The Norwegian producer of premium farmed cod Ode reported some days ago the approval of its seventh aquaculture site, Jonskjær, which was finalized at the end of 2024. “We celebrated the new year with this fantastic milestone, marking another step forward in our mission to produce sustainable and high-quality farmed cod for the global market,” they said.
“Jonskjær is a key milestone in our journey to expand production of healthy, sustainable food. This site will allow us to grow responsibly, create new opportunities, and strengthen our ability to deliver premium cod to our customers worldwide. Starting the new year with this approval is a powerful motivation as we continue to work toward our long-term goals,” assured Ola Kvalheim, founder and CEO of Ode.
Jonskjær further strengthens Ode’s position as a leader in cod farming, providing a stable and reliable source of premium seafood for the international market.
Fully integrated value chain
Over the past five years, Ode has built a fully integrated value chain for cod farming, from hatchery to consumer-packaged products. What began as a dream for two founders has grown into a company with over 150 employees, delivering 50 million healthy and sustainable cod meals annually by 2025, processed locally in Norway.
With its existing sites and well-established facilities, Ode is well-positioned to meet the increasing global demand for sustainable seafood. Their vertically integrated operations ensure consistent quality and availability year-round, allowing us to serve customers who value transparency, traceability, and sustainability.
“For Ode, contributing to thriving coastal communities is essential. With operations spanning several regions, we are already a positive force in many local areas. While our cod is enjoyed around the globe, it’s vital for us to highlight where it comes from. Along Norway’s clean, cold coastline, our cod thrives best. By building our presence in these regions, we aim to create jobs, support local suppliers, and celebrate the unique heritage of the Norwegian coast,” says Falk Øveraas, Head of Public Affairs at Ode.
Sixth active sea site facility
Just a few days before the announcement, Ode established a new cod farming site in Sande Municipality, in the western of Norway. Strategically located in Ode’s region, this becomes the company’s sixth active sea site facility. The facility consists of 12 pens and a feed barge. With this addition, Ode increases production in the area, further strengthening its regional presence.
Work on the site began in October, and Dysjaneset, located just off Kvamsøya in Sande Municipality, has now received fish and started producing sustainable cod.
“Our employees have shown an extraordinary commitment to getting this site ready. There’s been a lot of activity in recent weeks, and we have now received the first fish,” states Vidar Vartdal, Head of Farming at Ode.
Dysjaneset already has a solid team in place: six employees and one apprentice, three of whom come from the small island community of Kvamsøya —perched at the ocean’s outer edge, a living barrier between the tranquil fjords and the boundless Atlantic.
“It means a lot to me personally to contribute to local value creation here on Kvamsøya, where I was born and raised. The Dysjaneset facility provides jobs for people in the immediate area and has positive effects for the local community,” commented Assistant Site Manager, Aleksander Ristesund.
“Ode oversees the entire production chain—from roe to store-ready products. Together with the other sites, Dysjaneset will play a central role in ensuring a stable, predictable, year-round supply of high-quality fresh cod for our local Norwegian harvesting and processing activities. When the first production cycle is completed, the facility and its team at Dysjaneset will have produced more than 20 million cod meals for dinner tables worldwide,” said Head of Public Affairs, Falk Øveraas.
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