What KAPP does

KAPP is an Icelandic-headquartered industrial equipment manufacturer founded in 1929 (originally as Egill Vilhjalmsson hf) that designs and supplies chilling, freezing, and food processing systems for the global seafood, meat, and poultry industries. Its product platform centers on OptimICE liquid slurry ice technology, the patented RoteX Sub-Chilling and RoteX Thawing systems, IQF tunnel freezers, non-pressure plate freezers, the ValuePump closed-system transport pump, and an extensive module catalog (tub handling, sorters, bone separators, injection machines, conveyors, control systems) assembled under two operating brands, KAPP Skaginn (Akranes, Iceland) and KAMI Tech (Seattle, USA). Technical differentiation is anchored in patented methods that achieve quantifiable outcomes, including up to 40% energy savings versus blast freezers, shelf-life extension of up to seven days via sub-chilling, and processing capacity increases of up to 70% on pelagic lines. In 2024, the company rolled out CO2-based refrigerant across the OptimICE line and acquired RAF ehf to add brine injection equipment.

The company makes money primarily through one-time capital equipment sales of engineered systems, supplemented by recurring revenue from spare parts, 24/7 technical support, preventative maintenance, and custom engineering services. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed, with multi-year contracts sized to customer specifications and capacity requirements. Go-to-market is enterprise field sales via regional sales managers (Scandinavia, Europe, North America, international), a network of sales agents, channel partners such as Tectru Skaginn 3X in Brazil and IB Food Machines in Benelux, and a heavy trade show presence (Seafood Expo Global, Nor-Fishing, Aqua Nor, Pacific Marine Expo). End customers include large processors such as Mowi Norway, BRF S.A., Samherji, Denholm Seafood, Loðnuvinnslan, and Atlas Premium Seafoods, with named installations spanning Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

KAPP is a privately held parent company with wholly-owned subsidiaries KAPP Skaginn (Iceland), KAMI Tech (USA), KAPP Norway AS, and the acquired RAF ehf brand. Leadership transitioned in 2026 with Ólafur Karl Sigurðarson becoming CEO, supported by a newly appointed CFO and dedicated regional sales and aquaculture specialists, while Founder/Owner Freyr Friðriksson continues as Chairman. The firm has held Creditinfo's "Strongest in Iceland" certification for six consecutive years (2019-2024), indicating sustained financial strength, and is pursuing adjacent expansion into land-based aquaculture via the 2026 Laxey partnership and into smaller-vessel markets via the 2025 OptimICE BP-103 launch.

Name

KAPP

Legal name

KAPP

Website

https://kapp.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1929

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

KAPP is an Icelandic industrial equipment manufacturer (founded 1929) that designs proprietary chilling, freezing, and food processing systems, including OptimICE slurry ice and RoteX sub-chilling, for enterprise seafood, meat, and poultry processors worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Kópavogur

HQ country

Iceland

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Industrial Equipment Sales: Sale of chilling, freezing, and food processing systems including OptimICE machines, RoteX systems, IQF tunnel freezers, plate freezers, and processing equipment. One-time capital purchases for seafood, meat, and poultry processors.
2. Spare Parts and Components: Supply of original spare parts, filters, needles, and replacement components for installed equipment.
3. Service and Maintenance: 24/7 technical support, preventative maintenance programs, on-site services for both onshore and onboard operations, process consultancy, and helpdesk support.
4. Custom Solutions and Engineering: Custom solution development, product development, and engineering services for specialized processing requirements.
5. Foundation and Frames: Structural support systems including custom stainless steel platforms for equipment installation.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

KAPP designs, manufactures, and services industrial chilling, freezing, and food processing equipment for the seafood, meat, and poultry industries. Its core product portfolio includes OptimICE® liquid slurry ice systems, RoteX™ sub-chilling and thawing systems, IQF tunnel freezers, non-pressure plate freezers, pelagic turnkey processing solutions, and ValuePump® gentle product transfer systems, sold as custom-engineered capital equipment packages to enterprise processors and vessel operators worldwide. The company also provides spare parts, 24/7 technical support, preventative maintenance, and custom engineering services.

Product overview

KAPP is a platform of industrial food processing equipment encompassing multiple product lines: KAPP (parent company), KAPP Skaginn (chilling, freezing, and processing solutions based in Iceland), and KAMI Tech (stainless steel fabrication and equipment based in Seattle, USA). The core product portfolio centers on OptimICE® liquid slurry ice technology as the flagship offering, supplemented by RoteX thawing and sub-chilling systems, IQF tunnel freezers, non-pressure plate freezers, and pelagic turnkey solutions for onboard and onshore processing. Supporting modules include value-added systems like ValuePump® for gentle product transfer, Value-Added Mince Solutions for protein recovery, tub handling systems, and S900 injection machines. The Kami Tech line adds material handling equipment (conveyors, elevators, grinders), processing equipment (bone separators, mixers, sorters), and support systems (holding tanks, wash tanks, ozone systems, oxygen generators). The portfolio is designed as an integrated ecosystem where OptimICE slurry ice serves as the foundation for chilling operations, complemented by freezing (IQF, plate freezers), processing (injection, sorting, grinding), handling (tub systems, conveyors), and control systems—all engineered for the seafood, meat, and poultry industries with a focus on cold chain integrity from catch to consumer.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• OptimICE: Liquid slurry ice technology that replaces conventional flake ice for seafood chilling
• RoteX
• ValuePump
• SUB-CHILLING

