The company announced a strategic decision to restructure its genetics business for the species
Benchmark Genetics announced a few days ago a strategic decision to restructure its shrimp genetics business area following a comprehensive review of the company’s portfolio and long-term priorities. As a result, Benchmark Genetics has decided to wind down its commercial shrimp operations in Fellsmere, Florida, United States (US). At the same time, the company will continue to explore alternative solutions for the Litopenaeus vannamei breeding program in Colombia.
“These decisions enable us to sharpen our strategic focus and concentrate resources where we see the greatest long-term value creation,” said Kristian Botnen, CEO of Benchmark Genetics. “While shrimp genetics has been an important part of our journey, we must now prioritize business areas with stronger strategic alignment and higher margin potential.”
Thorough Review
Over recent months, the Benchmark Genetics leadership team has conducted a thorough review to sharpen the company’s strategic focus and ensure resources are directed toward areas with the strongest strategic fit and long-term value potential.
As part of this process, the company explored options to divest its shrimp genetics business, including the L. vannamei breeding program in Colombia and the commercial shrimp operations in Fellsmere. Despite extensive efforts, it has not been possible to secure a transaction on terms acceptable to the company.
The decision to restructure, they said, reflects Benchmark Genetics’ continued focus on strengthening its strategic position, allocating capital with discipline, and building sustainable long-term value across its core business areas.
Continued Commitment to Aquaculture Genetics
According to them, Benchmark Genetics remains fully committed to being a leading global provider of aquaculture genetics. Going forward, the company will focus its core activities on Atlantic salmon genetics and advanced genetics and genotyping services for aquaculture species worldwide.
The company will continue to support genetic improvement of shrimp and other aquaculture species through high‑quality genetics and genotyping services, including genomic tools and analytical support for breeding programs, research institutions, and commercial producers.
Benchmark Genetics reported they has initiated dialogue with affected employees and customers to support them through the transition, safeguard their best interests, and ensure an orderly and responsible process. “The company remains committed to acting transparently and responsibly as it executes this restructuring and continues to strengthen its long‑term strategic position”, they assured in a press release.
New Global Commercial Director for Genetics Services
Days before the announcement, Benchmark Genetics appointed a new Global Commercial Director for Genetics Services. Bruno Decock started in his new position on 1 March, while continuing as Head of Benchmark Genetics Shrimp during a transition period. In this role, Decock will lead the global commercial development of the company’s Genetics Services portfolio, supporting the strategy to expand advanced breeding, genomics, and analytical services for aquaculture producers worldwide.
Based in Asia, one of Benchmark Genetics’ key growth regions, Decock will work with clients and partners globally to develop long-term collaborations and deliver integrated genetics solutions that support sustainable production and measurable performance improvement.
Decock has more than 25 years of experience in aquaculture, including extensive work in shrimp breeding, hatchery systems, and international business development across Asia and Africa. He joined Benchmark Genetics in 2017 and has held several key roles with the company’s shrimp genetics business.
Morten Rye, Director of Genetics Services and Global Strategy at the company, said: “Bruno brings deep industry knowledge and a strong international network. His experience working at the interface between breeding programs, production systems, and commercial partnerships will be highly valuable as we continue to expand Benchmark Genetics’ Genetics Services activities globally.”
Partnership With Australia’s National Science Agency
Benchmark Genetics also reported that have joined forces with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), Australia’s national science agency, to develop a new single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array for breeding Australia’s native and endemic species.
The collaboration has resulted in AusAQUA, a high-throughput Axiom genotyping chip designed to advance the breeding of Australia’s key aquaculture species. The platform features SNP panels for Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii), Sydney rock oyster (Saccostrea glomerata), Jade perch (Scortum barcoo) and Pompano (Trachinotus anak), species that previously had no dedicated genotyping tools. This new platform is complementary to the existing Benchmark Genetics SNP panel for barramundi (Lates calcarifer), expanding the suite of genomic tools available to support Australian aquaculture.
