What is Salmones Austral?

Salmones Austral operates as a vertically integrated Chilean salmon farming company producing Atlantic salmon and Coho salmon for domestic and international markets. The company processes approximately 45,000-55,000 metric tons annually through operations spanning Chile's Maule, Biobío, La Araucanía, Los Lagos, and Aysén regions. Salmones Austral markets fresh and frozen salmon products to more than 20 countries, with primary focus on the United States and Asian markets.

The company operates through a fully vertical business model encompassing freshwater hatcheries, seawater farming centers, processing plants, and international distribution. According to company disclosures, Salmones Austral maintains two processing plants and 20 freshwater and seawater farming centers across five southern Chilean regions. The operation employs approximately 1,400 workers across its facilities. Company materials indicate the production mix consists of approximately 63% Atlantic salmon and 37% Coho salmon, positioning Salmones Austral among Chile's five largest Coho salmon producers.

For the U.S. market, Salmones Austral launched the Secret Island brand in October 2021, targeting direct-to-consumer channels through flash-frozen portion deliveries. The company maintains its headquarters in Puerto Montt, Chile, serving as a regional hub for Chilean aquaculture operations.

Corporate Foundation

Salmones Austral was established in 2013 through the merger of three Chilean salmon farming companies: Trusal S.A., Salmones Pacific Star S.A., and Comsur Ltda. Company materials indicate the merger consolidated more than 25 years of combined experience in salmon breeding and processing from the predecessor entities. The foundational companies operated independently in Chilean aquaculture before combining operations under the Salmones Austral name.

The company operates as Salmones Austral S.A., a Chilean capital company registered in Chile. Company materials do not disclose publicly traded status or stock exchange listing. Headquarters is located at Avenida Juan Soler Manfredini 41, Piso 12, Puerto Montt, Los Lagos Region, Chile.

Salmones Austral operates international distribution through a U.S. subsidiary presence, with distribution centers documented in North Carolina, Missouri, and California as of 2022 to support nationwide delivery capabilities for the Secret Island brand. The company expanded its U.S. distribution infrastructure to enable two-to-three day ground shipping across the continental United States.

Production Infrastructure

Salmones Austral operates as a fully vertically integrated producer controlling all stages from egg production through final distribution.

Freshwater Operations

The freshwater phase includes reproduction centers and hatcheries handling incubation of Atlantic and Coho salmon from ova through the smolt stage. Company materials indicate this process takes approximately 10 months. Multiple freshwater centers are located across communities in Chile, where juvenile salmon receive controlled food, light, and oxygenation conditions before transfer to seawater operations.

Seawater Farming

According to company disclosures, Salmones Austral operates more than 20 seawater farming centers distributed across Chile's Maule, Biobío, La Araucanía, Los Lagos, and Aysén regions. Fish are transferred from freshwater facilities to sea cages where they are reared and fattened until reaching optimal harvest weight. Company materials indicate primary farming operations concentrate in Los Lagos and Aysén regions, known for cold water conditions favorable for salmon cultivation.

The geographic distribution across multiple regions enables the company to manage production continuity and mitigate localized environmental events affecting specific areas. Company materials reference the 2016 harmful algal bloom (bloom de algas/FAN) that affected Chilean salmon operations, demonstrating the industry's exposure to natural phenomena in these waters.

Processing Facilities

Salmones Austral operates two processing plants documented in company materials, both located in the Los Lagos Region of Chile. The processing facilities enable rapid harvest-to-processing timelines, with company marketing materials for Secret Island brand claiming fish are flash-frozen within hours of harvest to preserve freshness. Processing capabilities include whole fish preparation and filleting operations.

The company employs Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) technology, specifically liquid nitrogen blast tunnel freezers, to flash-freeze salmon portions at temperatures averaging -80 degrees Fahrenheit. Company materials indicate this process instantly freezes individual portions within minutes, preserving flesh integrity without degradation. The strategic placement of processing facilities near farming operations enables expedited processing and distribution timelines.

Product Portfolio

Salmones Austral markets salmon through distinct channels serving B2B wholesale markets and direct consumer sales.

