Gårdsfisk

What Gårdsfisk does

Gårdsfisk (legal entity Scandinavian Aquasystems AB) is a Swedish sustainable aquaculture company founded in 2013 that operates the only land-based fish farming system in Sweden combining closed-basin aquaculture with traditional crop agriculture. The company raises two warm-water freshwater species on Swedish farms — Gårdsclarias™ (African catfish, Clarias gariepinus) and Rödstrimma™ (Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus) — in closed basins where fish waste is converted to fertilizer for crops grown outside the barn and wastewater is used for irrigation, creating a near-closed circular system. Production operates under multiple certifications including Svensk Sigill Klimatcertifiering, IP Sigill Fisk och Skaldjur, Från Sverige, and Äkta Vara, with the company having used no antibiotics and recorded no disease outbreaks since founding.

The product portfolio spans fresh and frozen retail SKUs (fillets, ground fish, fish meatballs, hot-smoked Clarias in multiple flavor variants) plus bulk foodservice formats, all climate-certified and approved by WWF's fish guide. The company sells through all major Swedish retail chains (ICA, Hemköp, COOP, City Gross, Willys), online grocery platforms (mylla.se, mathem.se), and foodservice wholesalers (Martin & Servera, Menigo, Svensk Cater). Production is concentrated at the company's farm in Skåne and at partner Swedish farms hosting the integrated aquaculture-agriculture system.

Gårdsfisk completed a Series A funding round in March 2025 raising approximately $5M led by aquaculture-specialist investor Hatch Blue Ltd and Swedish growth investor Industrifonden, with participation from LRF Ventures and Novax. Earlier capital came from Almi Invest in 2018. The business is privately held, headquartered in Åhus, Sweden, and employs 11-50 people. Revenue is generated through one-time product sales to retail and foodservice channels, with no subscription or licensing model. Strategic priorities signaled by the funding include capacity scaling, deeper channel penetration via B2B events and retailer point-of-sale materials, and continued product portfolio expansion.

Name

Gårdsfisk

Legal name

Scandinavian Aquasystems AB

Website

https://gardsfisk.se

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Gårdsfisk is a Swedish land-based aquaculture company founded in 2013 that raises African catfish (Clarias) and Nile tilapia (Rödstrimma) in a closed-loop integrated system with partner farms, selling climate-certified fish products to Swedish retailers and foodservice operators.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aquaculture / Sustainable Fish Farming

NAICS

Finfish Farming and Fish Hatcheries (112511), Seafood Product Preparation and Packaging (3117)

SIC

Prepared Fresh Or Frozen Fish & Seafoods (2092)

akta.pro primary industry

Tilapia & Warmwater Fish Hatcheries (e.g., Catfish, Carp) (AFAEAKAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Aquaculture Harvest, Processing & Packing (Farmed Finfish/Shellfish; On-Farm Plants) (AFANADAL)

Keywords

• Sustainable aquaculture
• Land-based fish farming
• Fresh fish products
• African catfish farming
• Circular farm systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Åhus

HQ country

Sweden

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Consumer Retail Products: Sale of fresh, frozen, and processed fish products through major Swedish retail chains (ICA, Hemköp, COOP, City Gross, Willys) and online grocery platforms (mylla.se, mathem.se). Products include fresh fillets, ground fish, fish meatballs, and hot-smoked Clarias in various flavors.
2. Foodservice Distribution: Bulk product sales to foodservice operators including restaurants, catering companies, and institutional kitchens through wholesale distributors (Martin & Servera, Menigo, Svensk Cater). Products sold in larger formats suitable for commercial food preparation.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Gårdsfisk breeds and processes warm-water freshwater fish (Gårdsclarias™ African catfish and Rödstrimma™ Nile tilapia) on Swedish farms using an integrated land-based aquaculture-agriculture system. It sells fresh, frozen, and hot-smoked fish products (fillets, mince, meatballs, smoked portions) through Swedish retail chains, online grocers, and foodservice distributors. Fish waste from the closed basins fertilizes adjacent crop fields, creating a near-closed circular production loop that operates without antibiotics.

