Case study:
Cromaris

21% growth improvement

 from previous season

A seven-year strategic partnership between aquaculture genetics specialist Xelect and premium Mediterranean fish producer Cromaris has yielded unprecedented improvements in bass and bream production through advanced selective breeding.

The collaboration has achieved a remarkable 21% growth improvement in seabass in a single generation, demonstrating the significant impact of genetic selection in aquaculture optimisation.

Client background

Cromaris, based near Zadar, Croatia, operates a fully integrated Mediterranean bass and bream production facility – 6.75KMT.

As a premium producer in the competitive Mediterranean aquaculture market, Cromaris sought to differentiate its products while maintaining sustainable and socially responsible production practices.

The challenge

The aquaculture industry faces increasing pressure to improve production efficiency while maintaining product quality and sustainability.

Specific challenges included:

  • Need for faster-growing fish adapted to specific local conditions
  • Requirement to maintain premium product differentiation
  • Balancing genetic improvement with stable hatchery production
  • Ensuring sustainable production practices

The solution

Xelect and Cromaris implemented a comprehensive selective breeding program that:

  • Utilized cutting-edge genetic strategies
  • Focused on improving key traits each generation
  • Maintained careful genetic selection while preserving operational stability
  • Implemented across multiple generations of fish stock

Qualitative improvements

  • Enhanced population genetics specifically adapted to Cromaris’ unique conditions
  • Established foundation for sustainable long-term genetic improvement
  • Maintained premium product differentiation in the market

Quantitative achievements

21% improvement

seabass growth from one generation to the next

Nearly 70%

of harvest size variation

In seabream attributed to genetics, indicating excellent potential for continued improvement

3 Generations

Successfully completed three generations of selected fish

“After 3 generations of selected fish, we are already starting to see why this huge effort is worthwhile. With this powerful instrument, Cromaris continues investing in premium products differentiation, while maintaining sustainable and socially responsible production operations.”

Lana Barić

Hatchery Manager at Cromaris

“We are delighted with the progress we’re seeing in Cromaris’ broodstock programme… Running a successful advanced genetics programme is very much a team effort, and the high standards of husbandry and professionalism at Cromaris are key to delivering these kinds of gains.”

Dr Marie Smedley

Head of Breeding Programmes

Future implications

The demonstrated success of this breeding program establishes a foundation for:

  • Continued genetic improvements in future generations
  • Sustainable competitive advantage in the premium fish market
  • Long-term production efficiency gains
  • Enhanced product differentiation while maintaining sustainability commitments

Build your premium position

 Discover how we help premium producers like Cromaris maintain their competitive edge through advanced genetics. Let’s start the conversation

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