Secret Island Brand (Consumer Direct)

Launched in October 2021 for the U.S. East Coast and expanded nationwide in October 2022, Secret Island represents Salmones Austral's direct-to-consumer brand. The product line consists of flash-frozen Atlantic salmon portions vacuum-sealed and shipped directly to consumers via FedEx Ground service with dry ice packaging.

Original Product: Six-ounce (approximately 170 gram) individually quick frozen (IQF) Atlantic salmon portions. Products are sold in multiples of 12 portions, with pricing documented in 2021 at USD 79.99 for 12-pack, scaling to USD 249.99 for 48-portion packs (approximately USD 5.00-7.00 per portion).

Expanded Product Line (2022): Company announcements in September 2022 indicated the national launch included seven additional specialty products beyond the original six-ounce portions, though specific product details were not fully detailed in available sources. The expansion aimed to offer variety for home cooking applications with restaurant-quality positioning.

Secret Island products are marketed as gluten-free, GMO-free, and carry Kosher certification (certifying body not specified in sources). Company materials emphasize high Omega-3 fatty acid content, Vitamin D levels, and positioning as a "superfood" option. The brand website (secretislandsalmon.com) provides recipes, cooking techniques, and educational resources, supported by a Chef Ambassador Program featuring recipes from acclaimed chefs including Jose Garces, Jeff McInnis, Janine Booth, and Ashleigh Shanti.

Wholesale B2B Products

Salmones Austral supplies fresh and frozen salmon products to hotels, restaurants, retailers, and foodservice businesses globally. Company materials indicate both Atlantic salmon and Coho salmon are available through wholesale channels, though specific format details (whole fish, fillets, portions, head-on-gutted) are not comprehensively documented in available English-language sources.

Atlantic Salmon: Comprises approximately 63% of total production. Primary markets documented as United States and Asia for Atlantic salmon products.

Coho Salmon: Comprises approximately 37% of total production, with Japan identified as the primary destination market for Coho. Company positioning as one of Chile's five largest Coho salmon producers indicates significant volume in this species.

In March 2022, Secret Island brand expanded into U.S. wholesale markets with six-ounce portion offerings available via full container freight and common distribution channels, bridging the consumer direct and B2B segments.

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

Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP): Company materials and press releases consistently reference BAP certification across Salmones Austral operations. Secret Island brand products are specifically marketed as carrying BAP certification. BAP is administered by the Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA) and evaluates environmental responsibility, social accountability, food safety, and animal welfare across the aquaculture production chain including hatcheries, farms, feed mills, and processing plants. BAP certification uses a star rating system with four stars representing certification across the complete supply chain.

Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC): According to Global Salmon Initiative (GSI) sustainability report data, Salmones Austral increased ASC-certified biomass from 64% in 2022 to 98% in 2023, representing significant growth in certified production. A company announcement in 2024 documented Chilean salmon farming increases in ASC certification, with Salmones Austral achieving 98% of harvested biomass as ASC certified. Of the certified volume, company materials indicate 40% corresponded to Coho salmon and 60% to Atlantic salmon. ASC certification, administered by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (an independent non-profit), addresses environmental and social responsibility including water quality, biodiversity impacts, chemical usage, antibiotic management, and labor conditions.

Global Salmon Initiative (GSI) Membership: Salmones Austral participates as a member of the Global Salmon Initiative, a leadership collaboration of salmon farming companies committed to advancing responsible aquaculture practices. GSI members publicly report data on 15 sustainability metrics and work toward ASC certification as a transparent benchmark for progress.

Product-Specific Certifications

Kosher Certification: Secret Island brand products carry Kosher certification, referenced in press releases and product marketing materials. Specific certifying body (such as Orthodox Union, OK Kosher, or other) is not identified in available sources. Kosher certification verifies products meet Jewish dietary law requirements.

Market Distribution

Salmones Austral exports to more than 20 countries across multiple regions. The company operates international distribution through direct export and a U.S. subsidiary presence supporting the Secret Island brand.

