Iceland Observer: Seafood Expansion, Tourism Leadership Shift, and Policy Signals

MarketVector™ Iceland Global Index (MVISLG) Returns:

1W: 2.44% 1M: 4.18% 1Y: 11.89% Inception 12/31/20: 45.49%

M&A / PE / VC

Samherji Expands Into Fish Oil

Samherji acquired a 49% stake in Norway based Berg LipidTech, a fish oil producer, with an option to acquire the remaining shares. The deal secures access to Omega 3 fish oil derived from cod and salmon byproducts and moves Samherji further up the seafood value chain.

Corporate & Market News

Blue Lagoon Names New CEO

Blue Lagoon announced that Sigríður Margrét Oddsdóttir will become CEO on March 16, 2026. She succeeds founder Grímur Sæmundsen, who is stepping away from day to day operations but will remain involved at the board level. Oddsdóttir most recently led the Confederation of Icelandic Enterprise and takes over as the company looks to stabilize and reposition following recent disruptions in Icelandic tourism.

Policy & Central Bank

Central Bank Flags Inflation Risk

With inflation exceeding the target range, the Central Bank of Iceland submitted a formal report to the government explaining why December CPI rose to 4.5%, above its 2.5% target and 4.0% upper threshold. While no rate changes were made this week, policymakers signaled increased vigilance and outlined steps to bring inflation back toward target.

International & Geopolitical

Nordics Emphasize Arctic Security

Iceland joined other Nordic NATO members in reaffirming cooperation on Arctic defense as geopolitical attention on the region intensifies. Foreign ministers mentioned increased investment, closer coordination, and the importance of collective vigilance to preserve stability in the Arctic.