Who We Are
As a leader in aquaculture genetics, Benchmark Genetics is entering a new era of innovation and growth. We are present in every major aquaculture market and work with a wide range of species, delivering continuous genetic improvement to the global aquaculture industry.
Our newly established stand-alone company comprises three core business areas: Salmon Genetics, Shrimp Genetics, and Genetic Services. We operate four in-house breeding programmes focusing on two main species – salmon and shrimp, with facilities in Norway, Iceland, Chile, the United States, and Colombia. We are the leading provider of genetics services, drawing on extensive experience from 30 applied breeding programmes involving 20 species across 16 countries.
Our strategy is innovation-led, harnessing advanced breeding technologies such as QTL (Quantitative Trait Loci) mapping and Genomic Selection. While technology underpins everything we do, we remain firmly customer-focused, ensuring our innovations meet real-world needs.
Salmon Genetics
We provide the global Atlantic salmon industry with high-quality eggs carrying specialised traits for both sea- and land-based farming.
Our Atlantic Salmon Ova Portfolio is a carefully curated range of ova, engineered for superior genetic performance and resilience, and tailored to various farming environments. It is founded on refined selection techniques aimed at maximising growth potential and robustness. SalmoPrime offers a balanced selection of traits for growth, robustness, and disease resistance. SalmoRobust is optimised for high performance under challenging sea-farming conditions. SalmoBoost is selected for maximum growth potential. SalmoRAS is specifically developed for optimal results in land-based farming systems.
We run in-house breeding programmes for three strains in Norway, Iceland, and Chile, managed by a highly skilled team of geneticists. Production in land-based facilities ensures the highest levels of biosecurity in the industry.
With in-house cryopreservation laboratories connected to each egg production facility, we maintain access to the best-performing males from our breeding nucleus, allowing us to precisely match customer requirements.
Our robust R&D capabilities drive continuous product innovation and improvement. We collaborate extensively with leading aquaculture companies, research institutions, and universities to stay at the forefront of genetic development.
Shrimp Genetics
Benchmark Genetics Shrimp operates a world-class breeding programme for Litopenaeus vannamei from its SPF (Specific Pathogen Free) nucleus breeding centre in Cartagena, Colombia. This facility maintains one of the most diverse and longest-running scientifically documented L. vannamei breeding populations in the world.
Genetically improved, high-performing commercial product lines are produced and globally distributed from our Breeder Multiplication Centre (BMC) in Fellsmere, Florida, USA.
Our global presence is supported by local sales and technical teams, production facilities, and commercial partnerships in key markets across Asia and the Americas.
Our breeding nucleus is based on a broad genetic foundation derived from founder stocks originating in Colombia, Hawaii, and Venezuela, as well as wild populations from Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Panama, and Peru.
Product development focuses on locally adapted lines that demonstrate strong growth and high resistance to major diseases impacting the global shrimp industry, including WSSV, EHP, WFS, and AHPND.
Genetics and Genotyping Services
Benchmark Genetics is a global leader in aquaculture genetics and your trusted partner for tailored, science-driven solutions. With expertise spanning over 40 breeding programs across more than 30 aquaculture species—including salmonids, marine and freshwater fish, shrimp, and mollusks—we deliver results backed by data and validated through real-world performance.
Our Genetics Services offer a customizable, integrated approach to developing and optimizing selective breeding programs. From program design to operational support, genetic analysis, and performance monitoring, our expert team works closely with you to ensure every step aligns with your production goals, resources, and species-specific needs.
We also deliver industry-leading Genotyping Services designed to power innovation in aquaculture breeding programs. Using a combination of high-density and medium-density SNP arrays covering close to 30 aquaculture species—including Atlantic salmon, Rainbow trout, Whiteleg shrimp, and Tilapia—our services are reliable, efficient, and easy to integrate into your breeding strategies or research.
Backed by advanced technology platforms, a highly experienced team, and streamlined workflows, we provide the high-quality genetic data you need to make informed decisions with confidence. Offered at market-leading prices, our end-to-end service includes DNA extraction, genotyping, quality-controlled data delivery, and expert support from start to finish.
Our Genotyping Services can be paired seamlessly with our Genetics Services to help you translate complex data into confident decisions – for selection, diversity management, population structure, parentage assignment, etc.
Whether your goal is long-term genetic improvement or dependable, cost-effective high-throughput genotyping, Benchmark Genetics provides the tools, insights, and expertise to advance sustainable aquaculture.
