You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.
A first for Europe: sustainable black cod from Zeeland
30 Apr 2025
A sustainable fish farm for black cod, located right on the Oosterschelde, that’s the plan of The Black Cod Company, a new business establishing itself in Zeeland. From its base in Kamperland, the company will be the first in Europe to produce this premium fish species locally and sustainably. Impuls Zeeland has been involved from the outset, supporting both the company’s establishment and the initial financing.
The Black Cod Company is backed by an international team with extensive experience in aquaculture. Among them are Ohad Maiman, founder and former CEO of The Kingfish Company, and Thue Holm, founder and former CTO of Atlantic Sapphire. With this new venture, they are introducing a high-end fish species to Zeeland that is popular in Michelin-starred restaurants and currently imported mainly from North America.
From Alaska to Kamperland
Black cod, also known as sablefish, originates from North America. While demand in Europe is high, supply remains limited and is typically frozen. The Black Cod Company is taking a different approach. By producing fish locally in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS), they offer a fresh and sustainable alternative. In a RAS system, water is continuously filtered and reused, creating a clean, controlled environment for the fish with minimal environmental impact.
The investment from the InnoGo! fund enables the company to import the first broodstock from North America to their site in Kamperland. These fish will be used to establish the breeding programme, starting with an initial production volume of 75 tonnes per year and aiming to scale up to 300 tonnes in the future.
Why Zeeland?
The region offers a unique combination of clean seawater, existing permits, suitable infrastructure, and specialised aquaculture knowledge.
“We supported the company from the very beginning by helping them select a location and connecting them with key stakeholders, such as government bodies and the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality.”
Rogier van der Torren
Foreign Direct Investment Manager - Impuls Zeeland
Building on this support, our Investment team assisted the company in securing funding through the InnoGo! fund.
“By investing early in the start-up phase, we increase the likelihood of scaling up and attracting follow-on funding,” explains Ralph Veerhoek, Investment Manager at Impuls Zeeland.
Throughout this process, multiple areas of expertise within Impuls Zeeland were brought together to support The Black Cod Company, from establishment to financing. And our involvement doesn’t end here. We will continue to support the company as it grows and develops.
Want to know more?
Curious how we can support your business with innovation, financing, or international expansion? Our team is here to help.
