Case Study: Cromaris

Driving genetic improvement in premium Mediterranean species

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

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.

The Challenge

Cromaris is a leading producer of premium seabass and seabream in the Mediterranean. To maintain its reputation for quality and sustainability, Cromaris needed a breeding programme that could deliver:

Faster growth rates adapted to specific local conditions
Maintain premium product differentiation
Balance genetic improvement with stable hatchery production
Ensure sustainable production practices

Our Solution

Xelect and Cromaris implemented a comprehensive selective breeding programme that:

Utilised cutting-edge genetic strategies
Improved key traits each generation
Maintained careful genetic selection while preserving operational stability
Enhanced population genetics specifically adapted to Cromaris’ unique conditions
Established a foundation for sustainable long-term genetic improvement
Maintained premium product differentiation in the market

The Impact

21% improvement

In seabass growth from one generation to the next

Nearly 70%

of harvest size variation

In seabream is attributed to genetics, with an enormous potential for continued improvement

3 Generations

Successfully completed three generations of selected fish

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

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“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

Global Head of Xelect