MOWI - 60 Years Feeding the Nation

Sixty years strong: The Mowi Journey

 

The 1960s-1970s - In the swinging sixties, a revolution was brewing beneath the surface of Scotland’s lochs. With an eye on a rapidly swelling global population, Unilever took a gamble. They weren’t just looking at traditional fishing - they were aiming to farm fish. In 1965, they established a pioneering research station at Lochailort, first farming trout by tapping into the cutting-edge techniques being developed in Norway. It was christened Marine Harvest, and it was the genesis of a whole new industry. The early years were a frantic period of trial and error for this small group of farmers. Setbacks were inevitable, failures were lessons, but this decade of gritty determination and relentless innovation laid the bedrock for Scotland’s billion pound fish farming industry.

 

The 1970s was a decade of both bold fashion choices and bold ambitions, as Marine Harvest transitioned from trout to salmon. Having cracked the code of fish farming, new sites sprung up across the sea lochs of Scotland’s west coast. Game-changing innovations in feed and disease control unlocked huge production leaps. They even designed their own specialised equipment, solidifying front-runner status in this exciting new industry.

 

1980s-1990s - As MTV was modernising pop music, Marine Harvest was modernising fish farming, as they consolidated small sites into larger, more efficient operations and built the infrastructure and expertise that underpins the industry
today. Farmers made advancements in feed, vaccines and escape prevention. They pioneered the use of helicopters to transport smolts (young salmon ready to transfer from fresh to salt water) and improved processing techniques, forging the path for salmon to become a powerhouse of the Scottish economy.

 

The 1990s saw both the rise of the Internet and the rise of a momentous era for Marine Harvest, starting with a Royal Warrant of Appointment for the supply of fresh salmon to Her Majesty The Queen. Access to new international markets and diversified production capabilities transformed the company into a truly global enterprise.

 

2000s to today - The 2000s saw Marine Harvest firmly established as salmon farming royalty, powered by groundbreaking tech and a supply chain so smooth it hummed. Continued research dollars were poured into sustainable farming methods. Fish welfare leapt to the forefront, while antibiotics took a backseat.
They continued to consolidate and expand operations globally, developing innovative products, such as pre packaged portions and ready-to-eat meals.  Crucially, they understood that true success meant forging strong bonds with communities and stakeholders built on trust and responsibility. In 2019, Marine Harvest became Mowi, honouring its founder, Arne Mowinckel. Since then, Mowi has continued to thrive, launching its own consumer brand, the Salmon Wagon charity initiative and earning another Royal Warrant.

 

2025 promises to be one of Mowi’s most exciting years yet. The newly opened Inchmore Visitor Centre offers an engaging, egg-to-plate aquaculture journey, highlighting career opportunities in the industry. Mowi acquired Sanda earlier this year, aiming to establish a salmon farm off its east coast and create 14 new jobs. The investment includes refurbishing the hotel and housing and establishing yacht moorings, while exploring rewilding projects and improved mainland accessibility.

 

Delicious and healthy

Packed with rich flavour and serious health perks, salmon should be your go-to for delectable, feel-good meals. It’s full of omega-3 fatty acids (great for mood, brain health and fighting inflammation) and vitamin D. And, it’s a great source of protein to help you feel fuller throughout the day.

Timeline of key milestones

 

1965 - Unilever starts rearing trout at Loch Ailort before transitioning to Atlantic salmon
1970 - Invergarry Hatchery opens

1971 - First salmon harvest of 14 tonnes
1972 - Lochinvar and Fair Ellen are registered as trademarks
1974 - HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh visits
1975 - Loch Leven site opens
1976 - Dr Iain Anderson named Managing Director
1978 - Inchmore, South Shiel and Cairidh sites open
1979 - Owen Davey named Managing Director,
            Loch Sunart and Kingairloch sites open
            First attendance of Royal Highland Show
1980 - Loch Garry and Linnhe sites open
1981 - Duich site opens
1983 - Harport, Portnalong, Skipport and Glenfinnan sites open
1984 - Mervyn Eddie named Managing Director
1985 - Ardintoul, Arkaig, Invasion Bay

            Gorsten sites open
            Smolt transfers are first done by helicopter
1986 - West Loch Tarbert site opens
1987 - Blar Mhor processing plant and Loch Ewe site open
1988 - David McCarthy is named Managing Director
            Sponsorship of Camanachd Association begins
            Torridon site opens
1989 - First salmon vaccination
            Loch Seaforth site opens

