% of 2024 production antibiotic-free and 100% of Magallanes region production RWA certified. This positions Australis among Chilean salmon producers with lowest antibiotic usage rates. The company participates in Monterey Bay Aquarium's CSARP+ project advancing responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Feed Efficiency: Company materials indicate dietary formulations reduced from 60-70% marine ingredients (fishmeal and fish oil) historically to less than 15-20% currently. Australis reports fish-in-fish-out (FIFO) ratio of 0.08 compared to global average of 1.52, demonstrating efficiency in marine ingredient utilization.

Waste Revalorization: The company achieved 87% waste revalorization rate in 2024, increased from 67% previously. Salmon processing byproducts including viscera and heads are converted to fishmeal and fish oil, supporting circular economy principles. Company operates waste management facilities ("Punto Limpio") managing approximately 37,000 kilograms of recyclable materials annually documented at Puerto Varas location.

Energy Management: Australis implemented ISO 50001 Energy Management System aligned with sustainability strategy objectives. Company materials reference tracking of greenhouse gas emissions across the complete production chain from freshwater operations through final customer delivery, measured in CO2 equivalent metrics.

Community Engagement: In 2024, Australis inaugurated a fishing pier in Chacabuco constructed in collaboration with the Walter Montiel Fishermen's Union. The 80-meter pier with four berths and seven-ton concrete base enables union members to enhance economic development through fishing and tourism activities. This demonstrates documented community partnership initiatives in operational regions.

Gender Equity: Company implements NCh 3262 gender equality standard certification and diversity policies. Initiatives include the first women's filleting team at Planta Fitz Roy, challenging traditional male-dominated roles in salmon processing operations.

Regulatory Compliance and Operational Challenges

Environmental Self-Denunciation (2022): In October 2022, under CEO Andrés Lyon's leadership, Australis filed self-denunciations with Chile's Superintendence of the Environment regarding systematic overproduction exceeding authorized environmental permit levels. Company statements indicate previous management (2016-2022) harvested more than 80,000 metric tons beyond authorized capacity across farming centers in Aysén and Magallanes regions. The self-denunciation aimed to avoid regulatory penalties through voluntary disclosure and corrective action commitments.

Production Capacity Reduction: Following the environmental compliance investigation, Australis committed to reducing production capacity by 134,421 metric tons to align with authorized permit levels. This resulted in substantial operational contraction from peak production of 108,000 metric tons (2020) and 102,000 metric tons (2022) to approximately 52,000 metric tons (2023), 49,000 metric tons (2024), with projections of 54,000 metric tons for 2025. Company materials describe operations at approximately 50% of previous peak capacity as of December 2024.

Financial Performance: Chilean business media reports document operational challenges including documented losses of approximately USD 44 million (2022), USD 79 million (2023), and continued losses in 2024. Contributing factors include reduced production volumes, fixed cost increases due to lower utilization, regulatory compliance costs, and market price pressures. In December 2023, Joyvio Group controlling shareholders condonated approximately USD 250 million in debt across Chilean subsidiaries (Fresh Investment, Food Investment, Australis Mar) to stabilize financial conditions.

Workforce Adjustments: Company disclosures in Chilean labor tribunal proceedings document "almost one thousand" employee reductions associated with production capacity adjustments and closure of the projects/infrastructure development division due to reduced expansion activity. The workforce reductions occurred during 2022-2024 restructuring period.

2016 Algal Bloom: Global Salmon Initiative data documents Australis operations were affected by the 2016 harmful algal bloom in Chilean waters. This naturally occurring event, caused by warm water temperatures, low wind, and high solar radiation, resulted in elevated fish mortalities and sea lice treatment disruptions across the Chilean salmon industry, including Australis facilities.

Current Operational Status

As of late 2024 statements, company representatives indicate Australis is "initiating a gradual and attenuated recovery stage in production levels" in accordance with environmental authority commitments. The recovery trajectory projects modest production increases from 49,000 metric tons (2024) to 54,000 metric tons (2025), representing approximately half the company's historical peak capacity. Magallanes regional manager Óscar Garay noted in December 2024 that operations remain "gradual and attenuated" due to ongoing regulatory compliance commitments stemming from the 2022 self-denunciation process.

Production Performance

Documented production volumes from various sources:

Historical Peak (2020-2021): Company reached production peak of approximately 108,000 metric tons in 2020, followed by 85,000 metric tons in 2021.

Pre-Adjustment Period (2022): Production documented at approximately 102,000-105,000 metric tons before implementation of environmental compliance adjustments.

Post-Adjustment Period (2023-2025): Production declined to approximately 52,000 metric tons (2023), 49,000 metric tons (2024), with projections of 54,000 metric tons (2025) and gradual modest increases thereafter under regulatory compliance framework.

Species Mix: Historical data indicates approximately 88% Atlantic salmon and 12% trout in production composition, though current mix may vary.

Antibiotic-Free Production: In 2024, achieved 14,050 metric tons RWA certified (29% of total harvest), with 100% of Magallanes region production antibiotic-free.

Information Currency and Verification

This company profile reflects publicly available information from Australis Seafoods corporate website (australis-seafoods.com), company brand websites (southring.cl, mamabearsalmon.com), Chilean business media (La Tercera, Diario Acuícola, Salmon Expert, InfoSalmon), Global Salmon Initiative annual sustainability reports, certification databases (ASC, BAP, BRC, HACCP), Chilean regulatory disclosures, corporate sustainability reports (2024 VIII Reporte de Sostenibilidad), and Chilean labor tribunal filings. Time-sensitive data including production volumes, facility counts, certifications, financial performance, and regulatory compliance status may change.

