The value chain for salmon includes producers, slaughtering/primary processors (HOG), secondary processors and exporters.
There has been a rise in large vertically integrated companies with direct ownership of production activities including hatcheries, fish processing and exporting.
In 2020, about half of salmon production was wild caught and half aquaculture.
Aquaculture production is soon to exceed wild caught production.
Once harvested, the fish are slaughtered, gutted, and graded – this is HOG (head on, gutted) form.
From here, if of superior quality, salmon is exported fresh/chilled.
For lower quality salmon, they are sent to secondary processing.
However, very little value-added processing of fish products occurs in Australia for either export or domestic markets.
Most businesses undertake only basic processing, such as cleaning, filleting, chilling, freezing and packaging.
About 80% of salmon exports are sent via air freight.
By clicking “Accept Cookies,” I agree to provide cookies for statistical and personalized preference purposes. To learn more about our cookies, please read our Privacy Policy.