The Japan Times WORLD EYE REPORTS NORWAY
©THE JAPAN TIMES	Thursday, November 15, 2001

A direct flight to success What sets Japan and Norway apart? In many ways it is the miles, the culture, and the environment. But in some situations, like in the case of Leroy Seafood Group, these "difference" do not push the two countries further apart, but actually brings them closer together. The Leroy Seafood Group, located in the city of Bergen on the western coastal of Norway, has achieved a number of milestones in the Norwegian seafood industry throughout a long history that dates back to 1939.

Ole-Erik Leroy's direct connection to Japan is part of his pioneering international drive.

Leroy Seafood was a pioneer in developing the frozen and fresh seafood industry in Norway and today is highly focused on the fresh seafood market, which accounts for approximately 75 percent of the company's annual turnover. Whole salmon is the largest Norwegian seafood export product and Leroy Seafood is responsible for approximately 15 percent of the total export amount.

This pioneering spirit lives on, especially when it comes to Leroy's key relationship with the Japanese market. This November marks the 500th voyage of a special chartered plane that delivers fresh Norwegian seafood from Leroy directly to the Japanese market. Leroy us the only Norwegian company undertaking such a task.

Ole-Erik Leroy, the company's CEO, considers the relationship between Leroy and Japan unique: "Our Japanese partner's dedication toward quality and longterm commitment is an important driving force to bring our company forward in one of the most demanding and encouraging seafood markets in the world," he said.

Leroy's sights are set not only on the Japanese market. They also export to over 46 countries worldwide. However, Japan still remains a key importer of Leroy's fresh salmon, mackerel and herring products. Asked why the Japanese market prefers Leroy's products over those of its competitors, he simply answers: "the proof is in the products."