15 July 2025
Driving responsible aquaculture in Norway: A visit to Hofseth International farms
Discover how Hofseth International is redefining aquaculture through 100% fish utilization, technological advancements, and compliance with GLOBALG.A.P. standards.
In June 2025, GLOBALG.A.P. and ALDI Nord representatives visited Hofseth International’s aquaculture operations in Ålesund, Norway. The two-day visit provided valuable insights into Hofseth’s production model and its commitment to certified, responsible aquaculture.
Reducing waste in seafood production
Established in 2001 on the belief that more of the fish should be processed in the area where it is farmed, Hofseth International has grown into one of Norway’s leading seafood producers.
With sustainability at the heart of its operations, CEO Roger Hofseth highlighted a key achievement: “Since 2013, we have been utilizing 100% of the fish for human consumption. When you process a fish, 50% of the fish is byproducts – we use these byproducts to extract oils, calcium, and proteins. That’s sustainability in real life.”
The team also explored Hofseth’s “Icefresh” technology, which significantly reduces food waste and transport-related emissions, supporting broader efforts toward more responsible supply chains.
Added value of certification
Certification to the Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) for aquaculture standard plays a central role in Hofseth’s operations. Didrik Vartdal, Quality Manager for the farming division, noted: “GLOBALG.A.P. provides a great standard for us to live up to. It ensures our production processes comply with best practices in fish health, food safety, traceability, worker conditions, and more.” He also emphasized the importance of certification across the wider supply chain: “It’s an assurance for us to know that our suppliers also comply with GLOBALG.A.P. standards”.
The presence of ALDI Nord added valuable retail perspectives to the exchange, reinforcing the importance of collaboration between producers, scheme owners, and retailers.
The visit offered a clear view into how certified aquaculture practices can drive meaningful change. We look forward to seeing Hofseth International’s operations develop towards their mission of zero emissions.
