Norwegian biotechnology company Aker BioMarine on Tuesday announced it has begun supplying its omega-3 dietary supplements to international markets.
Based on encouraging sales in its home market, Aker in early April sold its first major volume of Superba Krill Oil to its U.S. distributor.
"The sale is a key step into global markets for our Superba brand. Aker BioMarine expects significant krill oil sales growth," said Hallvard Muri, Aker president and CEO. "Although the Norwegian market is relatively small, our home market serves as a vital reference. We made great strides in the first quarter toward securing additional agreements with established market participants that offer considerable U.S. market penetration. Such agreements are considered key door-openers into a large, expanding market this year."
Aker has produced more than 30 metric tons of the Antarctic krill oil in advance of the U.S. market launch. The company will begin direct sales to U.S. consumers in the third quarter of 2009 and is considering start-up of direct sales to consumers in additional markets.
Also on Tuesday, Aker posted a first-quarter loss of NOK 81 million (USD 12.5 million, EUR 9.3 million) in 2009, compared to a loss of NOK 19 million in 2008. However, the company posted operating revenues of NOK 20 million (USD 3.1 million, EUR 2.3 million) this year, up from NOK 17 million last year.
