ACE AQUATEC SIGNS FIRST AFRICAN DEAL IN SCOTTISH EXPORT SUCCESS STORY

Ace Aquatec signs first African deal in Scottish export success story. Ace Aquatec achieves landmark milestone with first African installation as Sanlei Introduces Humane Stunning Innovation

Ace Aquatec is set to deliver its first-ever installation in Africa as Lesotho-based Sanlei Premium Trout adopts the company’s state-of-the-art humane stunning system. This advanced technology will support Africa’s largest trout producer in setting a new benchmark for fish welfare, while enhancing operational efficiency across its production processes.

The installation of the in-water Humane Stunner Universal (A-HSU®) will render fish unconscious within one second and allow Sanlei to humanely process 10–15 tonnes of fish per hour. This provides precise stunning, improved welfare compliance, reduced labour demands, and more consistent product quality. In a region where brailing remains common practice, these benefits mark a transformative advancement for both the company and the broader aquaculture sector.

Ace Aquatec has worked closely with Sanlei to ensure their award-winning system complemented this way of working, rather than replacing it. By working alongside more traditional methods the A-HSU® system will help the producer increase welfare and improve operations by reducing fish handling by the company’s 110 employees. The introduction of Ace Aquatec’s A-HSU® will also reduce the onset of rigour in the fish, increasing the quality of the product and reducing stress.

This comes at a time when greater demand for fish from certified farms in the region is anticipated, driven in part by the imminent arrival of retail giants like Walmart in neighbouring South Africa. Currently the only BAP certified producer in the region, this system will position Sanlei alongside leading producers globally in meeting rising consumer demands..

Dewald Fourie, CEO of Sanlei Premium Trout, said:

“Working with Ace Aquatec has been an overwhelmingly positive experience. Their flexibility and attention to detail with regards to our specific operating conditions and need to accommodate hand netting has meant the design of this game changing technology has been as smooth as possible. The system being installed by Ace Aquatec will support our growth and strengthen our ambitions to further enhance our welfare and certification standards. We are already considering the system for a second site.”

Nathan Pyne-Carter, CEO of Ace Aquatec, said:

“Southern Africa’s aquaculture industry is undergoing rapid growth, and Ace Aquatec is uniquely equipped to support producers with the high-welfare technologies global markets now expect. Our collaboration with Sanlei, developing a tailored solution that boosts both welfare standards and processing performance, showcases innovation at its best.”

Image: Ace Aquatec