Wild salmon caught in Alaska could soon be heading to Moroccan canneries. The goal is to process and can part of this production in Morocco, before potentially re-exporting it to selected international markets.
The project is now entering a concrete phase. The National Federation of Seafood Processing and Enhancement Industries (FENIP) has launched a call for expressions of interest to identify Moroccan companies capable of taking part in a pilot programme.
Initially set for 23 September, the application deadline has now been extended to 28 September 2026.
Alaska salmon in Morocco: FENIP seeks canneries
FENIP wants to select Moroccan companies specialised in processing and canning seafood products.
In its call, the federation presents the project as a pilot programme for processing and canning wild Alaska salmon. Interested companies must submit their applications to FENIP.
This initiative follows discussions launched in 2025 with the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI), the body responsible for promoting Alaska’s seafood products.
Why process salmon in Morocco?
The project is largely based on the capacity and experience of Morocco’s canning industry.
In 2025, ASMI had already begun talks with FENIP and several Moroccan professionals. A dedicated mission assessed available industrial capacity and the conditions required to process Alaska salmon in Moroccan facilities.
The objective is twofold: to test the capabilities of Moroccan canneries and to gauge the economic viability of a new supply chain.
The principle being explored is relatively straightforward. The salmon would be caught in Alaska, then shipped to Morocco. Moroccan processors would then handle the processing and canning stages.
A project still at the testing stage
For now, this is not yet a large-scale commercial operation.
Selecting Moroccan companies is first meant to test the technical feasibility of the project. Processors will need to assess processing methods, costs and the characteristics of the final product.
ASMI also provides technical resources dedicated to the quality, handling and processing of Alaska salmon, particularly for industrial operators and processors.
The results of this pilot phase will therefore determine whether the scheme can lead to a larger commercial activity.
Morocco could host a new processing chain
For Morocco’s fishing and seafood industry, the project opens up an additional path for diversification.
The country already has strong expertise in seafood processing and canning. FENIP also presents this sector as a lever for developing industrial activities linked to fish and seafood products.
For its part, ASMI continues to promote the different species of wild Alaska salmon and their outlets on international markets. Pink salmon, in particular, is one of the key species in this value chain.
A decisive step on 28 September
The next step is to select the Moroccan companies that will join the programme.
FENIP has set 28 September 2026 as the new deadline for applications. Once the selection is complete, processors will be able to move on to the required trials and evaluations.
If the results are positive, Morocco could host a new activity dedicated to processing wild salmon from Alaska.
For the time being, however, the project remains a pilot programme. Its continuation will depend on the technical and economic outcomes of the tests.
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