Benchmark Genetics
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2000
- HeadquartersBergen, Norway
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
Benchmark Genetics firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Benchmark Genetics
- Legal name
- Benchmark Genetics Norway AS
- Website
- https://bmkgenetics.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2000
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Benchmark Genetics industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Aquaculture Genetics
- NAICS
- Finfish Farming and Fish Hatcheries (112511)
- SIC
- Agricultural Prod-Livestock & Animal Specialties (200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Aquaculture Breeding & Genetics Services (e.g., broodstock improvement) (AFAEAJAN)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Genomic Testing & Genetic Evaluation Services (AFAEAJAC), Nucleus Herd/Flock Breeding & Multiplier Stock Supply (AFAEAJAF), Cloning & Advanced Reproductive Technologies Services (AFAEAJAL), Genetic Trait Selection (e.g., polled, disease resistance) Services (AFAEAJAJ)
Keywords
Where Benchmark Genetics is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bergen
- HQ country
- Norway
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices11 records
Markets served
Benchmark Genetics business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Salmon Ova Sales: Sale of Atlantic salmon eggs/ova from proprietary breeding programs (SalmoPrime, SalmoRobust, SalmoBoost, SalmoRAS, SalmoTailored). Products delivered worldwide year-round with dedicated technical support.
- Genetics Services: Consultancy services for breeding program design, genomic selection, quantitative genetic evaluations, and breeding operations support for aquaculture species worldwide. Covers design of broodstock management programs, optimal structuring of base materials, and inbreeding control.
- Genotyping Services: Cost-effective genotyping solutions from tissue sample to quality-controlled data. Includes high density (20-70K SNPs), medium density (2-7K SNPs), and low density (1-500 SNPs) panels for multiple species. Also offers custom array design services.
- Lumpfish Sales: Production and sale of lumpfish fingerlings for sea lice control in salmon farming
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Salmon ova products - custom quote based |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Benchmark Genetics product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Benchmark Genetics is a biotechnology company specializing in aquaculture genetics, focused on three main species: Atlantic salmon, shrimp, and bass/bream. The company produces and sells selectively bred salmon ova (eggs) with proprietary genetic traits for disease resistance, growth, and robustness, alongside comprehensive genetics consulting services and SNP-based genotyping solutions for aquaculture breeding programs worldwide.
Product overview
Benchmark Genetics is a global leader in aquaculture genetics operating a multi-product portfolio centered on Atlantic salmon ova and comprehensive genetics services. The salmon ova product line includes five branded products: SalmoPrime (growth and IPN resistance), SalmoRobust (superior robustness and CMS resistance), SalmoBoost (maximum growth performance), SalmoRAS (optimized for land-based RAS systems), and SalmoTailored (custom trait combinations). Supporting the core ova business are Genetics Services offering breeding program design, genomic selection, and bioeconomic analysis across 40+ programs and 30+ species, and Genotyping Services providing SNP-based genotyping at high, medium, and low densities. Additional products include Lumpfish as cleaner fish for sea lice control. The portfolio is delivered through an integrated service concept combining pre-delivery planning, at-delivery quality control, and post-delivery technical support, powered by the proprietary BreedControl data management system.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- SalmoPrime: Atlantic salmon ova product selected for solid growth and extra strong protection against IPN (Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis), balanced protection against CMS, PD, Lice, and ISA
- SalmoRobust
- SalmoBoost
- SalmoRAS
- SalmoTailored
- BreedControl
- BG B201
- BG B301
- BG R501
- BG G601
Products and services
- SalmoPrime Atlantic salmon ova selected for strong growth and extra strong protection against IPN (Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis), with balanced selection for CMS, PD, Lice, and ISA protection, and lower risk of early maturation. Sold to commercial salmon farming enterprises.
- SalmoRobust Atlantic salmon ova selected for extra high protection against CMS (Cardiomyopathy Syndrome) and IPN with extra strong growth performance, balanced protection against PD, Lice, and ISA, and late maturation characteristics. Sold to commercial salmon farmers.
- SalmoBoost Atlantic salmon ova with the highest growth potential, extra high protection against IPN and high protection against CMS, representing the highest selection for growth performance. Sold to commercial salmon farmers seeking maximum growth rates.
- SalmoRAS Premium salmon ova selection specifically designed for land-based Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) environments, featuring extra high growth, All-Female option, and optional IPN protection and sterile (3n) triploid. Sold to land-based salmon farming enterprises.
- SalmoTailored Customized salmon ova with trait selection tailored to unique customer requirements, including growth performance, late maturation, pigment, gill health (AGD), and protection against CMS, IPN, PD, Lice, and ISA, with optional All-Female and/or Triploid configurations. Sold to commercial salmon farmers with specific production requirements.
- Lumpfish Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) fingerlings produced as cleaner fish to control sea lice in salmon sea cages. Approximately 3 million juveniles delivered annually to Faroese and Icelandic salmon farmers, known for high survival rates and excellent appetite for sea lice.
- Genetics Services Comprehensive genetic improvement services including broodstock management program design, breeding nucleus design, genomic selection optimization, quantitative genetic evaluations, inbreeding control, genetic gain monitoring, bioeconomic modeling, and data management. Services span over 40 programs across 30+ species worldwide.
- Genotyping Services Cost-effective genotyping solutions including High Density (20-70K SNPs), Medium Density (2-7K SNPs), and Low Density (1-500 SNPs) genotyping for aquaculture species including Atlantic salmon, shrimp, tilapia, rainbow trout, seabass, seabream, and others, with custom array design capabilities.