Production volume figures represent company-disclosed data and media-reported estimates, which may vary based on biological performance, environmental events, regulatory compliance requirements, market conditions, and operational adjustments. The substantial production variations documented between 2020-2025 reflect extraordinary operational circumstances including regulatory investigations and environmental compliance restructuring.

Certification validity and compliance status can change based on audits and operational changes. Buyers requiring certified products should request current documentation from the supplier and verify validity with certification bodies including Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), Global Seafood Alliance (BAP), BRC Global Standards, and religious certification authorities for Kosher and Halal products.

AgriLinkage has not conducted independent verification of operational capabilities, facility conditions, production volumes, environmental compliance status, regulatory investigation outcomes, financial performance, or certification claims. Commercial parties should conduct independent due diligence appropriate to their transaction requirements, including:

• Review of Chilean environmental regulatory records and compliance status

• Assessment of current production capacity and available volumes

• Verification of certification validity and audit results

• Evaluation of facility conditions through site visits

• Analysis of financial stability and creditworthiness

• Confirmation of legal and regulatory standing

The documented regulatory compliance challenges and financial losses during 2022-2024 represent material considerations for potential buyers evaluating Australis as a supplier. Current operational status reflects ongoing recovery and restructuring under regulatory oversight.

Accessing Current Information

Buyers and commercial partners should contact Australis Seafoods directly for current production capabilities, available volumes, product specifications, certification status, pricing, and delivery terms. Official contact channels include:

Corporate Headquarters:
Australis Seafoods S.A.
Decher 161
Puerto Varas, Los Lagos Region, Chile
Website: www.australis-seafoods.com

Brand Websites:
South Ring: www.southring.cl
Mama Bear Salmon: www.mamabearsalmon.com

Retail Locations (Chile):
La Dehesa Avenue 2035, Comercial El Rodeo, Lo Barnechea, Santiago
Decher 161, Puerto Varas
Thomas Rogers 143, Puerto Natales

Potential buyers should request:

• Current production forecasts and available volumes for Atlantic salmon and trout

• Certification documentation with validity dates and scope (ASC, BAP, BRC, HACCP, RWA, Kosher, Halal)

• Product specifications including formats (whole fish, fillets, portions), size grades, quality parameters

• Traceability documentation and farm origin details including region and specific farming sites

• Environmental compliance status and regulatory standing with Chilean authorities

• Financial stability documentation and credit references

• Third-party audit reports for certifications and food safety systems

• References from existing customers in relevant market segments

• Delivery timelines and logistics capabilities for destination markets

Commercial parties should conduct appropriate due diligence including:

• Independent verification of environmental regulatory compliance status through Chilean authorities

• Review of recent ASC, BAP, and BRC audit reports with certifying bodies

• Assessment of production stability and reliability given documented operational challenges

• Evaluation of financial condition and ability to fulfill supply commitments

• Confirmation of product availability and lead times matching procurement requirements

• Legal review of supply agreements, warranties, and liability provisions

• Consideration of operational risks associated with regulatory oversight and restructuring status

Conclusion: Australis Seafoods' Position in Chilean Salmon Production

Australis Seafoods operates as an established mid-sized Chilean salmon producer currently navigating significant operational restructuring following environmental compliance challenges. With documented production capacity of approximately 49,000-54,000 metric tons as of 2024-2025, the company represents approximately 5% of Chile's total salmon production, down from historical peaks exceeding 100,000 metric tons during 2020-2022.

The company distinguishes itself through documented leadership in antibiotic-free production, achieving 14,050 metric tons RWA certified in 2024 and positioning among Chilean producers with lowest antibiotic usage rates. Extensive certification coverage including ASC, BAP, BRC, HACCP, Kosher, and Halal standards demonstrates commitment to quality and food safety requirements for international markets. The vertical integration from genetic programs through processing and export provides supply chain control supporting diverse market channels.

However, the documented environmental compliance challenges, regulatory investigations, substantial production reductions, financial losses totaling hundreds of millions of dollars during 2022-2024, and ongoing operational restructuring represent material considerations for potential buyers. The company's self-denunciation regarding systematic overproduction exceeding environmental permits during 2016-2022, subsequent reduction of production capacity by 134,421 metric tons, and documented financial difficulties indicate significant operational volatility and regulatory oversight that may affect supply reliability.

For buyers sourcing Chilean salmon, Australis represents an option with strong sustainability credentials, extensive certifications, and access to U.S., Japanese, and Latin American markets. The company's leadership in antibiotic-free production may appeal to buyers prioritizing responsible aquaculture practices and meeting consumer demand for RWA products. However, buyers should carefully evaluate the company's current operational stability, production capacity, regulatory compliance status, and financial condition through thorough due diligence before establishing supply relationships.

The documented operational challenges and restructuring during 2022-2024 may present both risks (supply reliability, financial stability) and opportunities (potential favorable pricing during recovery phase, access to premium RWA products) depending on buyer risk tolerance and sourcing strategies. Direct engagement with the company and independent verification of current operational and regulatory status are essential for informed sourcing decisions.

This profile provides background context for initial supplier evaluation. Current commercial engagement requires direct contact with Australis to confirm operational status, available volumes, product specifications, certification validity, regulatory compliance standing, and terms aligned with specific sourcing requirements and risk parameters.