The company
Ode is a Norwegian seafood company based in Ålesund, founded in 2019 by Ola Kvalheim and Tor Olav Seim. Specializing in cod farming, Ode has built a fully integrated value chain that spans from roe to finished, packaged products. With multiple approved farming sites along the coast of Møre og Romsdal and a state-of-the-art processing facility in Vartdal, Ode ensures complete quality control, traceability, and product excellence at every stage.
Ode to excellence
Our slogan, "Ode to Excellence," reflects our dedication to quality, integrity, and craftsmanship in every part of our operation. Inspired by the growing global demand for sustainable seafood, our ambition is clear: to lead the cod revolution and contribute to a thriving, resilient future for seafood and coastal communities alike.
FAQs
Who are behind Ode?
Ode is owned by the De Clerq family and the two founders Ola Kvalheim and Tor Olav Seim. Together, the owners have a vision to develop Ode into a leading seafood company and to be an important contributor to activity and value creation along the Norwegian Coast.
What potential is there within cod farming?
For over 20 years, Norway has been breeding cod for aquaculture. This effort has led to the development of unique breeding programs with high expertise and knowledge. Additionally, we benefit from natural advantages, such as a coastline and fjords tailored to the natural habitat of cod, making Norway an ideal location for cod farming. Through our ongoing production, we have demonstrated that the conditions are right for successful industrial production of farmed cod. This will contribute to increased value creation in Norway while addressing and focusing on some of the significant challenges the world faces.
By 2050, it is estimated that the world's protein consumption will be twice as high as in 2015, according to the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization). Protein production currently accounts for a quarter (25 %) of today's greenhouse gas emissions. If this doubles by 2050 without a change in how food is produced, it will represent half of the emissions. Farming is a highly efficient method for producing food that is rich in protein and has a low carbon footprint. Therefore, we consider farming as a central approach to meeting the growing need for protein and reducing the environmental footprint.
What backgrounds do the people working at Ode have?
At Ode, we have a team of skilled professionals from various fields. Our diverse team excels in various parts of our work. Our dedicated individuals are involved in a range of tasks, from working at our head office, managing day-to-day operations at our aquaculture sites, to working at our land-based facilities. Every team member is essential to our success. We are always on the lookout for new people to join us and contribute to enhancing our business even further. If you are interested in becoming a part of Ode, you can view our vacancies here.
What is the meaning of Ode
An “ode” is from ancient Greek, a lyrical poem used to praise or celebrate someone or something. Through our name, we pay tribute to the coast, the sea, the local community, the people, and to the cod.
How does Ode play a role in meeting the increasing global demand for protein?
Cod has been a significantly valuable resource for the development of coastal communities along the Norwegian coast through traditional fishing. The current market situation shows a large gap between demand and supply of cod, due to decreasing quotas for wild-caught cod and variations in seasonal availability. With preconditions such as genetics and technology in place, aquaculture of cod represents an opportunity to create an entirely new market for Norwegian whitefish, with a stable volume of fresh cod throughout the year.