Verlasso Continues West Coast Expansion of Harmoniously Raised Salmon

MIAMI, March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Verlasso™, the world's first provider of harmoniously raised fish, continues its rollout on the west coast by expanding its market presence through the launch of its harmoniously raised salmon with Berkeley Bowl, Berkeley area's leading independent, full-service supermarket of natural and organic foods. Verlasso initially launched its direct to consumer sales via FreshDirect in New York City in September 2011, and through Zupan's Markets in Portland, Oregon in November 2011.  Berkeley is the third premier market to carry the harmoniously raised salmon.

Verlasso brings a new category of farmed salmon to consumers who care about how their food was raised and where it comes from. Verlasso's revolutionary, harmonious approach to farming produces a high quality, great tasting salmon that promotes a healthy balance between consumers' nutritional needs and the needs of the environment.

This launch into Berkeley, where the conscious cuisine culture is strong, follows closely on the heels of Verlasso salmon's recognition as a "Best New Food of 2011" by Seafood International magazine, and a "Top Food Trend of 2012" by Specialty Food magazine.

"As a leading innovator in adaptive aquaculture practices that sustain people, fish and the planet, Verlasso is thrilled to partner with Berkeley Bowl," said Scott Nichols, director of Verlasso. "Berkeley Bowl is passionate about providing families with only the best food inspired by the natural world around us, and it's gratifying to be a part of a 35 year tradition that shares our philosophy of catering to the discerning food lover."

"At Berkeley Bowl, we know that our customers appreciate foods that value their health and the health of the Earth," said Ted Iijima, seafood department manager at Berkeley Bowl. "With Verlasso, we are offering a harmoniously farmed salmon that is not only delicious, but also respects the mindset of our conscientious Berkeley shoppers."

Verlasso's most significant farming innovation is their use of 75 percent fewer feeder fish to produce healthy salmon rich in Omega-3s.  In traditional salmon farms, the salmon get their Omega-3s from their diets.  Currently, these Omega-3s come from fish oils provided by wild-caught feeder fish which puts a significant strain on our oceans.

In addition to the ground-breaking reduction of feeder fish, Verlasso's farming practices fundamentally change the relationship between salmon farming and the oceans. The company is committed to improving its farming methods continuously to ensure customers the best salmon possible today and for generations to come:

• Verlasso salmon are raised in the cold, clean waters of Southern Patagonia, away from industrial development, ensuring a healthier salmon
• Verlasso salmon swim freely in spacious pens - less than four fish per ton of water - producing a leaner fish than traditionally farmed salmon and reducing the impact on the local eco-system
• Every phase of the salmon's life - from egg to harvest - is accounted for, ensuring integrity and freshness all the way to the consumer

Verlasso salmon is currently available at the 2020 Oregon Street Berkeley Bowl location, and is cut to order. Verlasso offers several recipes, videos and cooking tips that are perfectly suited for consciously-minded consumers on www.verlasso.com. To learn even more, join in the conversation on Verlasso's blog: http://www.verlasso.com/conversation/all/.

About Verlasso

Verlasso™ is committed to continuous improvement in its aquaculture practices, working in concert with some of the world's leading thinkers to sustain people, fish and the planet.  Verlasso is currently available in the New York City area via FreshDirect.com, as well as at Zupan's Markets in Portland, Oregon. Learn more at www.verlasso.com, join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @VerlassoSalmon.      

Verlasso is a brand and trademark of AquaChile.  AquaChile and DuPont formed a collaboration that will join the collective innovation and aquaculture expertise of the companies to identify how to raise fish sustainably to provide nutritious protein for a growing population. 

Media Contact:
Verlasso
Maribel Rivera
[email protected]
302-695-4658

High-Res Photos Available Upon Request

SOURCE Verlasso