Product overview

Gårdsfisk is a Swedish sustainable aquaculture company operating under Scandinavian Aquasystems AB. The company breeds two warm-water freshwater fish species — Gårdsclarias™ (African catfish, Clarias gariepinus) and Rödstrimma™ (Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus) — on land at Swedish farms, creating a near-closed-loop system where fish waste fertilizes crops. The product portfolio consists of two main product lines: fresh/chilled products (Ryggbit av Gårdsclarias, Färs av Gårdsclarias, Varmrökt Clarias in Naturell/Citronpeppar/Örtagård variants, and Clariasfilé) sold in retail chill cabinets, and frozen products (Fiskköttbullar, frozen Clariasfilé) sold in retail freezer cabinets. Additionally, bulk foodservice formats of fish mince, fishballs, fillets, and hot-smoked fillets are offered for professional kitchens. All products are climate-certified by Svensk Sigill, carry the Från Sverige (From Sweden) label, and are also recommended in WWF's fish guide.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Gårdsclarias™: Trademarked product line of Clarias gariepinus (African catfish) raised on Swedish farms. Swedish trade designation: Afrikansk ålmal. Marketed as a versatile, firm-fleshed fish similar to white meat, suitable for frying, baking, and grilling.
• Rödstrimma™

Products and services

• Gårdsclarias™ (African catfish, Clarias gariepinus) African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) farmed in Sweden, trademarked as Gårdsclarias™. The sixth most consumed fish globally. Firm, neutral-flavored flesh resembling light meat; tolerates high cooking temperatures without drying out and can be raised without medication. Used as the species base for multiple Gårdsfisk retail and foodservice products.
• Rödstrimma™ (Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus) Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) farmed in Sweden, trademarked as Rödstrimma™. The fourth most consumed fish globally. Moist white lean flesh with firm texture and marbling; a culinary chameleon suited to a wide range of cuisines. Used as a species base for Gårdsfisk products.
• Ryggbit av Gårdsclarias™ (fresh back-cut portion) Fresh back-cut portion of Gårdsclarias, a white-fleshed catfish raised on Swedish farms. Firm texture resembling light meat rather than traditional fish, suitable for pan-frying, oven baking, and grilling. Sold in refrigerated retail sections.
• Färs av Gårdsclarias™ (ground/minced fish) Ground/minced Gårdsclarias meat available in 250g and 500g chilled packs. Versatile ingredient comparable to ground beef, used for meatballs, Wallenbergare, tacos, and burgers.
• Fiskköttbullar av Gårdsclarias™ (fish meatballs) Frozen fish meatballs made from Gårdsclarias, pre-fried in sunflower oil. Seasoned with onion, salt, and black pepper in a classic round shape with taste and texture similar to meat meatballs. Available in 400g retail packs and 1.8kg foodservice packs. Carries the Äkta Vara label.
• Varmrökt Clarias (hot-smoked Clarias — Naturell, Citronpeppar, Örtagård variants) Hot-smoked Clarias offered in plain (Naturell), lemon-pepper (Citronpeppar), and herb garden (Örtagård) variants. Available in 125g chilled packs (and 300g chilled packs for Naturell). Ready-to-eat smoked fish for sandwiches, buffers, and holiday tables. Smoked Clarias carries the Äkta Vara label.
• Varmrökt Clariasfilé Naturell (hot-smoked Clarias fillet) Hot-smoked skinless and boneless Clarias fillet in natural/plain variant. Available in 300g chilled packs. Ready-to-eat product.
• Clariasfilé (Frysdisken) — frozen Clarias fillet Frozen skinless and boneless Clarias fillet sold in the retail frozen section. Weight 250g, shelf life 270 days.
• Varmrökt Clariasfilé (Foodservice) Hot-smoked Clarias fillet for foodservice operators. Article number 1540, 450g x 10 frozen. Distributed through Martin & Servera, Menigo, and Svensk Cater.

