Five years of quality time
Sterling halibut is the result of a carefully crafted and nature-inspired process – a masterpiece in itself.
In the heart of the pure, cold fjords of Norway, we have recreated the halibut’s native habitat for nearly 25 years. Here, each fish is allowed to grow at its own pace, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and the dedicated attention of our skilled people. This slow, respectful process ensures not only an exceptional quality but also a sustainable production that protects the delicate balance of our environment, year after year.
We know that quality takes time, and every single day, we ensure that each Sterling halibut lives under the best possible conditions during the nearly five years we share together. We closely monitor the water quality, maintain the ideal stocking density, and give the fish the space and care they need to thrive. The result is a halibut that not only tastes delicious but has also lived a dignified and sustainable life in harmony with the rhythms of nature and the fjord.
Complete overview – from fjord to fork
Sterling fully controls the entire value chain. We own and care for the broodstock, the eggs hatch into fry in our facilities, and our own feed ensures the halibut grow as they should. In addition, our boats transport the fish to our state-of-the-art processing facility in Mekjarvik on the outskirts of Stavanger.
There, the fish are either filleted and precisely portioned, or packed whole, iced and carefully packaged. This way, the Sterling quality is preserved, no matter which kitchen or dining table our halibut ends up on, anywhere in the world.
By owning and controlling every part of the process, we have monitored our Sterling halibut around the clock from day one. We know what it has experienced, what it has eaten and how it has lived. This is the only way we can ensure that every single Sterling halibut meets our strict standards for taste, texture and freshness. This is why we can confidently guarantee premium quality – every time, without exception.
This doesn’t just provide assurance to the professional chef, but also to those fortunate enough to enjoy what is served.
And finally, Sterling halibut stands out from many other fish species as it’s certified safe to enjoy raw, with no preparation required.
Sustainability + social responsibility = quality!
At Sterling, sustainability is more than just a goal – it is at the heart of everything we think and do: we are committed to delivering halibut of the highest quality with minimal environmental impact. That is why we always strive to improve our production methods and processes, from the use of sustainable feed to the recycling of water in our facilities. Every step of the process is designed to protect the balance of nature, while ensuring the highest standards of fish welfare.
Sterling’s commitment to the community is just as strong as our dedication to the environment. We invest in the local communities where we operate, creating jobs, partnering with leading research institutions in aquaculture, and supporting educational organisations to promote long-term growth and development – for both Sterling and the entire seafood industry. Our social responsibility is deeply rooted in our culture, and we make sure our work gives back to both people and nature.
This is us
Sterling Holding AS is a parent company focused on finance and sales, led by CEO Kjell Stenersen. Under this company, several subsidiaries manage different aspects of delivering our Sterling halibut to the world. Sterling Breed AS, with Trond Sandvik as CEO, is responsible for broodstock and fry. Sterling White Halibut AS, also led by Trond Sandvik, oversees the growth and market fish production. The processing stages are handled by Sterling Processing AS, where Max Einar Ludvigsen serves as CEO. Finally, Sterling Aqua Logistics AS, led by CEO Thomas Vestvik, oversees the operation of processing vessels and handles logistics management.
The history of Sterling
2024
Sterling Holding AS purchases an aquaculture facility at Talgje near Stavanger to be used for halibut broodstock, hatchery and fry production, while establishing the new company Sterling Breed AS. Sterling is a sponsor and official ingredient in the ‘Global Chefs Challenge’ in Singapore. Sterling halibut is also an official ingredient for ‘NM i Kokkekunst’ (the Norwegian Culinary Championship) in Trondheim.
2023
Sterling halibut is an official ingredient for “Årets kokk” (Chef of the Year) in Norway, which also serves as the Norwegian qualifying event for Bocuse d’Or this year. Sterling halibut is also an official ingredient in “Nordisk kokkemesterskap” (the Nordic Chef Championship). Sterling opens a new hatchery at Reipholmen near Rørvik. Additionally, Sterling receives a license for a new production facility at Kvera in Årdalsfjorden in Strand Municipality, close to our existing facilities in Jøsenfjorden.
2022
Sterling opens a new, state-of-the-art processing facility and establishes the subsidiary Sterling Processing AS. Sterling is awarded the Norwegian ‘Årets Smak av Kysten’ (Taste of the Coast) food producer award. Sterling halibut becomes an official sponsor of ‘World Chef Abu Dhabi 2022’.
2021
Sterling gets its own well boat to perform on-site harvesting at its facilities.
2019
Sterling establishes a sales office in Sweden. Sterling halibut receives an exemption from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority’s freezing requirement for fish. Eighteen years after its founding, Sterling is now a registered trademark in more than 30 countries.
2018
Sterling halibut fillet wins the category of “Seafood of the Year – Natural” in the Norwegian food competition ‘Det Norske Måltid’.
2017
Sterling halibut is an official ingredient for ‘Global Young Chef’. Sterling becomes Global GAP certified as the world’s first halibut producer to receive this certification.
2016
Sterling halibut is the official fish for the finals of the ‘Nordic Young Chef & Global Chef’ in Thessaloniki, Greece. Sterling halibut is an official ingredient for ‘Årets Kock 2016’, the Swedish national championship in professional cooking, held in Stockholm. Marine Harvest sells Sterling White Halibut to Teccon Holding AS.
2014
Sterling halibut is once again an official ingredient in the Worldchefs “Global Young Chef & Global Chef” Competition, this time held in Stavanger, Norway.
2012
Sterling halibut is the official fish during the finals of the Worldchefs Competition, where the titles of “Global Young Chef & Global Chef” are awarded in Daejeon, South Korea.
2010
Sterling halibut is chosen as an official ingredient for the Bocuse d’Or Asia and Bocuse d’Or Europe.
2007
Atlantic Halibut changes its name to Sterling White Halibut. Sterling halibut is selected as an official ingredient in the Bocuse d’Or, the biennial world chef championship.
2004
Sterling halibut is sent out into the world for the very first time.
2001
Atlantic Halibut AS is established (as a subsidiary of Marine Harvest). It all started with a vision: to deliver the highest quality halibut to tables around the world while ensuring that the largest ecosystem on Earth – our fjords and oceans – remains in balance.