Kremstal Shrimp

By selling their products directly in their own farm shop, ensuring short transport distances, and using environmentally friendly farming methods, they offer a fresh, high quality, and regional alternative to imported seafood.

Point of Departure

In recent years, the beneficiaries have gained extensive experience in this area of aquaculture production, successfully overcoming initial challenges such as maintaining the biological balance in the facility. Although the business is currently breaking even, it is not yet profitable due to relatively high production and fixed costs per kilogram produced. However, there is strong demand in the immediate regional market from end customers, resellers, and restaurants. Additionally, shrimp can be ordered throughout Austria. The aim is to achieve more efficient, expanded production and to enlarge the marketing team to ensure continuous product availability and surpass the break-even point.

Targets and Target Groups

Key objectives of the project, supported by the Austrian EMFAF programme, include:

• Increasing sales
• Increasing employment, improving working conditions, and optimizing logistics
• Enhancing product quality
• Reducing environmental and climate impacts
• Increasing animal welfare

These efforts primarily target the following groups, addressing their needs and expectations:

• Customers
• Employees

Additionally, the measures also support the sustainable and qualitative development of the business and the expansion of the company’s site in Upper Austria.

Project Implementation and Measures

To meet the high demand from consumers and enable more consistent and regular sales, investments and activities have been implemented in the following areas as part of the funded project:

• Expansion of the facility: Construction of a new hall with four tanks for juveniles and four grow-out tanks, including filtration systems and additional storage space
• Technical optimizations (stronger ventilation, reduced electricity consumption, sloping tanks to optimize water circulation)
• Establishment of a renewable energy partnership with a neighbouring agricultural holding
• Personnel/Marketing: Opportunities for hiring two new employees in office and marketing have been created

Results and Effects

• The activities implemented have led to an increase in production volume and the creation of new jobs.
• The company’s financial situation has significantly improved.
• Due to the recirculating aquaculture system with a minimal water exchange rate, water consumption and energy loss are very low. In addition to resource-efficient production, the business operates CO₂-neutral and is independent of external weather conditions.

The facility displays innovative and new aquaculture production methods in Austria and demonstrates ways to increase the country's self-sufficiency in fishery products. Furthermore, it serves as an inspiring model for other market participants aiming to supply seafood regionally from Austria.