Húsavík family takes over Iceland’s only hamsatólg producer

Production of hamsatólg, a traditional sheep-fat product, will continue after Þórhildur Jónsdóttir and her family bought the operations and equipment of Stóruvellir, mbl.is reports.

The company will keep the Stóruvellir name and move production to the former dairy station in Húsavík, where it will operate from its own premises. The new owners are expected to take over at the turn of the year.

Hamsatólg is made by melting sheep fat, letting it solidify and then melting it again to serve with fish. It is a popular accompaniment to skate, particularly at feasts held in December. Unlike mörflot, it does not contain hnoðmör, the fat around the kidneys and internal organs.

Stóruvellir, based in Bárðardalur, announced in September that it planned to end production after 32 years. Founded by Garðar Jónsson in 1994, it is Iceland’s only producer of hamsatólg and sells about 16 tonnes a year.

The company has also produced tallow, hangiflot and outdoor candles. It used 40 to 50 tonnes of sheep fat annually, most of it supplied by the Norðlenska slaughterhouse in Húsavík, according to Bændablaðið.