Gigante Salmon achieves GLOBALG.A.P. Certification
Gigante Salmon has successfully completed the GLOBALG.A.P. certification process, marking an important milestone in its commitment to sustainable and high-quality aquaculture. We spoke with Kristine Ødegård - Quality Manager at Gigante Salmon about their recently completed certification process within GLOBALG.A.P. and their experiences along the way with becoming certified within aquaculture. Kiwa’s Audit Manager Roy Helge Andreassen, who oversaw the process, noted that Gigante Salmon was well-prepared, demonstrating strong expertise and a structured approach to certification.
This achievement reflects the company’s structured approach to quality management and sustainability, ensuring its operations align with internationally recognized standards
The process of achieving certification
Gigante Salmon initiated the certification process of GLOBALG.A.P. in September/October 2024 and succesfully obtained certification by mid-February 2025. The audit visit was carried out in mid-January. This relatively short timeframe shows the company's dedication and efficiency in meeting the certification requirements. Particularly impressive is the fact that the company received certification only 1 year after starting operations.
Successes and challenges along the way
“Although I was not involved in the first-hand contact, my impression was that Gigante Salmon had well-prepared personnel who knew what the certification entailed. They worked systematically through the checklists and answered many points before the audit visit, which resulted in fewer observations and less follow-up work”, says Andreassen.
Ødegård adds: “It was great to work together with the team to go through the explanations of what a certification entails, and the different steps in the process. If we misunderstood something, we were given guidance. A certification trajectory is a learning process, and you need to have someone who understands the market and the company that you can contact and ask questions to.
Sustainable production and quality
GLOBALG.A.P. certification enables Gigante Salmon to access a broader market while also reinforcing structured quality management and continuous improvement across its operations. The certification process supports food safety, sustainability, and animal welfare while aligning with occupational health and safety (HSE) and social responsibility standards.
Land-based fish farming facility at Lille Indre Rosøy
During the audit, Andreassen visited Gigante Salmon’s land-based fish farming facility at Lille Indre Rosøy, which is currently under development. The site has approximately 30 to 50 construction workers and a core operational team of around 20 employees. Safety protocols, including verbal and written instructions for visitors, are a key focus.
The biggest difference from traditional sea-based facilities is the infrastructure required for land-based operations. The energy requirement and solutions are significant factors that are carefully considered. The facility has three production basins, each of which is divided into 3 and 4 longitudinal flow tanks, respectively, which are from 140 to 214 meters long. Each longitudinal stream channel is 5 meters deep and 15 meters wide.
Optimization of operations and biological conditions
“Gigante Salmon distinguishes itself with its focus on processes and quality. The team is determined and has good routines for administration, operations, monitoring, and improvement work.This is crucial to ensure that the backup systems work and to avoid serious consequences in the event of errors”, says Andreassen.
What is the impacto of GLOBALG.A.P. certification for Gigante Salmon?
“The GLOBALG.A.P. certification is an important milestone for Gigante Salmon. It shows the company's commitment to quality standards in food safety, sustainability, animal and fish welfare, HSE, and social conditions. This also includes requirements for subcontractors. - The certification opens the door to markets that require GLOBALG.A.P. certified products, which strengthens the company's competitiveness”, says Ødegård.
Collaboration with Kiwa
Kristine Ødegaard, adds: “The collaboration with Kiwa has been crucial. From the first conversation with Kiwa's Linda Løversen to the handover and start-up with Roy Helge Andreassen, we have felt taken care of and received the necessary information for certification.”
External checks and audits have ensured that the company is doing the right things and delivering healthy and fresh salmon. Gigante Salmon experienced that Kiwa’s auditor was very professional throughout the audit process. The audit provided valuable opportunities for discussion and clarification, allowing the team to gain a clear understanding of the requirements. This structured approach made it easier to identify areas for improvement and effectively align operations with the certification standards. Ultimately, this thorough understanding was a decisive factor in successfully achieving certification.
Future developments
GLOBALG.A.P. certification reinforces Gigante Salmon’s commitment to compliance, sustainability, and responsible aquaculture. It also supports recruitment efforts by demonstrating the company’s focus on employee welfare, fish health, and safety standards.With certification in place, Gigante Salmon continues to focus on efficient operations, regulatory compliance, and sustainable growth in land-based aquaculture.
Read more about GLOBALG.A.P. certification here.