1990 - Awarded Royal Warrant to Supply Her Majesty the Queen with fresh salmon
1991 - First use of wrasse against sea lice
            Visit from Her Majesty the Queen, HRH Prince Philip and Anne, Princess Royal
1992 - Farm office opens at Blar Mhor
            Marine Harvest is bought by Hanson Plc and renamed Marine Harvest Intl
            First plastic pens at Aultbea
            Label Rouge accreditation
1994 - David Windmill named Managing Director
            First land based feed system at Leven site
            Marine Harvest is acquired by Booker and renamed Marine Harvest McConnell
1995 - Lochailort Smolt Unit built
1997 - Greshornish, Alsh and Hourn acquired from Strathaird Salmon Ltd
            First exports to Lebanon
1998 - C-Cap feed barge arrives at Aultbea
1999 - Marine Harvest McConnell bought by Nutreco
2000 - Dr Graeme Dear named Managing Director
2003 - Protected Geographical Indication ISO 14001 granted
            Ronja Commander well boat first harvest
2004 - Cameron Davidson is named Managing Director
            Mallaig Harvest Station opens
            Protected Geographical Indication ISO 9001 granted

2005 - Håvard Grøntvedt is named Managing Director
            Marine Harvest merges with Stolt Sea Farm
            First exports to Hong Kong

2006 - The Marine Harvest Group formed through a merger of Pan Fish ASA, Marine Harvest N.V., and Fjord Seafood ASA
            GlobalGap farm assurance standards adopted and Code of Good Practice adopted
2007 - Alan Sutherland is named Managing Director
            Freedom Food accreditation
2009 - First exports to Kenya, South Africa and Taiwan
2010 - Farmed wrasses project
2011 - First salmon exports to Egypt, Dubai, Mainland China and South Korea
            Marine Harvest tartan registered
            Sponsorship of Outward Bound begins
2012 - First salmon exports to Czech Republic
            Group establishes its own feed division
2013 - New Lochailort recirculation hatchery opens
            Blar Mhor approved by Royal Society for Public Health to offer qualification

            First aquaculture company to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange
2014 - Head office moves from Ratho Park to Rosyth
2015 - Fort William office opens at Stob Ban
            Leven is farm first to achieve ASC accreditation
            Rosyth processing factory opens
2016 - Begins supplying to Sainsbury’s
            Ben Hadfield is appointed MD Scotland and COO Scotland, Canada, Ireland & Faroes.

2018 - Mowi consumer brand launched globally
            Inchmore Recirculation Hatchery opens

2019 - Marine Harvest rebrands as Mowi
            The FAIRR Initiative first ranks Mowi as the world’s most sustainable protein producer for the first time, and follows on for six consecutive years
            Fish feed mill opens at Kyleakin
            Salmon Wagon initiative kicks off
2020 - First organic salmon harvest from Loch Ewe
2021 - Mowi consumer brand launched in the UK
            Kingairloch site sees a six-figure investment
2024 - Construction begins on a new, state-of-the-art brood stock facility at Ardessie
            Mowi backed housing project begins on Colonsay
            Record breaking 65,977 tonnes of salmon are harvested

A bright  start to  2025:

• The next phase of the new processing facility upgrade at Blar Mhor will be completed, securing the long-term future of the plant in Fort William and incorporating market-leading innovation and technology that will put Mowi at the forefront of salmon processing.
• A state-of-the-art brood stock facility at Ardessie is due to open in the
  coming weeks.
• Opening of Inchmore visitor’s centre, Acquisition of Sanda Island, Royal Warrant of Appointment for the Supply of Fresh Salmon to His Majesty The King is granted, Multi-million pound upgrade of Blar Mor processing facility finished and 1600 employees
• Official opening of An Faire Mor community housing on Colonsay, in support of the Colonsay Community Development Company.
• A new high energy, open sea farm in South Uist at Stulaigh South will open, creating seven new jobs.
• Attending Aquaculture Days, with two more school locations confirmed for 2025, to showcase the career opportunities available in the industry.
• All Mowi farms in Scotland will be Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certified in 2025.

40 years of shinty

 

“Mowi’s support for shinty has been transformational,” said Ruairi Davidson, CEO of the Camanach Association. 

 

“From grassroots development through the Mowi Youth  Development Fund to the highest levels of competition in the  Mowi International, their commitment has helped shape the  modern game. As they celebrate 60 years, we recognise not just their contribution to our sport, but their enduring presence  in the communities where shinty thrives, and we look forward  to continuing this historical and successful partnership.”
 