Quantifiable outcome

• Zero antibiotics used since founding in 2013 with no disease outbreaks
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Svensk SigillcoreOthersSvensk Sigill provides climate certification for Gårdsfisk products through their 'Svensk Sigill Fisk och Skaldjur' certification program. This certification sets high requirements for animal welfare, energy use, recirculation, and feed sourcing.
• WWFcoreOthersGårdsfisk's fish species and methods have received approval in WWF's fish guide, indicating sustainable choice status for environmentally conscious consumers.
• Från SverigecoreOthersGårdsfisk holds Från Sverige (From Sweden) certification indicating the entire process from fry to finished product takes place at their farm in Skåne and with their Swedish farmers.
• Äkta VaracoreOthersGårdsfisk's smoked Clarias and fish meatballs carry the Äkta Vara (Genuine Article) certification, indicating no unnecessary additives are used in production.
• Swedish FarmerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwedish farmers host fish farming operations on their farms, raising Clarias and Rödstrimma in closed basins. Fish waste provides nutrients for crops growing outside barns, creating an integrated circular farming system. Farmers benefit from additional revenue streams and sustainable agricultural practices.
• ProTerra FoundationminorOthersGårdsfisk sources ProTerra-certified soy for fish feed, which is deforestation-free certified soy. This certification ensures the soy component of feed meets sustainability standards.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves3 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Hesy Aquaculture: Netherlands-based producer of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in indoor, land-based systems. Closest direct comparable to Gårdsfisk in terms of species, land-based production model, and focus on European retail markets.
• Atlantic Sapphire: US-listed land-based Atlantic salmon farmer using RAS technology. Directly comparable on the land-based, sustainability-led, premium-segment approach to finfish, though focused on salmon rather than warmwater species.
• Pure Salmon: Global land-based Atlantic salmon platform with RAS facilities across multiple geographies. Shares Gårdsfisk's land-based, sustainability-driven positioning and European market exposure.
• Salmon Evolution: Norwegian land-based Atlantic salmon producer using a hybrid flow-through/RAS system. Comparable as a Nordic land-based finfish aquaculture company pursuing premium, sustainable positioning.
• Nordic Aquafarms: Land-based Atlantic salmon farmer with facilities in Denmark and the US. Directly comparable on European land-based RAS finfish production and sustainability-led go-to-market.

Emerging players

• AquaBounty Technologies: US-listed land-based salmon producer focused on genetically engineered fast-growing fish. Overlaps with Gårdsfisk on land-based RAS finfish production and sustainability narrative, but at smaller scale and with a different species.

Broad incumbents

• Regal Springs: World's largest premium tilapia producer, with operations in Mexico, Honduras, and Indonesia. Direct species comparable to Gårdsfisk's Rödstrimma (Nile tilapia) and a benchmark for tilapia cost of goods at scale.
• Mowi: World's largest Atlantic salmon farmer with integrated feed and processing operations. Comparable as a broad incumbent in sustainable, certified finfish, providing a benchmark for retail relationships, certifications, and salmon/tropical species competition.
• Australis Seafood: Integrated salmon and trout producer with operations in Chile and Vietnam. Comparable as a broad aquaculture incumbent focused on retail-branded sustainable seafood, an adjacent species set to Gårdsfisk's warmwater species.

Others

• BioMar: Global aquaculture feed manufacturer supplying salmon, tilapia, and other species. Comparable as a critical supplier-side player whose feed formulations and sustainability standards directly shape Gårdsfisk's unit economics and certifications.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/gardsfisk
• Instagraminstagram.com/gardsfisk
• Xx.com/gardsfisk

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors5 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Gårdsfisk