Skretting, Longyang Fresh deepen partnership to advance sustainable trout farming 

CHINA – Skretting and Longyang Fresh have signed an upgraded three-year strategic cooperation agreement that aims to accelerate sustainable aquaculture practices for trout farmed on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, one of the world’s most unique and high-altitude aquaculture environments. 

The agreement, announced in China, outlines how the two companies will work together to enhance precision nutrition, strengthen supply-chain synergies, and support the long-term development of the country’s plateau cold-water fish industry.

Skretting, a global aquafeed supplier, and Longyang Fresh, one of China’s largest trout producers, have collaborated for years on feed innovation, farming systems and nutritional management tailored to the region’s cold waters. 

Their shared experience in high-altitude ecosystems laid the groundwork for this strategic upgrade, which both companies say will move the industry toward more efficient and environmentally responsible production.

Precision nutrition designed for high-altitude ecosystems

The renewed partnership focuses heavily on building nutrition models that match the distinctive characteristics of Qinghai Province’s plateau environment. 

This region is defined by low temperatures, high dissolved oxygen and low pathogen pressure, conditions that naturally support healthy trout growth. 

By using global databases and field research, the companies aim to refine diets that improve growth rates, strengthen fish health and increase overall feed efficiency.

Part of this effort includes enhancing raw material traceability and designing feeds that reduce nitrogen and phosphorus discharge. 

The companies say this will help minimise environmental impact, ensure greener farming practices and unlock the full ecological and nutritional value of plateau trout.

“This strategic upgrade builds on years of successful collaboration and a shared long-term vision. Together, we will develop precision nutrition solutions tailored to high-altitude ecosystems, strengthen supply chain cooperation, and Skretting’s global strengths will be our effective support,” said Miyan Ying, Chairman of Longyang Fresh.

Strengthening China’s plateau trout value chain

Longyang Fresh farms trout in the Longyangxia Reservoir, a vast, cold-water system fed by glacial meltwater from the headwaters of the Yellow River.

The pristine conditions eliminate sea-lice risks and support antibiotic-free farming. Low-density cages, deep waters and the use of triploid (infertile) trout help protect native biodiversity while maintaining fish welfare.

The company currently produces about 15,000 tonnes of trout each year, making up 98.8% of China’s total trout export volume. 

By combining this production capacity with Skretting’s global raw material network and technical expertise, the partnership aims to reinforce supply chain stability, reduce carbon intensity across operations and strengthen the international competitiveness of plateau trout.

“Longyang Fresh has achieved remarkable results in plateau trout farming. We look forward to integrating our advanced global nutrition technologies and sustainability expertise with the unique conditions of the plateau, co-creating solutions that deliver long-term value for the industry,” said Maarten Bijl, CEO of Skretting. 

He added that the agreement reaffirms Skretting’s commitment to expanding its footprint in China and the wider Asian region.

The upgraded agreement is expected to provide new momentum for China’s plateau cold-water fish sector, supporting its emergence as a key provider of sustainable, high-quality protein to global markets.

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