### **Overview** Zeal Aqua Limited is a vertically integrated aquaculture company headquartered in Surat, Gujarat, established in 2009. It operates a **farm-to-fork supply chain**, managing all stages—from shrimp farming and hatchery support to processing and global export. The company specializes in high-quality **Tiger Prawn and White Shrimp (Vannamei)** production using sustainable, technology-driven practices. With operations across **300 hectares** in coastal Gujarat, Zeal Aqua serves over 15 international markets while strategically expanding into India’s domestic seafood sector. --- ### **Core Business Segments (FY 2023–24)** 1. **Shrimp Farming** – Primary operational focus, including owned and satellite farms. 2. **Shrimp Processing** – Value addition and export-ready packaging at its modern facility. 3. **Trading of Shrimp Feeds and Medicines** – Ancillary business supporting farmers. --- ### **Production & Infrastructure (as of Mar 2023)** - **Annual Shrimp Production Capacity:** **2,000 MT** (up from 1,500 MT in 2015). - **Farming Area:** 160 farms across 300 hectares (Surat and Bharuch), comprising HDPE-lined and earthen ponds. - **Broodstock:** Uses 27th-generation SPF (Specific Pathogen Free) broodstock from top Indian hatcheries. - **Processing Plant:** - **Installed Capacity:** 5,850 MT per annum (MTPA). - **Freezing Technologies:** IQF, plate freezing, blast freezing, and block freezing. - **Cold Storage:** 2,200 MT capacity. - **Proximity:** Farms located within 25 km of processing unit, ensuring **harvest-to-processing in under 2 hours** for superior freshness. Half of the company’s land remains undeveloped, offering significant potential for **scaling up production** in the future. --- ### **Sustainability & Certifications** - **Certifications:** - **ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council)** – First in India with ASC-certified Black Tiger shrimp ponds; also ASC-certified Vannamei. - **BRC Global Standard (Food Safety)** - **HACCP** - **Environmental Compliance:** - Operates its own **Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP)**. - Implements zero-antibiotic policy across all farms. - Emphasizes biosecurity, traceability, and eco-friendly farming practices. The company aligns with the **‘farm-to-fork’** trend, producing **organically cultivated, antibiotic-free shrimp** compliant with international standards. --- ### **Global Market Reach & Export Strategy** - **Export Markets (as of Sep 2025):** Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Japan, South Korea, Busan (Korea), Netherlands, USA, Vietnam, Spain, Australia, and other EU nations. - **Key Partnership:** - Exclusive agreement with **Lenk Sea Foods (Germany)**, through which **~80% of production is currently exported**, primarily to the **EU market**. - Strategic collaboration to expand **Black Tiger shrimp sales in Southern Europe**. - **Government Recognition:** - Upgraded to **‘3-Star Export House’** status (Sep 2025), qualifying for enhanced export incentives. - **Export Infrastructure:** - 10-member export team managing documentation, logistics, and compliance. - Processing unit established in **Surat (2017)** with strategic focus on **EU markets**, differentiating from competitors targeting the USA and China. **USFDA Approval:** Actively pursuing USFDA clearance to unlock the **US market**, improve plant utilization, and boost economies of scale. --- ### **Innovation & Operational Efficiency** - **Nursery Project:** Successful implementation reduces the production cycle, enabling multiple harvests per year and higher output. - **Satellite Farming Model (since Sep 2023):** - Supports **small aquaculture farmers** by supplying feed, probiotics, auto feeders, and aeration systems. - Provides training on **biosecurity, sustainability, food safety, traceability, and antibiotic management**. - Ensures consistent supply of export-grade shrimp; satellite farms contribute up to **4,000 MTPA** potential. - **Technology Use:** HDPE-lined ponds, in-house lab testing, automated feeding, and real-time water quality monitoring. --- ### **Branding & Market Expansion** - **International Brands:** Markets shrimp under **‘Navik’ and ‘Patel’** in Japan. - **Growth Strategy:** - **Exports:** Participation in global trade exhibitions, virtual meetings, and expos. - **Domestic Market:** Aggressive push via **digital marketing, direct sales, network marketing, and channel partnerships** to bring export-quality seafood to Indian consumers (strategic priority since FY 2023–24). --- ### **Industry Context & Challenges** - **Market Opportunity:** - Indian shrimp production led by **Andhra Pradesh (50%+ of national output)**, followed by Gujarat. - Global shrimp market projected to grow at **5% CAGR**, driven by rising demand for healthy, protein-rich, and convenient seafood. - Government support for **sustainable aquaculture** and value-added exports (e.g., ready-to-eat/cook products) via **MPEDA and SEAI**. - **Challenges:** - Volatile shrimp pricing impacting profitability. - High setup and compliance costs limiting SME participation. - Overreliance on Vannamei species; need for diversification. - Middlemen control ~40% of the market, affecting traceability. - Limited value-added processing capacity in India. - Risk of disease outbreaks despite SPF seed availability.