Nordic seafood group Lerøy Seafood saw its earnings soar in the first half of the year, boosted by “strong” price increases and lower production costs.

In the six months to the end of June, earnings reached NOK822.4m (US$135m) from NOK159.3m a year earlier. Operating profit amounted to NOK832m versus NOK241m in the comparable period last year.

Sales in the six months were up 8.5% to NOK4.84bn. Leroy said the expected price increase for Atlantic salmon and trout experienced in the first quarter was “substantial” and boosted the top line.

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