Deals, Mergers, Partnership and Profits
The Echebastar Group has acquired a new vessel – the Euskadi Alai, built by the Spanish shipbuilder Zamakona Yards – thus completing its triumvirate of tuna freezer ships. As it welcomes the Euskadi Alai to port in Bermeo, the group is undergoing a full assessment by MSC which, if all goes well, will establish Echebastar as the first tropical tuna fishery in Spain to finish the full process.
In further ship blessings, Clearwater Seafoods has received its new clamming vessel, Belle Carnell. The vessel will be charged with harvesting Arctic surf clams, cockle clams and propeller clams. Approximately 70 new full-time positions will be created thanks to the Belle Carnell, according Clearwater representatives.
Seafood tops the list of Scottish food and drink exports to China, authorities confirmed. The latest figures place food and drink exports from Scotland to China as being worth GBP 85 million (EUR 120.1 million; USD 132.6 million) to the Scottish economy in 2014, up 12 percent over the previous year.
Mark your calendars – the date has been set for the 12th Annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off. Watch a dozen top chefs compete on Saturday, 8 August in Louisiana.
Zhangzidao, a Chinese seafood firm, is entering back into the good graces of the government and the investment community by way of a grant from local authorities meant to fund the breeding of new varieties of shellfish. The grant is worth CNY 28 million (USD 4.48 million, EUR 4.12 million), and was bestowed by the government of Changhai County near the city of Dalian. Read more here: http://www.seafoodsource.com/news/supply-trade/chinese-seafood-company-uses-grant-to-get-back-on-top
Young’s Seafood has decided to keep its Fraserburgh plant open in the wake of its major Sainsbury’s salmon contract loss to Marine Harvest last month. The decision will save some 250 jobs, but as many as 650 jobs may still be lost, Young’s has warned. Brush up on the latest developments with Young’s Seafood here: http://www.seafoodsource.com/news/supply-trade/young-s-seafood-has-good-news-for-fraserburgh
Thai Union Frozen Products (TUF) has put plans on hold to acquire Bumble Bee as an investigation into the merger continues courtesy of the U.S. Department of Justice. Public share offering plans have been suspended by TUF until further notice.
Check back next month for another round of Sea Change. Email your listings and promotional news to [email protected].
Don't forget to check out last month's listings: Seafood industry leaders on the move - Vol. II
