Norway’s Ode gains foothold in Middle East premium dining with farmed cod

Norwegian cod farmer Ode has secured a supply agreement placing its farmed cod on the menu at restaurants operated by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay in Dubai, in what the company describes as a commercial breakthrough in the Middle East.

“Snowcod” by Ode is now being served in several dishes at Bread Street Kitchen & Bar, following the signing of a new supply deal.

The restaurant is located at Atlantis The Palm, one of Dubai’s most high-profile luxury resorts and a global culinary showcase hosting multiple award-winning dining concepts.

The agreement reflects growing acceptance of farmed cod among premium foodservice operators, which place strong emphasis on consistent quality, taste and reliability of supply, said Ode.

The company added that the ability to deliver uniform product quality with stable, year-round availability has been decisive in gaining traction in a market where fresh cod supply is often limited or seasonal.

“At this stage, the cod is not presented on the menu with a specific origin label,” Ode told Undercurrent News. “The emphasis is on the dish and the guest experience, rather than communicating origin and farming details directly on the menu.” 

“Our experience is that guests are less focused on production itself, and more drawn to the product — taste, quality, and the ability to eat fresh cod year-round,” it added. “We have been very active in market and product development, and strong positioning by restaurant and retail partners has been a key part of that success.”

The firm has also reported strong interest during its participation at Gulfood in late January, the world’s largest food and beverage exhibition.

At the event, Ode collaborated with former world sushi champion Vincent Broggi, who prepared a range of sushi dishes using Ode’s Snowcod. Feedback from restaurant operators and international buyers was described as highly positive.

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