“The partnership between Mowi and shinty has strengthened  opportunities for players at all levels,” said Karen Williamson, President of the Women’s Camanachd Association. “Their dedication has been instrumental in expanding access, fostering talent and securing a bright future for our sport. They have been long-term partners in our ever-growing Cup Finals Day, as well as sponsoring weekly participation through the Mowi Leagues. Congratulations to Mowi on this milestone – we are proud to be part of their story.”

 

The next generation

 

Attracting future generations to the aquaculture industry is a key priority for Mowi, which actively engages with schools and universities to highlight the diverse career paths available, from data analysis and environmental stewardship to boat operation and community-based roles with strong career development prospects. Through participation in career days, farm visits and classroom presentations (both virtual and in-person), Mowi aims to educate students about salmon farming and its crucial role in feeding the world’s www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgzu1eGoriEgrowing population, showcasing the industry as a viable and rewarding option for a wide range of interests and skillsets.

 

Mowi’s commitment to nurturing young talent is proving to be a vital lifeline for rural communities. Diverse career paths available from farm and hatchery technicians, skippers to data analysis, they are actively attracting and retaining young people who might otherwise seek employment in larger urban centres. This injection of youthful energy and skills helps to sustain local economies, support community initiatives and ensure the long-term viability of these often overlooked regions, breathing new life into areas facing depopulation and economic stagnation.

 

Communiti

 

Mowi supports their communities by donating time, money, equipment, and of course, salmon. From providing the Salmon Wagon at community events where all profits go to the cause, to beach cleans and tree planting and providing clothing and gear for nurseries and sports teams. Mowi sponsors dozens of events each year. Through the “Communiti” programme, local groups can request support, focusing Mowi’s community investment on conservation, activities for children and youth, sports, wellness, and poverty relief. Visit mowi.com/uk/communiti for more information.

 

The Power of Partnerships

 

“Mowi has been a key employer in the Highland and Islands for 60 years. It’s to their enormous credit that they hire well, pay well and retain their staff. I think we should all be delighted at how well they have grown their business, and, just as importantly, with the way they treat their employees.”
Angus MacDonald, MP for Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire

 

"For 60 years, Mowi Scotland has been an integral part of the west coast’s economic fabric, providing vital jobs and supporting our valued communities. Their commitment has been a cornerstone of our region’s prosperity. West Highland Chamber of Commerce extend our warmest congratulations on this significant milestone and wish Mowi continued success and a sustainable future for many years to come."

Frazer Coupland, CEO West Highland Chamber of Commerce

“Since the first salmon were put to sea in Lochailort, Mowi Scotland has gone from strength to strength, becoming the biggest producer of Scottish salmon and one of the biggest employers and contributors to the Highlands and Islands’ economy. The hundreds of men and women of Mowi make the quality of their fish all across the west coast and islands of Scotland. I congratulate Mowi as it celebrates its Diamond Jubilee, and look forward to seeing what the next 60 years holds in store for this great company.”
Tavish Scott, Chief Executive of Salmon Scotland
 
“Mallaig Harbour Authority congratulates Mowi on their 60 th  Anniversary. Mowi have been key partners of Mallaig Harbour for over 20 years, harvesting salmon through the Harbour, and servicing some of their local farm sites from Mallaig, providing significant economic benefit and employment in the area. Over the
years we have worked closely with Mowi, and we look forward to the partnership continuing for the next 60 years!” 
James McLean, Harbour Master at Mallaig Harbour Authority.

 

"We’ve greatly valued our long-standing partnership with Mowi Scotland, built on shared values of innovation and care for the environment. Their success has made a real difference—not just to our business, but also to many communities along the west coast. Congratulations on 60 years of operation, and here’s to many more ahead.”
Ben Wilson, Managing Director, Inverlussa Marine Services

 

“Mowi have grown to be one of our largest, loyal and most respected customers. In particular, it’s about people, and our office staff and drivers have been made very much welcome into the Mowi family. Mowi provides huge economic benefit with long-term jobs, supporting small and large businesses locally and nationally. We would like to congratulate Mowi for reaching this huge milestone of 60 years in business and we celebrate with them, playing our part and wishing everyone at Mowi all the very best, for now and continued success in the future”.
Alasdair Ferguson, Group Managing Director for Ferguson Transport & Shipping

 

"DYW West Highland is grateful to Mowi Scotland for being a supportive partner and a creative collaborator in delivering career inspiration at local high schools. Throughout our area, Mowi offers quality opportunities for young people in a wide range of roles through a variety of pathways. We’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Mowi team on this anniversary and wish them every future success."
Jennifer Grant, Programme Manager, DYW West Highland

 

 

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