Our Heritage: Province of Småland
Located in the historical province of Småland, Arctic Roe of Scandinavia’s sturgeon farm boasts a rich heritage. In the 16th century, Småland sat at the border between the Danish and Swedish kingdoms. After Sweden drove out the Danes, King Gustav I implemented strict rules that were not always embraced by the locals. Some inhabitants rebelled against the King, hiding in the vast woods of Småland. This historical resistance resulted in a society with few nobles, castles, and dependent laborers, fostering a community of self-sufficient independent farmers.
Småland is known for its rocky terrain and limited arable land, requiring substantial effort from the locals to cultivate farmland, leaving behind iconic stone walls that are visible when driving through the area. A significant part of the population emigrated to America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries to escape famine. The province is also home to renowned authors, such as Astrid Lindgren, creator of Pippi Longstocking, a character inspired by the rebellious spirit of Småland's history.
The determined and entrepreneurial character of Småland’s people has been recognized numerous times. Markaryd, home to Arctic Roe of Scandinavia, has been named Sweden's most company-friendly and entrepreneurial municipality. The company enjoys robust support from local authorities and is part of a region that includes powerful neighbors like IKEA’s roots in Älmhult and NIBE Group’s headquarters in Markaryd.
While Arctic Roe of Scandinavia is relatively young, it stands as a pioneering force in the Swedish black caviar industry. Drawing inspiration from Småland’s rich heritage, the company aims to become as notable a neighbor in the province as IKEA and NIBE.
Our History
Several shareholders of Arctic Roe of Scandinavia have backgrounds as investors or managers in Western oil, gold, agricultural, or similar ventures in Russia, many having studied the Russian language in the Swedish Armed Forces during the Cold War. Inspired by the historic call to “Go East,” they ventured into Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
The current Managing Director of Arctic Roe held CEO positions in numerous Western-listed commodity companies in the 1990s and early 2000s, where he became acquainted with sturgeon fish and caviar farming. In 2015, he and a group of friends established Arctic Roe of Scandinavia. As the project advanced from the permit stage to its first caviar production, new shareholders joined, with the largest shareholder holding about 10% of the company.
Paper Mill Fish House
Arctic Roe of Scandinavia’s operations are located in a repurposed paper mill in Strömsnäsbruk, Småland. Originally built in the late 19th century, the mill was ideally situated by the Lagan River, benefiting from a nearby hydroelectric power plant. After over a century of operation, the mill ceased production and was converted into a logistics building housing several companies. Arctic Roe of Scandinavia rents 1,000 m² of this space.
While the mill once employed 1,500 people, it now hosts fewer tenants. Arctic Roe of Scandinavia might not become the largest employer in Strömsnäsbruk, but it certainly aims to be the most delicious.
Aqua System
Arctic Roe of Scandinavia operates a state-of-the-art recirculating aqua system (RAS) due to stringent Scandinavian laws prohibiting the farming of non-native fish in open water. Sturgeons, considered invasive, are farmed indoors in a closed water system. Water circulates at up to 180 m³/hour, and a sophisticated three-stage cleaning system ensures pristine water conditions for the fish. Parameters like pH, oxygen, temperature, salinity, and pressure are continuously monitored, with alarms set to alert operators of any deviations.
Additionally, the company sterilizes outgoing water to prevent any environmental impact on wild fish in the nearby Lagan River.
Permits and Inspection
Arctic Roe of Scandinavia complies with rigorous Swedish regulations, making it costlier to operate than similar farms elsewhere. The company received its initial permit to farm sturgeon in 2016 after months of review by the local county administration. Classified as a prime producer of food items, Arctic Roe gained further approval from the Swedish Agricultural Board in 2018 under CITES regulations.
The company’s food processing unit is inspected by the Swedish National Food Agency, and animal health is monitored annually by an assigned veterinarian. Water and waste management are overseen by the local environmental department. Importing sturgeons also requires permits, ensuring adherence to strict regulations.
Quality is Key
Arctic Roe of Scandinavia is committed to producing high-quality black caviar under stringent Scandinavian guidelines. The company sources water from two deep wells, supplemented by municipal water if needed. Using only premium quality feed, the farm’s heating is powered by biofuel from a local plant. During warm seasons, a cooling system maintains optimal water temperatures.
Initially focusing on Swedish, Scandinavian, and Nordic markets, Arctic Roe is keen on expanding globally to reach new clients.
Our Caviar
Currently, Arctic Roe of Scandinavia breeds Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) and holds permits for five additional species. The roe is harvested and processed onsite, maintaining high hygiene standards throughout the production cycle.