BioMar inaugurates first phase of Ecuador shrimp feed expansion

ECUADOR – BioMar has inaugurated the first phase of its production expansion project in Ecuador, strengthening its capacity to meet rising demand for shrimp feed in one of the world’s major shrimp-producing markets.

The inauguration, held on 29 October 2026, follows BioMar’s earlier announcement that it planned to increase annual production capacity at its Ecuadorian facility from 300,000 to 410,000 tonnes during 2026. 

The increase is being achieved through improvements to existing operations and the installation of a new production line.

The company continues to supplement its manufacturing capacity through external production partners to meet demand for its feed solutions.

“Ecuador is one of the most important shrimp markets globally, and we see strong potential for continued growth. Our investments in production capacity are driven by the development of our customer partnerships and the increasing demand for high-performance feed solutions,” said Henrik Aarestrup, VP LATAM Shrimp & Hatchery at BioMar.

In recent years, BioMar Ecuador has expanded its customer base from small and medium-sized shrimp farmers to long-term strategic collaborations with some of the country’s largest and most advanced producers.

BioMar Ecuador Managing Director Andres Rivadulla said the expansion would strengthen the company’s ability to meet customer requirements while allowing it to continue working with toll milling partners.

“This expansion allows us to increase our production capacity and strengthen our ability to respond to our customers’ needs. Together with our toll milling partners, with whom we will continue to work, it enables us to keep pace with the growth of the market,” he said.

Rivadulla described the inauguration as an important achievement for the Ecuadorian team and the foundation for the next phase of expansion.

The next phase is expected to add a further 200,000-300,000 tonnes of production capacity, alongside additional development of the site’s infrastructure.

Stronger financial performance

The investment comes as BioMar reports growth in its wider aquafeed business.

In the third quarter of 2026, the group recorded a 5% year-on-year increase in delivered volumes, while revenue rose 19% to DKK 5,807 million. Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) increased to DKK 618 million.

CEO Carlos Diaz attributed the quarter’s performance to higher volumes and market share in some markets, particularly in the Salmon and Selected Species segments. 

He also cited temporary raw material market conditions, favorable exchange rate movements, sourcing flexibility and formulation expertise.

BioMar raised its full-year 2026 revenue and EBIT guidance following the first nine months’ performance, while lowering its volume guidance to reflect softer demand expectations for the final quarter.

“We delivered our strongest quarter ever in terms of volumes and EBIT on the backdrop of the expected increase in marine ingredient prices, mainly driven by El Niño,” Diaz said.

He added that the company remained positive about medium-term market fundamentals despite uncertainty around raw material prices, weather-related impacts and energy supply disruptions in Ecuador.

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