Geographic Markets

United States: Company materials identify the U.S. as a primary market, particularly for Atlantic salmon. The launch and expansion of Secret Island brand from October 2021 through October 2022 demonstrates focused investment in direct U.S. consumer access. Wholesale distribution serves hotels, restaurants, and retail chains. Distribution centers in North Carolina, Missouri, and California enable nationwide coverage as of 2022.

Asia: Asian markets represent significant volume for Salmones Austral, with Japan specifically identified as the primary destination for Coho salmon exports. Company materials reference "Asia" as a main market for Atlantic salmon without specifying individual countries.

Latin America and Other Markets: Company statements indicate exports to "more than 20 countries" without comprehensive country-level detail in available sources. Domestic Chilean market also served.

Distribution Channels

Salmones Austral employs a multi-channel strategy:

Direct-to-Consumer: Secret Island brand uses FedEx Ground shipping with two-to-three day delivery timelines. Orders packaged with dry ice to maintain frozen conditions during transit. Website-based ordering system (secretislandsalmon.com) with subscription options for bi-weekly or monthly deliveries.

Wholesale B2B: Traditional distribution to hotels, restaurants, institutional foodservice, and retail chains. March 2022 expansion of Secret Island into wholesale channels with container freight and common distribution offerings.

Retail Partnerships: While specific retail partners for Salmones Austral branded products are not detailed in available sources, the company's long operational history supplying Chilean salmon to global markets indicates established retail relationships.

Sustainability Initiatives

DISCLAIMER: The following represents publicly stated initiatives documented in company materials. Independent verification of implementation would require third-party assessment.

Global Salmon Initiative Participation

As a GSI member, Salmones Austral participates in annual sustainability reporting covering 15 key metrics including ASC certification levels, sea lice management, antibiotic usage, escapees, mortalities, and other environmental and social indicators. The 2023 GSI report documented Chilean salmon producers, including Salmones Austral, achieving 65% average ASC certification (up from 54.5% in 2022), with Salmones Austral specifically reaching 98% certified biomass.

Environmental Commitments

Certification Progress: The substantial increase in ASC-certified biomass from 64% (2022) to 98% (2023) represents documented commitment to meeting stringent environmental and social standards. Company materials from 2024 indicate continuous collaborative work between health, production, planning, and technical teams to maintain compliance and pursue continuous improvement processes initiated in 2015.

Sustainable Sourcing Claims: Secret Island brand marketing emphasizes "sustainably sourced" salmon from Chilean Patagonia waters. Company materials highlight the cold, pure, and pristine water conditions around Chiloé Island as contributing to product quality and environmental advantages.

Product Transparency

The Secret Island website provides educational content about the salmon production process, including explanations of flash-freezing technology, vertical integration benefits, and aquaculture practices. The Chef Ambassador Program aims to increase consumer confidence in preparing salmon at home through professional recipes and techniques.

Production Performance

Company materials provide the following production data:

Historical Production Range: Salmones Austral's annual production documented at 45,000-55,000 metric tons across multiple sources from 2013 forward. This range has remained relatively consistent, with company materials indicating potential capacity to reach 80,000 metric tons.

Species Mix: Production comprises approximately 63% Atlantic salmon and 37% Coho salmon. This mix positions Salmones Austral among Chile's five largest Coho salmon producers while maintaining substantial Atlantic salmon volume.

2023 Certification Milestone: The achievement of 98% ASC-certified harvested biomass in 2023 (up from 64% in 2022) represents significant operational progress. Of this certified volume, 40% was Coho salmon and 60% Atlantic salmon.

Market Impact: The U.S. market expansion through Secret Island brand, beginning October 2021 on the East Coast and expanding nationwide by October 2022, demonstrates strategic investment in higher-margin direct consumer channels. The brand's initial success documented in 2022 with "vast majority of sales are repeat customers" indicates positive market reception.

2016 Algal Bloom Event: Company materials acknowledge the 2016 harmful algal bloom event that affected Chilean salmon operations, including Salmones Austral facilities. This natural phenomenon, caused by high water temperatures, low wind, and high solar radiation, resulted in fish mortalities across the Chilean industry. The event demonstrates environmental vulnerabilities inherent in seawater aquaculture operations.

