Mikals Laks
Since 2000, King Mikal Salmon has delivered smoked and cured salmon of the highest quality to discer…
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Since 2000, Mikals Laks has delivered smoked and cured salmon of the highest quality to discerning customers in both Norway and abroad. As a family-owned smokehouse with deep-rooted traditions in fishing and the seafood industry, they have built a reputation on their uncompromising commitment to premium ingredients and artisanal processing. This dedication to quality is evident in everything from their choice of raw materials to the traditional methods used in production, giving their products a distinct and authentic flavor. Photo: Elin Engelsvoll.
The story of Mikals Laks is a fascinating story of a family with deep connections to the sea across generations. The founder, Mikal O. Viga, began his journey as a young boy fishing for sprat in Jøsenfjorden, later expanding to salmon and trout farming in the 1980s. Demand for his smoked salmon grew so significantly that he transitioned from processing fish as a hobby to establishing Mikals Laks AS in 2000. Today, they process fish in state-of-the-art facilities in Hjelmeland, with a clear commitment to traceability and high quality at every stage—from growth to the finished product.
An International Name and Award-Winning Quality
Mikals Laks has achieved great international success, where their high quality is truly appreciated. A significant portion of their salmon is exported to markets in Europe, where customers show a strong willingness to pay for authentic craftsmanship and premium ingredients. They have also gained extensive national recognition, winning multiple Norwegian Championship medals and several food awards. In 2019, they were named the winner of «Det Norske Måltid» in the category of “Seafood Product of the Year.” In March 2024, they once again excelled in the Norwegian Championship, earning five medals: three golds for cold-smoked salmon, cognac-marinated salmon, and lightly smoked loins, as well as two silvers for cold-smoked trout and aquavit-marinated cured salmon. These awards reflect the exceptional quality and dedication behind each product and affirm that the craftsmanship and heritage continue to thrive within the company.
Focusing on Export and Efficient Delivery
For Mikals Laks, quality is an absolute requirement—a commitment that makes their products unique. However, this also places them in a challenging price range in the Norwegian grocery market, where price pressure often can impact customers’ willingness to pay. Fortunately, Mikals Laks has a loyal customer base among specialty stores, local grocery shops, and dedicated patrons. The professional market, including hotels, restaurants, and catering, has also shown solid growth in sales. To enable cost-effective delivery of their products nationwide, they have focused on developing a new online store and optimizing distribution.
To support further growth of their quality products, Mikals Laks has chosen to strengthen export efforts to markets such as Germany, Switzerland, France, and Austria, in addition to exploring new potential markets. Here, they encounter a growing number of buyers who appreciate Norwegian food culture and authentic craftsmanship—and who are willing to pay for the uncompromising quality they offer.
Mikals Laks stands as a living testament that traditional craftsmanship still has its place—and that quality, even when faced with challenges, will always find a path to those who value it.
Read more about Mikals Laks HERE.