The company will celebrate its anniversary with small-scale events around the world and throughout the year
INVE Aquaculture, part of Benchmark, proudly announced the celebration of its 40th Anniversary. This milestone not only marks a festive moment for a leading aquaculture company, but also the culmination of four decades of pioneering work that has been at the cradle of the aquaculture industry as we know it today. In line with INVE’s philosophy of operating close to its customers, the company will celebrate this anniversary by organizing small-scale events throughout the year and across the globe.
“Science-based innovation is at the core of our origin and, in this rapidly expanding industry, innovation in collaboration with our valued customers remains our driving force for sustainable growth. At INVE, our customers’ efficiency is our prime focus. We are customer-centric and their success translates into our success,” said Patrick Waty, CEO of INVE Aquaculture, in reference to the company’s special celebration.
It is worth noting that one out of every three shrimp farmed in the world is fed with INVE products, highlighting the company’s significant impact on global aquaculture. The company has operated in more than 70 countries and has achieved a significant leading market share in the global shrimp and marine fish hatchery nutrition segment.
From pioneer to leader
Founded in 1983 as Artemia Systems, a spin-off from the University of Ghent – located in the city of the same name in Flanders (Belgium) – INVE was born out of pioneering research conducted by early aquaculture pioneers. The FAO’s request to explore the feasibility of commercial aquaculture in 1978 laid the foundation upon which INVE’s initial generation of luminaries developed the world’s first scalable live food solutions.
It was this remarkable breakthrough that made the global aquaculture boom possible. To this day, INVE Aquaculture stands as a living testament to this legacy of turning scientific knowledge into viable aquaculture practices.
Throughout its history, INVE Aquaculture has not only evolved with the ever-changing landscape of aquaculture, but has also played a pivotal role in shaping it. The company’s dedication to research and development has been unwavering, from pioneering technologies in larval rearing and hatchery management to leadership in sustainable practices.
As it celebrates its 40th anniversary, INVE Aquaculture continues to be a beacon of innovation, committed to meeting the challenges of the future and fostering responsible growth in the aquaculture industry. True to its academic heritage, INVE Aquaculture embodies the spirit of scientific innovation and entrepreneurship. A strong commitment to customer focus and sustainable growth have enabled INVE to become a world leader in shrimp and marine fish hatchery nutrition.
Beacon of innovation
Already in recent years, INVE specialists have developed technologies such as Artemia SEP-Art, a clean method for separating nauplii from cyst shells, and probiotics for health and bioremediation, which promote a reduced reliance on traditional treatments, leading to cleaner harvests.
The most recent example of INVE’s dedication to innovation is the launch a few weeks ago of the revolutionary SnappArt tool, a unique AI-powered live food counter. Initially launched in Europe, this cutting-edge technology solution aims to redefine the global aquaculture industry. It provides real-time analysis and monitoring of live feed quantities, contributing to feed efficiency and sustainability.
“Each of these innovations fits into INVE’s holistic “Care for Growth” approach, which aims to improve the performance and well-being of aquatic species through proven solutions in the fields of nutrition, health and environment.”
As part of Benchmark, INVE is increasingly looking for synergies between its specific expertise and the growing knowledge in the field of genetics. This is because selective breeding opens up the possibility of breeding more resilient and productive animals. Combined with balanced nutrition and optimal health and living conditions, genetics creates a holistic approach to aquaculture improvement that prioritizes both productivity and sustainability.
“We are dedicated to transforming shrimp and marine fish farming by moving away from a commodity mindset and focusing on technologies that improve efficiency, farming practices and ultimately the quality of the final product. Our commitment extends to making a positive environmental and social impact, promoting sustainability and ensuring an enduring future for the sector,” Waty added.
Sustainable growth for the next 40 years
INVE Aquaculture envisions a promising future for the aquaculture industry, characterized by visionary thinking and a commitment to sustainable progress. One of the cornerstones of this vision is a growing emphasis on local production with small-scale, land-based aquaculture operations that bring food production closer to communities. This shift not only fosters resilience, but also aligns with environmental stewardship by reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance seafood transport.
INVE specialists also anticipate increasing diversification of farmed species, which will alleviate pressure on commonly farmed varieties such as salmon and shrimp. Innovative sustainable practices, such as the widespread adoption of RAS systems and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, will enable more efficient seafood production with less environmental impact.
The integration of artificial intelligence, automation and robotics into hatchery and farm operations will usher in an era of precision farming. At the same time, the industry must be acutely aware of the challenges posed by climate change, resource constraints and evolving regulations.
As its members explain in a press release, INVE firmly believes that adaptability and responsible practices are the guiding principles that will ensure the lasting success and sustainable growth of aquaculture over the next 40 years.