Quantifiable outcome
- 15-20% reduction in smolt mortality during smoltification through improved genetics
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Benchmark Genetics
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Benchmark Genetics technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability1 record
Feature5 records
Benchmark Genetics partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- University of StirlingcoreResearch partnership for salmon health study during smoltification. Dr. Rose Ruiz Daniels secured £1.4 million UKRI BBSRC grant to study salmon health during smoltification, with £120,000 in-kind support from Benchmark Genetics. Research aims to address 15-20% smolt mortality rates and gill/skin conditions through phenotyping tools and breeding strategies.
- CSIROcoreCollaboration to boost genetic innovation in aquaculture. CSIRO partnership enhances Benchmark Genetics' research capabilities and global R&D network.
- NofimacoreStrategic research partnership with Norwegian food research institute for aquaculture genetics research and development
- University of IcelandcoreResearch collaboration with University of Iceland for aquaculture genetics innovation
- Marine Research Institute (Iceland)coreResearch partnership with Icelandic marine research institution
- The Roslin InstitutecoreResearch collaboration with the Roslin Institute at University of Edinburgh for genetic research in aquaculture
- Universidad de ChilecoreAcademic partnership for genetic research and talent development in Latin America
- SalMarcoreR&D license partnership for commercial-scale salmon breeding trials. Benchmark Genetics holds dedicated research permits from Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries managed in collaboration with SalMar, enabling trials that deepen understanding of salmon breeding and trait development.
- SinkabergcoreR&D license partnership for commercial-scale salmon breeding trials in Norway. Research locations along Norwegian coast ensure results that accurately reflect real production environments.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Benchmark Genetics competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Hendrix Genetics: Global multi-species animal genetics company with a salmon breeding program (Hendrix Salmon) plus trout, poultry, and shrimp. Competes with Benchmark in salmon ova and broader aquaculture genetics services, with larger corporate scale and portfolio breadth.
Direct peers
- AquaGen: Norwegian Atlantic salmon breeding company operating nucleus breeding programs, family-based selection, and salmon ova sales. The closest direct competitor to Benchmark Genetics' SalmoBreed/SalmoRobust products in Norway and key export markets.
- Xelect: UK-based aquaculture genetics services provider offering breeding program design, genomic selection, and genotyping services across multiple species. Directly comparable to Benchmark's Genetics Services and Genotyping Services offerings for shrimp, finfish, and shellfish.
- The Center for Aquaculture Technologies (CAT): Aquaculture-focused contract research organization offering genetics services, gene editing, and breeding program support globally. Comparable to Benchmark in providing genetics services and genomics R&D for aquaculture, including gene editing capability.
- Cryogenetics: Specialist provider of cryopreservation services and cryopreserved milt for Atlantic salmon and other aquaculture species. Directly overlaps with Benchmark's cryopreservation and biobanking capability, including for salmon breeding programs and biosecurity.
Emerging players
- AquaBounty Technologies: Biotechnology company developing genetically engineered (transgenic) fast-growing AquAdvantage salmon. Overlaps with Benchmark's high-growth salmon ova products and its gene-editing R&D, but pursues a distinct GMO regulatory pathway.
Others
- BioMar: Global aquaculture feed manufacturer serving the same salmon farming customer base as Benchmark. Not a direct genetics competitor but a closely adjacent ecosystem participant serving the same end-customer sustainability and productivity priorities.
- SalMar: One of the world's largest Atlantic salmon farmers and a strategic R&D license partner of Benchmark Genetics. Major ova customer and collaborator, but operates downstream in farming rather than competing in breeding/genetics supply.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Benchmark Genetics social profiles
Digital presenceBenchmark Genetics compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance6 records
Benchmark Genetics financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Benchmark Genetics leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
Benchmark Genetics subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries7 records
Benchmark Genetics funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Benchmark Genetics M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Benchmark Genetics
What does Benchmark Genetics do?
Benchmark Genetics is a biotechnology company specializing in aquaculture genetics, focused on three main species: Atlantic salmon, shrimp, and bass/bream. The company produces and sells selectively bred salmon ova (eggs) with proprietary genetic traits for disease resistance, growth, and robustness, alongside comprehensive genetics consulting services and SNP-based genotyping solutions for aquaculture breeding programs worldwide.
Is Benchmark Genetics a public or private company?
Benchmark Genetics is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Benchmark Genetics founded?
Benchmark Genetics was founded in 2000. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Benchmark Genetics based?
Benchmark Genetics is headquartered in Bergen, Norway, in the Europe region.
How does Benchmark Genetics make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Salmon Ova Sales are the primary driver. The others are genetics Services, genotyping Services and lumpfish Sales.
Who are Benchmark Genetics's main competitors?
Hendrix Genetics is listed as a broad incumbent. Direct peers are AquaGen, Xelect, The Center for Aquaculture Technologies (CAT) and Cryogenetics. AquaBounty Technologies is listed as an emerging player. Others are BioMar and SalMar.
Does Benchmark Genetics have an API?
No public API is recorded for Benchmark Genetics.
What industry is Benchmark Genetics in?
Benchmark Genetics's product category is Aquaculture Genetics. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFAEAJAN, Aquaculture Breeding & Genetics Services (e.g., broodstock improvement), with a secondary code of AFAEAJAC, Genomic Testing & Genetic Evaluation Services. Its NAICS code is 112511 and its SIC code is 200.