Sojitz Acquires UK Seafood Processor to Expand Whitefish Supply Across Europe

Sojitz has acquired full ownership of Sealaska Foods International Holdings, including UK based New England Seafood International, giving the Japanese trading group a larger processing and distribution platform in the European seafood market.

The acquired group has sourcing networks in Norway and Iceland and supplies products including cod and other whitefish, wild Alaskan salmon and sashimi grade tuna.

New England Seafood International has an established position with major UK retailers and foodservice customers and handles Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certified products.

Sojitz says the acquisition will strengthen access to whitefish raw materials while adding product development, manufacturing and customer relationships in the United Kingdom and continental Europe.

The company estimates the UK seafood consumer market at about US$5.7 billion, making the transaction a significant step in its broader food and marine products strategy.

For seafood companies, control of procurement and processing has become increasingly important as quotas, marine resource conditions, freight costs and sustainability requirements affect the availability and price of raw material.

Sojitz did not disclose the acquisition price. Sealaska Foods International Holdings and its operating companies are now consolidated subsidiaries of the group.

The transaction gives Sojitz a more integrated route from northern European and North Atlantic sourcing into finished seafood products for retail customers, rather than relying only on commodity trading between producers and buyers.