Benchmark Genetics helps Vietnamese fish farmer pivot to tilapia

Benchmark Genetics Norway AS and Nam Viet Corporation (NAVICO) have announced a long-term strategic collaboration to develop an advanced selective breeding programme for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in Vietnam.

NAVICO is one of Vietnam’s largest aquaculture companies and is making a strategic transition from pangasius (catfish / basa) to tilapia to meet evolving market demands and unlock new growth opportunities.

Benchmark Genetics will design and provide ongoing expert guidance and operational support for a selective breeding programme for Nile tilapia, applying proven genetic improvement strategies to enhance growth rate, feed conversion efficiency, and robustness.

The partners have already established an optimally structured base population, marking a transition from programme design to implementation and laying the groundwork for long-term genetic improvement.

“Our ambition is to position tilapia as a premium product and export from Vietnam, supported by a fully integrated and sustainable value chain,” said NAVICO chief executive Doãn Chí Thiên. “Partnering with Benchmark Genetics ensures access to world-class technologies that enable us to deliver consistent product quality and meet growing market expectations.”

Morten Rye, director of genetics services and international strategies at Benchmark Genetics, said NAVICO is a forward-thinking partner with a bold vision for the future of tilapia farming in Vietnam.

“We are proud to contribute our global expertise in genetic improvement to support NAVICO’s ambitious goal and to help raise the standard for sustainable aquaculture in one of the world’s most important seafood-producing nations.”