Fish heads for growth and export

Norway is a major seafood nation, but we have the potential to become more sustainable and create greater value from our catch. Our goal is to make use of everything we catch and ensure that none of it goes to waste.

Since it was established in 2013, C Food Norway has worked extensively to turn whitefish by-products into food and health food products. The Ålesund-based company has made significant progress in using fish backbones and swim bladders and is now developing sustainable and profitable value chains for fish heads. In many countries, the head is considered the finest part of the fish.

'To succeed with new seafood products in a global market, we need to learn about the cultures and food traditions of other countries. Innovation Norway's international offices are key partners in helping companies build market knowledge and cultural understanding. They provide essential support when introducing products to potential markets,' says Claus Opshaug, CEO of C Food Norway.

In the project, called 'Fishhead', the company will develop a new green business concept through close, long-term collaboration with suppliers, equipment manufacturers and customers. The plan is to produce dried, frozen, salted and canned whitefish heads for use in meals.

'This is an interesting and important project with significant potential, particularly in Asia. C Food Norway is leading the way in the industry,' says Kari-Anne Lade Gjørvad, customer adviser at our Møre og Romsdal office.

Based on the project's risk and environmental profile, we have awarded grants for both the preliminary and main project phases, totalling NOK 4 million.

'We have also placed emphasis on the company's commitment to involving the entire value chain in the development work, and its intention to share the project's results with other relevant stakeholders in the fishing industry,' says Gjørvad.

'Financial support from us, together with our expertise and network, is critical to the success of our business concept in the global seafood market,' Opshaug emphasises.

C Food Norway was named 'Innovator of the Year' in north-western Norway in 2021. The company is now preparing for growth by exploring new ideas and expanding its product portfolio. To scale up, it is working with several research institutes and funding providers in Norway and internationally. The company runs workshops where participants from across the value chain can contribute their insights. It is also taking part in a scale-up programme run by Ålesund Knowledge Park.