Having just seen the company’s new processing facility in motion, I believe him. Stepping outside the company’s corporate headquarters in Zadar, Croatia, the sun is out and the blue sea, bluer than you can imagine, is only a stone’s throw from where we stand. The local key account manager points to the Adriatic horizon and explains that five of Cromaris’ seven fish farms are nearby. Within just hours of being harvested, the fish are on their way to markets across Croatia, Italia, Slovenia, Germany, France, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and Hungary.

I can smell the clear saltwater and hear the waves lapping over the rocks. This place exudes the freshness that Cromaris has come to be known for.

Habasit’s representative for Croatia has been working closely with Cromaris to realize the values which both companies share. Habasit’s high standards of excellence, as well as their environmental awareness, match well with Cromaris’ commitment to impeccable freshness and responsible natural farming.

Farming on the open sea
Cromaris is not one to take shortcuts. Although established in 2009 through a merger of Croatian and European aquaculture pioneers, Cromaris fish have already been on the market for over 35 years. Now with more than 300 employees, and a 52-million-euro revenue in 2016, it is clear that their uninhibited growth is due to a competitive edge based on unwavering quality.

Specializing in sea bream, sea bass, meagre and Adriatic oysters, Cromaris utilizes one of the most modern facilities for spawning in Europe. The seafood you love is a science. Cromaris experts use meticulous technology to select an ideal broodstock to provide the spawn. The spawn are then implanted in incubators where the larvae are fed zooplankton and phytoplankton. These living plants of the sea are carefully farmed for the nutrition of the fish who are given a natural lifespan of five to six months. Once the fry have reached a weight of five to seven grams, they are moved into the 100 square meter floating cages in the open sea of the Adriatic.

Learning about the company’s fish farms is like browsing through a brochure of sparkling seaside resorts. Each location is chosen for the purity of the water. These nearly untouched environments also just happen to be some of the most beautiful places on planet earth.

Take Žman, for example, the Cromaris farm which is located along the uninhabited coast of Dugi otok, between Luka and Žman in the Iž channel. Or the Budava Farm, preserved under the protection of the national army, the bay is a fish’s paradise, and arguably a human’s as well. Another farm, located in the Fjord Lim, is in the center of a protected sea reserve and specializes in organic fish farming.

Through the use of the most modern farming technology, including Habasit’s own water and energy saving belts, Cromaris is adamant about minimizing any negative impact on the environment, and uses the latest wastewater treatment processes to prevent the pollution of the surrounding areas of each farm.

Tracing good taste
The company has developed a thorough and efficient process to deliver the freshest fare on the market, but one of the most impressive features is their ability to trace the fish from the sea to the waiting plate of every customer.

The tracing system has already begun in the open sea farming locations. A LOT number allows each employee at the processing plant to know precisely the cage from where the fish has come, the food that it ate at any point in its lifetime, and the exact temperature it has undergone since harvesting.

Harvesting takes place six times each week and the target delivery to customers is between 12-48 hours. Whether sold directly to the fresh market, or cut, smoked and marinated, all fish are free of artificial additives, preservatives or any GMO ingredients. If the sweet and tender flakes of a fillet are still not enough to convince you, the company has a long list of certifications which confirm the freshness behind the flavor.

Try a bite
The development of sustainable aquaculture is a science that has results you can taste. In fact, Cromaris is so passionate about enhancing the seafood experience that they have even provided recipes on their website to enhance every bite. Try the Crispy Sea Bass with a ginger and lime sauce, or the Black rice with smoked sea bream and you will understand why Habasit is eager to contribute to the success of this thriving company. (ST)

Visit www.cromaris.hr/en for additional information or to fi nd cooking inspiration with their delicious recipes.