News & Views
Benchmark navigates ISA virus incident

Benchmark Holdings has said despite an isolated incident of ISA virus (Infectious Salmon Anaemia) at its facility in Salten, it did not impact the company’s ability to meet customer demand for salmon eggs.

In its published unaudited results for the three months ending Dec. 31, 2023, constituting the first quarter for the fiscal year (FY) 2024, the company said the tank containing the affected fish is an isolated unit with separate water systems and farming equipment and contained 1,582 broodstock fish, equivalent to a production of 12 million salmon eggs. 

In this same report, Benchmark also reported to its shareholders that the company is now is now commencing a targeted sales process. In January, Benchmark said it was considering selling its company as a whole or of one or more individual business units.

“We have a busy year ahead and intend to stay focused to deliver continued progress towards our goals. Longer term, as a supplier of specialized mission-critical solutions to aquaculture producers worldwide, Benchmark is uniquely positioned in an industry with significant structural growth trends with significant opportunities ahead,” said Trond Williksen, chief executive officer, Benchmark Holdings.

The results also states the first FY24 revenues were £40.5 million, (US$ 50.99 million) 26 per cent below Q1 of 2023, but 11 per cent above Q4 2023. 

“We have had a busy quarter where we have maintained momentum in our two largest business areas and the Group is on track to meet management’s expectations for the year.  We have good visibility of revenues in Genetics, continuing good performance in Advanced Nutrition and have taken actions in Health to transition to a new business model for Ectosan® Vet and CleanTreat® which will increase its commercial attractiveness and strengthen our portfolio of sea lice solutions,” said Williksen.