Products and services

• OptimICE® Liquid Slurry Ice System Liquid slurry ice technology that replaces conventional flake ice, surrounding fish to cool quickly below 0°C and maintaining temperature around -0.5°C for superior freshness preservation. Available with CO2-based refrigerant reducing GWP from 1,397 to 1. Sold to seafood processors, fishing vessel operators, and aquaculture operations.
• RoteX Thawing® System Patented fully automated, energy-efficient thawing system using precise temperature and timing control to reduce drip loss, preserve product quality, and minimize bacterial growth through low-temperature thawing. Sold to food processing companies.
• RoteX Aquaculture® System High-efficiency bleeding and chilling solution using controlled flow and precise temperature management to enhance product quality, extend shelf life, and reduce energy consumption in aquaculture processing. Sold to salmon and aquaculture producers.
• SUB-CHILLING™ RoteX System Patented sub-zero chilling system without ice that preserves fish quality and freshness for up to 7 days while increasing yield, reducing CO2 emissions, and eliminating traditional ice handling. Uses saltwater that doesn't freeze at 0°C. Sold to seafood processors and vessel operators.
• Non-Pressure Plate Freezer Freezes products between aluminum plates without applying pressure, maintaining product shape and texture while achieving up to 100 tons per day capacity with 40% energy savings over blast freezers. Sold to seafood processors.
• IQF Tunnel Freezers Fast, efficient individual quick freezing with gentle product handling that locks in moisture and preserves product quality, using multi-lane conveyor layout for high-throughput efficiency up to 6 tons per hour. Sold to poultry, seafood, and food processors.
• Pelagic Turn Key Solutions Fully customizable, automated onboard processing system combining non-pressure freezing, precise temperature control, and advanced chilling for high-quality frozen pelagic products while maximizing yield and minimizing crew workload. Sold to pelagic fishing operators.
• ValuePump® Low-pressure, closed-system pump that gently transports products like fillets, roe, and heads through a fluid medium, enabling simultaneous value-added processes such as chilling or sanitizing while preserving product integrity. Sold to seafood processors.
• KAPP Skaginn SplitX Efficient, gentle, and consistent frozen block disintegration system for seafood processing operations. Sold to seafood processors handling frozen blocks.
• Value-Added Mince Solutions System that recovers high-quality mince from fish frames up to 28% of frame weight by integrating cutting, washing, pressing, and packing into a flexible, efficient solution that maximizes yield and minimizes waste. Sold to seafood processors.
• Tub Handling Systems Comprehensive portfolio covering automatic tub handling, infeed systems, and washing systems for streamlined raw material transfer and hygienic reuse with minimal labor requirements, including onboard fish-hold robotics. Sold to fishing vessels and processing plants.
• S900 Injection Machine System Precision brine and additive injection system for fish with touch-screen control for enhanced product yield and quality while reducing loss, featuring seamless operation and traceability. Acquired through the 2024 acquisition of RAF ehf. Sold to seafood processors.
• Slurry Ice Systems Compact, customizable solution producing both fluid and flake ice with adjustable thickness and temperature (0°C to -15°C), offering salt-free option ideal for delicate or salinity-sensitive products. Sold to seafood processors.
• Control Systems (SCADA) Smart and reliable control systems that automate and optimize industrial and aquaculture operations with real-time monitoring, control, and centralized management to improve efficiency and reduce manual work. Sold to industrial processors and aquaculture operators.
• OptimICE® Storage Tank Dual-shell, PUR-insulated system that continuously stirs and delivers up to 4,000 liters per hour of homogenous liquid ice, maintaining temperature stability and efficient on-demand supply for OptimICE installations.
• OptimICE® Container System Insulated, space-saving refrigeration unit equipped with OptimICE technology designed for rapid cooling, extended shelf life, and cold chain integrity in seasonal or compact operations.
• Ozone Systems Powerful and environmentally friendly solution for disinfection, deodorization, and water treatment across various industrial and commercial applications in food processing.
• Oxygen Generators Reliable on-site oxygen generation systems for industrial and commercial use, providing high-purity oxygen while reducing dependency on bottled gas for applications like aquaculture, healthcare, and water treatment.
• Brine Mixing System Ensures precise, automated mixing of brine for injection machines and tubs with ±0.15% accuracy, optimizing product quality, reducing salt waste, and eliminating need for large storage tanks.
• Tray Flipper Compact automated solution that transfers frozen products from trays to cartons with capacity of up to 8 boxes per minute for efficient packaging operations.
• Needle Washing Machine Automated, high-pressure cleaning system that ensures fast and thorough washing of injection needles and heads, preserving injection quality and minimizing manual labor.
• Onshore and Onboard Service & Maintenance 24/7 technical support, preventative maintenance programs, on-site services for both onshore and onboard operations, process consultancy, and helpdesk support for installed KAPP equipment worldwide. Sold as service contracts to enterprise customers.
• Custom Solutions and Engineering Custom solution development, product development, and engineering services for specialized processing requirements, including foundation and frames (custom stainless steel platforms) for equipment installation. Sold to enterprise customers with bespoke requirements.
• Spare Parts and Components Supply of original spare parts, filters, needles, and replacement components for installed KAPP equipment. Sold as recurring parts supply to existing enterprise customers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 40% energy savings compared to blast freezers
• +8 more outcomes

