Pacifico Aquaculture: Revolutionizing Sustainable Aquaculture for the Future

Aquaculture, or fish farming, is a rapidly growing industry that plays a crucial role in meeting the global demand for seafood. However, traditional aquaculture practices have faced challenges in terms of sustainability and environmental impact. Pacifico Aquaculture, a leader in sustainable aquaculture, is changing the game with its innovative approach to fish farming that promotes ecological balance while meeting consumer demands for premium quality seafood.

Recently, Pacifico Aquaculture received a significant investment to support the expansion of its nursery facility in Baja California and scale up its production capacity. Equilibrium Capital, a prominent player in the controlled environment agriculture sector, is providing project financing for the nursery project. Additionally, a consortium led by Butterfly Equity, a private equity firm specializing in the food sector, and a leading U.S. public pension fund have made substantial equity investments in Pacifico Aquaculture.

Founded in 2010, Pacifico Aquaculture has become the world's sole commercial producer of ocean-raised striped bass, a highly sought-after species in the aquaculture industry. Striped bass is known for its superior taste, texture, and appearance, making it a favorite among renowned chefs, restaurateurs, and retailers across North America. However, overfishing, quota constraints, and seasonality have limited the availability of this popular fish. Pacifico Aquaculture's sustainable farming practices allow them to provide sustainably raised striped bass year-round, bridging the gap between supply and demand.

What sets Pacifico Aquaculture apart is its commitment to sustainable practices. The company has obtained a prestigious four-star Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certification, the highest designation in the BAP program. This certification recognizes Pacifico's dedication to responsible aquaculture, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. Additionally, Pacifico Aquaculture is certified as a Good Alternative by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program, further highlighting its commitment to sustainable seafood production.

The investment from Equilibrium Capital, Butterfly Equity, and a leading U.S. public pension fund will enable Pacifico Aquaculture to build a state-of-the-art nursery facility, unlocking significant production capacity and meeting the growing demand for healthy and sustainable seafood. With this expansion, Pacifico Aquaculture aims to produce an additional 20,000 metric tons of striped bass annually, contributing to the company's goal of becoming a world-class aquaculture platform.

Nick Houshower, Managing Director and Head of Equilibrium's Controlled Environment Foods team, emphasizes the importance of sustainable infrastructure investments in the agriculture sector. He believes that next-generation aquaculture, like Pacifico Aquaculture's innovative approach, aligns with the trends of improving efficiency and resiliency in farming practices. Equilibrium Capital is thrilled to partner with Butterfly Equity and support Pacifico Aquaculture's growth in sustainable aquaculture.

Dustin Beck, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Butterfly, expresses his excitement about the investment and partnership with Equilibrium Capital. Butterfly has been a long-term supporter of Pacifico Aquaculture and recognizes the tremendous growth and potential of the company. He believes that the investment will help Pacifico Aquaculture continue its trajectory as a trailblazer in sustainable aquaculture under the leadership of Per-Roar Gjerde, the Chief Executive Officer of Pacifico Aquaculture.

Pacifico Aquaculture's success can be attributed to its focus on continuous improvement and collaboration with experts in the field. The company works closely with leading thinkers and researchers to develop and implement sustainable aquaculture practices that benefit people, fish, and the planet. As a result, Pacifico's True Striped Bass® has found its way onto the menus of numerous Michelin-starred restaurants in the United States and Mexico.

Pacifico Aquaculture's sustainably raised striped bass is available nationwide through retail partnerships and direct-to-consumer channels. Consumers can enjoy this premium seafood, knowing that it has been produced with a focus on environmentally-friendly practices and the highest standards of quality.

In conclusion, Pacifico Aquaculture is at the forefront of sustainable aquaculture practices, revolutionizing the industry with its ocean-raised striped bass production. The significant investment from Equilibrium Capital and Butterfly Equity will enable Pacifico Aquaculture to expand its nursery facility, meet the increasing demand for sustainably raised seafood, and continue its mission of providing premium quality seafood while preserving the environment. With its commitment to sustainability and continuous improvement, Pacifico Aquaculture is paving the way for the future of aquaculture.