JBT Marel, the company formed after John Bean Technologies acquired Icelandic food-processing firm Marel, has entered a strategic partnership with Ace Aquatec.
JBT Marel said the new partnership marks Ace Aquatec as the preferred supplier of fish stunning solutions for the food processing equipment manufacturer. Ace Aquatec develops and builds fish stunning systems, and won a 2019 Global Aquaculture Innovation Award for its “Universal Humane Stunner” technology.
“Our strategic partnership with Ace Aquatec strengthens our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and improving fish welfare,” JBT Marel Vice President of Fish Skuli Sigurdsson said. “By combining our expertise in food processing with Ace Aquatec’s stunning technology, we can deliver a comprehensive, humane, and efficient solution that enhances seafood processing and meets the demands of clients and consumers alike.”
JBT Marel said the partnership highlights a commitment to driving positive change in fish slaughter and processing – including better welfare for fish.
“Together, JBT Marel and Ace Aquatec will be able to offer customers a seamless product line for the entire seafood value chain covering harvesting and processing solutions with data insights software,” the company said.
JBT Marel said the partnership is a strategic decision made in light of growing demand for better fish and seafood welfare. A survey of U.K. consumers found 85 percent of people said fish welfare should be protected to the same or greater extent as other farmed animals. Companies have also been increasingly laying out welfare-focused sourcing policies for seafood.
“This collaboration bridges a key gap in the processing line,” Sigudsson said. “Together, we can drive positive change, offering customers cost-effective, sustainable solutions while delivering high-quality seafood with a focus on ethics and care.”
Ace Aquatech CEO Nathan Pyne-Carter said the partnership is a “great boost” for Ace Aquatec.
“This partnership will enable the delivery of comprehensive in-line solutions for the aquaculture sector and reflects our shared commitment to transforming the seafood processing industry globally,” Pyne-Carter said. “Together, we’re ready to set new standards in welfare first innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.”
