Hvalur hf: Commercial Hunter of Whales!

• Published in: Journal of Operations and Strategic Planning
• Main Authors: Ahmed, Jashim Uddin, Faroque, Anisur R., Ahmed, Asma, Anika, Farzana Haque, Mamun, Hasan A.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: SAGE Publications 2020
• Subjects: General Medicine; Iceland
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/2516600x20927510; http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/2516600X20927510; http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full-xml/10.1177/2516600X20927510

This case study is based on the only Icelandic commercial whaling (whale hunting) company, Hvalur hf. The majority of the meat from whale hunting is exported to Japan because consumption of whale meat is insignificant amongst the locals in Iceland. This case reflects on the challenges and controversies of Hvalur hf. It further focuses on the personality of Kristján Loftsson, CEO of Hvalur hf. Commercial whaling has been a major concern against Iceland. European Union has offered union membership to Iceland in order to stop the cruelty caused by whaling. The tourism sector of Iceland is hence at risk as whaling and whale watching coexists. Both of these are deemed to be major contributors to the economy of Iceland.