Named customers17 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Sæplast Americas Inc.coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 November 2026Co-exhibiting at Pacific Marine Expo 2026 in Seattle, Washington (booth #644) to highlight how chilling technology, insulated containers, seafood handling, and practical onboard solutions work together to protect product value.
• LaxeycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 April 2026Agreement for the design and development of an integrated control and information system combining water quality monitoring with control of other critical equipment for land-based aquaculture. Objective is to create a robust and user-friendly platform supporting safe, efficient, and data-driven operations.
• Loðnuvinnslan (LVF)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Letter of Intent signed at Seafood Expo Global Barcelona for new pelagic processing plant, building on existing relationship for 70% capacity increase system.
• Atlas Premium SeafoodsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 14 August 2024Collaboration to install OptimICE liquid ice system in Atlas Premium Seafoods' fish processing plant in Riga, Latvia.
• EðalfiskurminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 September 2023Groundbreaking partnership at Aqua Nor for ArcticBlast freezing technology collaboration.
• BlueWildflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 August 2022Full onboard fish processing factory supply for BlueWild's revolutionary ECOFIVE trawler designed by Ulstein Design & Solutions AS and built by Westcon. The project includes processing systems for fillets, loins, and frozen products. Nominated for Nor-Fishing Foundation Innovation Award 2022.
• Melbu Systems AScoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 29 March 2022Collaboration to deliver RoteX Sub-Chilling tank to Brødrene Karlsen AS. Melbu Systems supplied the buying station while KAPP Skaginn delivered the cooling solution.
• IB Food MachinescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 19 October 2021Dutch food equipment supplier facilitating the sale of RoteX Thawing system in Benelux market. Based in Urk, Netherlands, advises food processing companies worldwide on production processes.
• Tectru Skaginn 3XcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2021Local partner in Brazil (Mauro Tiecher) facilitating deliveries and installations of KAPP Skaginn equipment for clients including BRF and C.Vale.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Bühler Group: Swiss global plant and equipment manufacturer serving food processing, including protein and aquaculture applications. Competes in industrial sorting, grinding, and processing equipment adjacent to KAPP's Kami Tech and KAPP Skaginn portfolios.
• JBT Corporation: U.S.-listed diversified food processing and air transportation equipment provider with strong seafood freezing/chilling (Frigoscandia, JDV) and protein processing portfolios. Overlaps with KAPP in plate freezers, IQF tunnels, and onboard vessel equipment, but operates at much larger scale across multiple end markets.
• GEA Group: German global engineering group with extensive food processing, refrigeration, and separation technology. Competes with KAPP in industrial refrigeration and meat/seafood processing equipment, though GEA serves a far broader customer base across dairy, beverage, and pharma.

Emerging players

• Cabinplant A/S: Danish supplier of processing and weighing/packing solutions for seafood, poultry, and ready meals. Overlaps with KAPP in value-added mince, brine injection, and processing automation for protein processors in Northern Europe.
• Multivac: German manufacturer of packaging and processing solutions for food, including protein and seafood. Comparable in serving meat/poultry processors and increasingly competing in IQF freezing and downstream processing adjacent to KAPP's portfolio.
• TOMRA Systems ASA: Norwegian sensor-based sorting and grading technology provider with growing seafood and food processing presence (TOMRA Food). Overlaps with KAPP's fish sorting and grading product line and shares Nordic/Icelandic heritage and customer base.
• FISA (Frionor Industrial Solutions): Specialist provider of refrigeration and freezing solutions for seafood processors, with overlap to KAPP's chilling/freezing portfolio. Smaller niche player addressing similar wild-catch and aquaculture customer segments.

Direct peers

• Marel hf: Iceland-headquartered global leader in food processing equipment for fish, meat, and poultry. Most directly comparable peer: same geography, same primary verticals, overlapping product lines in freezing, chilling, and processing automation for seafood and protein.
• Baader: German specialist in fish and seafood processing equipment — heading, filleting, gutting, and freezing lines. Direct competitor to KAPP Skaginn in onboard and onshore whitefish/pelagic processing plants globally.
• Pisces Group: Icelandic supplier of processing equipment and turnkey plant solutions for the seafood industry, including chilling, freezing, and processing machinery. Highly comparable niche competitor focused on the same Icelandic and Northern European fish processing markets.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/KAPPehf

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A2 records

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about KAPP