The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) Sushi Council Welcomes New Member Caleta Bay
June 10, 2025 | 2 min to read
The NFI Sushi Council welcomes Caleta Bay, a Chilean aquaculture leader, as its newest member, enhancing its commitment to a safe sushi supply chain. With 30 years of experience in Japan, Caleta Bay aims to expand into the U.S. market. Known for its sustainable practices and innovative genetic programs, the company ensures full traceability and high-quality seafood. Chairman Michael McNicholas emphasizes Caleta Bay's contributions to product safety and consumer trust in the sushi industry.
Chilean aquaculture producer adds strong perspective to growing food safety coalition
Reston, VA – The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) Sushi Council is pleased to announce Caleta Bay as its newest member. Based in Puerto Montt, Chile, Caleta Bay is a vertically integrated salmonoid farming company known for its commitment to innovation, sustainability and responsible aquaculture practices.
“After 30 years of selling our products in Japan for sushi restaurants, retailers and distributors, we think it is time to target the U.S,” said Juan Carlos Garcés, Chief Commercial Officer of Caleta Bay. “Joining the NFI Sushi Council gives us immediate association with leading U.S. suppliers who share our principles of a robust and safe sushi supply chain.”
Caleta Bay is a leader in farmed Steelhead trout, operating across fjord water and marine environments in Chilean Patagonia. The company’s vertically integrated approach—including its own hatcheries, farming centers, processing facilities and sales operations—ensures full traceability and control across the supply chain. With a growing presence in global markets and a firm commitment to excellence, Caleta Bay supports customers in more than 20 countries. The company’s in-house genetic program avoids the use of market-supplied eggs. Instead, their fish come from a proprietary “genetic family tree” with over a decade in development, producing a robust biomass and superior product.
“Caleta Bay brings a deep understanding of aquaculture and a proven dedication to high-quality seafood production,” said Council Chairman Michael McNicholas of Culimer USA. “Their addition strengthens the Sushi Council’s diverse and international approach to enhancing product safety and consumer trust in the sushi sector.”
The NFI Sushi Council is a precompetitive platform convening stakeholders from across the sushi supply chain to promote best practices, ensure product integrity, and serve as a unified voice for the industry. For more information or to inquire about membership, visit NFIsushicouncil.com.