11 July 2024 12:06 am Views - 127
Sri Lanka may soon carve out a niche in the export market for fish feed with the country’s pioneer ornamental fish exporter Lumbini Aquaria International (Pvt) Ltd. commencing manufacture of a series of uniquely Sri Lankan aqua nutrients.
Aptly branded ‘Gobble’ the new product has already been exhibited in Germany at the 2024 edition of Interzoo, the world’s largest pet industry trade fair, and has received orders from multiple customers, the company said.
Lumbini has invested Rs. 150 million in a state-of-the-art factory in Madurankuliya in the Puttalam District to manufacture Gobble for export under a new company incorporated for the purpose – Deep Blue Sea (DBS) Aquatic Nutrients, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lumbini Aquaria.
Commencing 1st July 2024, the factory will manufacture a Gobble-branded portfolio of six ranges of products – the Goldfish range, the Cichlid fish range, Discus fish range, the Live Bearers Blend, the Koi Feed range and the Betta Boost Special – all made with 100 percent Sri Lankan ingredients.
“This is an exciting new venture that sees Lumbini Aquaria continuing to break new ground in a sphere linked with aquaculture more than 70 years after its founding,” the company’s Chairman Kapila Thisera said. “The launch of Gobble premium fish feed opens up a new export revenue stream for the country while further enhancing Lumbini’s stature as a credible and diversified global player in this sector.”
The Gobble portfolio’s Goldfish range consists of three products, ‘Goldfish Foundation Feed,’‘Goldfish Immuno Guard’ and ‘Goldfish Colour Optimizer,’ all produced with natural ingredients grown in Sri Lanka and fortified with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, probiotics and a proprietary mix of herbs. These products support digestive health and nutrient absorption, improve disease resistance and enhance the colours of the Goldfish.
Other products in the Gobble range include ‘Cichlid Essential’ for Cichlid fish species; ‘Discus Primary,’ ‘Discus Delight’ and ‘Chroma Boost Discus Diet’ in the Discus range; the ‘Live Bearer’s Blend’ for Guppy, Molly, Swordtail and Platy species; ‘Koi Feed’ for bottom-feeding fish like carps, and ‘Betta Boost Special’for Siamese Fighters.
“Extensive research has gone into the development of these products exclusively for the discerning export market,” Perera added. “DBS Aquatic Nutrients is dedicated to providing high-quality nutrition solutions for aquaculture. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, DBS Aquatic Nutrients will continue to develop feeds that optimize growth, health, and performance of aquatic species.”
A Presidential Export Award winner, the 72-year old Lumbini Aquaria owns and operates the largest ornamental fish farm in Sri Lanka, has five breeding facilities, and possesses one of the best Aquaculture Research and Development facilities in the country.
The company exports over a thousand different breeds including freshwater fish, cold water fish, marine fish and invertebrates, as well as aquatic plants to 25 countries. Now owned by Forsyth Capital, company established by Lloyd Perera is the market leader in the ornamental fish industry in Sri Lanka and supports more than 100 fish grower families.