Skretting partners International Fish Feed Company to bolster Oman’s aquafeed market
OMAN -Skretting Middle East and Africa has selected Oman’s International Fish Feed Company (IFFC) as its official distributor in the country, in a strategic move aimed at expanding its presence in Oman’s rapidly growing aquaculture sector.
Skretting, a global leader in aquafeed production, aims to capitalize on IFFC’s regional expertise and strong presence to establish a substantial Skretting business in Oman.
Thijs Berkers, General Manager of Nutreco Middle East & Africa Export, expressed the company’s commitment to providing high-quality nutrition for aquatic species while minimizing environmental impact.
“As an authorized distributor for Skretting, IFFC will now offer a comprehensive range of our feed products to fish and shrimp farmers across Oman,” Berkers stated.
Furthermore, IFFC has plans to construct a fish feed plant in Duqm, with support from Nutreco through a signed service agreement.
The plant, set to commence commercial production at the end of next year, will boast an impressive annual capacity of 31,200 metric tons, as reported by MuscatDaily.
The aquaculture sector in Oman has been experiencing rapid growth, driven by the increasing global demand for sustainable seafood.
This expansion aligns with the government’s efforts to diversify the economy and enhance food security, with the fisheries and agriculture industries playing pivotal roles.
Oman’s unique geographic advantage of 3,200 kilometers of coastline and vast cultivated land makes these sectors critical for employment and economic development.
Oman’s climate allows for year-round fishing, and it holds the distinction of being the only net exporter of fish in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, contributing over 31% of the GCC’s fisheries production.
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Vision 2040 initiative, introduced in December 2015, aims to transform the fisheries and aquaculture sector into a profitable and sustainable industry, with increased government support.
Despite facing environmental challenges, Oman has demonstrated its commitment to food security by securing food stocks and strengthening partnerships with private entities to boost local food production, increase productivity, and embrace new technologies.
“Although the agriculture sector faces environmental challenges, Oman scored 35th out of 113 countries and third in the GCC in Economist Impact’s Global Food Security Index 2022, as the sultanate has been able to secure food stocks despite its reliance on imports and fluctuations in prices,” reads a report from the Oxford Business Group.
Agriculture and fisheries are central to Oman’s long-term strategic priorities, reinforcing food security, and price stability, and serving as vital engines of economic growth.
Skretting’s collaboration with IFFC signifies a significant step forward in enhancing the quality of aquaculture practices in Oman while contributing to the nation’s economic diversification efforts.
With this partnership, both companies are poised to play a pivotal role in meeting the rising demand for nutritious and sustainable aquafeed solutions in Oman’s flourishing aquaculture industry.
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