Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.-based Inland Seafood has acquired Lonestar Seafood, a seafood supplier based in Stafford, Texas. U.S.A.
Founded in 2011, Lonestar Seafood “has established a strong presence in the Texas market, with a solid customer base and vendor network, an SQF-certified facility, and an outstanding staff of dedicated seafood professionals,” Inland said in a statement.
“We are excited to be joining forces with such a strong partner in Inland Seafood. Together we will work to fully realize our mission to be the premier supplier of quality seafood products in Texas,” Lonestar Seafood CEO Chris Harrington said. “Alignment with core values was paramount to us, and we feel we have accomplished this with Inland Seafood.”
Inland was founded in 1977 and grown to become one of the largest seafood distributors in the country. It is a leading packer of Maine lobster and a supplier of seafood and non-seafood specialty products for thousands of restaurants and retailers.
“I have made a commitment to Inland Seafood’s owners to grow their financial future through profitable sales,” Inland President Chris Rosenberger said. “Lonestar Seafood shares many of Inland’s core values, so when approached with the option to pursue this venture further, it was without question. We have had our eyes set on the Texas market but wanted to expand through more than just the presence of our trucks in the region. Partnering with a company that shares the same vision to grow responsibly in all aspects of the business is the right and only way for Inland Seafood to accomplish that,” he said.
Rosenberger said the acquisition allows Inland to provide its customers a broadened portfolio of products, provides it with efficiencies through the merging of logistics operations, a carbon footprint reduction through a streamlining of fleet and distribution networks. Post-acquisition, the company will continue to support small farms and fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico region, Rosenberger said.
“Lonestar Seafood has been approached by several industry players over the years, but the move to join forces with Inland Seafood was motivated by a strong historical relationship and a foundation of shared values,” he said. “Inland Seafood’s mission is to provide top-tier service and products to their customers, to support the growth of their vendors, and to operate with environmental, economic, and social considerations to create long-term, sustainable value. The partnership with Lonestar, whose core values are quality, service, and integrity, only further supports both company’s commitment to the industry.”
Photo courtesy of Lonestar Seafood
