The chief executive of takeover target Tassal Group says the company is in a a “neat position” because it has passed through a period of heavy capital spending and is set to lift sales and profit growth as demand for salmon outstrips supply.

Mark Ryan said on Wednesday that a shift to healthier eating is gathering pace and salmon is one of the healthiest foods, while it also has a low carbon footprint in the production chain compared with other options such as red meat.