Maruha Nichiro Launches Trial Sales of ‘Sugi’—A Sustainable, Fast-Growing Farmed Whitefish for Global Markets

Maruha Nichiro Begins Trial Sales of “Sugi” – A New High-Fat White Fish for Sustainable Aquaculture

Maruha Nichiro Corporation (Headquarters: Koto-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Ken Ikemi) will begin trial sales in May 2025 of “Sugi,” a high-fat white fish that the company has been experimentally farming.

In recent years, the aquaculture industry has faced a challenging business environment due to factors such as rising sea temperatures, which slow the growth of farmed fish and increase the risk of disease, as well as the soaring cost of feed ingredients.

Against this backdrop, Maruha Nichiro, which is committed to the stable supply of sustainable protein, began trial farming of “Sugi” in June 2024. This southern fish species is highly tolerant of warm water and can be grown to market size in a short period.

Trial sales will begin sequentially from May 2025 through Maruha Nichiro’s diverse distribution channels, with a production target of 100,000 fish by fiscal year 2027. In addition, the company is aiming for early acquisition of the ASC certification—an international certification for responsibly farmed seafood that considers environmental and human rights factors.

Maruha Nichiro will also promote the production of artificial seedlings by leveraging the Group’s Aquaculture Technology Development Center. The goal is to make “Sugi” the fourth pillar of farmed fish after bluefin tuna, yellowtail, and amberjack, through a fully integrated approach from production to sales across the Maruha Nichiro Group