After grappling with financial difficulties for several years, Great Greenland, the sealskin company based in Qaqortoq, appears to be charting a new course toward stability. Recent figures from the company’s 2025 annual accounts, revealed at its general meeting on June 5, illustrate this positive turnaround.
The company’s turnover rose by nearly one million kroner, increasing from 14,390,000 kroner in 2024 to 15,041,000 kroner this past year. Consequently, Great Greenland recorded a profit of 1,677,000 kroner for 2025—an impressive rebound compared to the previous year’s deficit of 1,118,000 kroner.
### Adjustments in Procurement
Interestingly, this commendable performance comes despite a decrease in seal skin procurement. The company secured 26,672 skins in 2025, down from 34,976 in 2024. When viewed through the lens of 2023, when 26,076 skins were sourced, the current year’s procurement mirrors that level.
Aviaja Holm Jensen, Great Greenland’s director, explains the nuances behind this trend. “The higher turnover is largely linked to our sales of finished goods,” she stated. “There’s a natural lag—purchases of skins in one year can significantly impact production and sales figures in the following year.”
Holm Jensen elaborates on logistical issues: “We source skins consistently along the coast, but transportation to Qaqortoq is dictated by shipping routes. After the final vessel arrives at the northernmost and easternmost ports, it can take some time before new skins are ready for production.” To streamline this process, the company operates collection points in Tasiilaq and Upernavik.
### A Focus on Quality
Quality improvement is also part of Great Greenland’s strategic initiatives. Holm Jensen notes, “Throughout the year, we’ve concentrated on enhancing the quality of our hides, notably transitioning from brine to freezing at select procurement locations. This reorganization has positively impacted the quality at these sites.”
In total, 17,712 Greenland seal skins and 8,960 netside skins were procured in 2025, making up the overall total of 26,672. Beyond processing and selling hides, Great Greenland also operates a visitor center in Qaqortoq, which has welcomed a variety of guests, including cruise visitors and journalists. Nonetheless, the report indicates a decrease in paid tours compared to last year, attributed to internal changes and the closure of the former access road for tourists. The management believes this limited accessibility has adversely affected revenue.
### Auditor Approval
The audit firm BDO has given its stamp of approval to the 2025 accounts, a stark contrast to the previous year when auditors expressed serious concerns about the company’s future viability. In 2024, references were made to “Going Concern,” indicating that the company’s assets might not be realizable at their book value if operations were to cease.
### Leadership Changes
The disappointing results from 2024 prompted a shift in leadership, with Aviaja Holm Jensen stepping into the role previously held by long-term director Preben Møller. The company has adopted new IT systems which, while challenging, are believed to be crucial in reversing its fortunes.
Holm Jensen reflected on these hurdles, noting, “The launch of our new financial system in June 2025 brought significant challenges, particularly affecting administrative functions like payments to catchers and traders.” However, she remains optimistic: “We are now poised on a path to success.”
As for the future, the management anticipates 2026 will be characterized by consolidation and organizational fortification while maintaining robust activity levels. They project continued growth in sales and an expansion of their market presence, solidifying Great Greenland’s standing as a leading supplier of sealskin products.
For the upcoming financial year, the budget forecasts a turnover of approximately 14,873,000 kroner and a modest profit of 44,000 kroner. Currently, the company boasts equity capital of 24 million kroner, underlining its renewed promise and potential.