Malaysia-based animal nutrition and feed milling group Gold Coin has acquired full control of shrimp genetic company SyAqua.
"The key objective of this strategic acquisition is first to offer an alternative to Asian shrimp farmers, combining technical and commercial synergies between nutrition and genetics to enhance shrimp production performances and therefore farmers’ profitability, Gold Coin Group CEO, J.C Filippi, said.
Tycho Vos, the newly appointed Managing Director to the SyAqua Group said: "In the last 10 years, SyAqua has developed a unique and strong genetic and breeding programme targeting improvements in growth performance, robustness and resistance to diseases. New technologies and resources are now being used within our facilities focusing on and addressing the new industry challenges and market expectations.”
Dr. Thomas Gitterle, previously head of the genetic and breeding department at Ceniacua (Colombia) and Scientific Advisor to AKVAFORSK Genetic Centre (Norway), is now the new Technical Director of SyAqua in charge of genetic improvement and development. Dr Gitterle will also oversee a number of research initiatives and activities including a nutrigenomics project in Singapore and a research programmein Indonesia for IMNV.
SyAqua’s main genetic nuclei are located in Thailand as well as in Singapore. SyAqua operates commercial hatcheries producing post larvae and nauplii both in Thailand and Indonesia and exports commercial broodstock in the region.
Established in 1953, Gold Coin is a pioneer in animal nutrition and feedmilling within Asia, and is currently one of the largest agribusinesses in the region. With almost 60 years of expansion behind it, Gold Coin has grown from its origins in Singapore to occupying a leading position in key feed and livestock markets throughout the region. It now employs more than 2,400 people across 10 countries and region.
With a milling capacity of approximately 2.5 million tonnes per year, Gold Coin operates 23 production facilities in eight countries, supplying feed products for the livestock and aquaculture industries.