Information Currency and Verification

This company profile reflects publicly available information from Salmones Austral corporate website (salmonesaustral.cl), Secret Island brand website (secretislandsalmon.com), SeafoodSource industry publications, Fish Farming Expert trade media, Global Salmon Initiative annual sustainability reports, PRNewswire press releases, and business directory entries. Time-sensitive data including production volumes, facility counts, certifications, and distribution capabilities may change.

Production volume figures represent company-disclosed ranges and may vary based on biological performance, market conditions, environmental events (including harmful algal blooms), and operational factors. 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 Global Aquaculture Alliance (BAP) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC).

AgriLinkage has not conducted independent verification of operational capabilities, facility conditions, product specifications, flash-freezing technology performance, or compliance claims. Commercial parties should conduct independent due diligence appropriate to their transaction requirements, including facility inspections, product sampling, certification verification, and third-party quality assessments.

Market positioning claims such as "among five largest Coho producers" reflect company statements whose accuracy would require verification against comprehensive industry data. Product quality claims including flash-freezing timelines ("within hours of harvest") and nutritional content represent marketing statements that have not been independently verified.

Accessing Current Information

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

Corporate Headquarters:
Salmones Austral S.A.
Avenida Juan Soler Manfredini 41, Piso 12
Puerto Montt, Los Lagos Region, Chile
Website: www.salmonesaustral.cl

U.S. Consumer Brand:
Secret Island
Website: www.secretislandsalmon.com
(Note: Secret Island focuses on consumer direct-to-home delivery; wholesale inquiries should be directed to corporate headquarters)

Potential buyers should request:

• Current certification documentation with validity dates and scope

• Production volume availability for Atlantic and Coho salmon

• Product specifications including formats (whole fish, fillets, portions, H&G), size grades, and processing options

• Traceability documentation and farm origin details

• Third-party audit reports where applicable

• Export licensing and regulatory compliance for destination markets

• References from existing customers in relevant market segments

Commercial parties should conduct appropriate due diligence including:

• Verification of current BAP and ASC certification status with issuing bodies

• Review of recent third-party audit reports and sustainability data

• Assessment of production capacity against required volumes

• Evaluation of quality control processes and food safety systems

• Confirmation of species availability (Atlantic vs. Coho) and format options

• Review of flash-freezing and cold chain capabilities if relevant

• Establishment of clear specifications, quality standards, and acceptance criteria

• Legal review of supply agreements and commercial terms

Conclusion: Salmones Austral's Position in Chilean Salmon Production

Salmones Austral operates as an established mid-sized producer in Chile's salmon farming industry with documented annual production of 45,000-55,000 metric tons. The company distinguishes itself through dual-species focus on both Atlantic salmon and Coho salmon, with positioning among Chile's top five Coho producers representing a differentiation point from competitors focused primarily on Atlantic salmon. The vertical integration from freshwater hatcheries through international distribution provides supply chain control supporting both traditional B2B wholesale markets and the direct-to-consumer Secret Island brand.

The company's documented increase in ASC-certified biomass from 64% to 98% between 2022 and 2023 demonstrates alignment with evolving buyer requirements for certified sustainable aquaculture. Participation in the Global Salmon Initiative and commitment to BAP standards indicates engagement with industry-leading sustainability frameworks. However, the 2016 algal bloom event and ongoing environmental vulnerabilities inherent in seawater aquaculture operations warrant consideration by buyers evaluating supply reliability.

For buyers sourcing Chilean salmon, Salmones Austral represents an option with multi-species capability, substantial certified production, and established access to U.S. and Asian markets. The Secret Island brand development demonstrates innovation in market channels and direct consumer engagement, though traditional B2B wholesale remains the company's primary business model. Coho salmon buyers may find particular interest given the company's positioning as a significant Chilean Coho producer, while Atlantic salmon buyers should evaluate capacity and pricing competitiveness relative to larger producers.

This profile provides background context for initial supplier evaluation. Current commercial engagement requires direct contact with Salmones Austral to confirm operational status, available volumes, species and format specifications, certification validity, and terms aligned with specific sourcing requirements and quality standards.