U.S. scallop and clam supplier Atlantic Capes Fisheries on Thursday partnered with Ocean Fleet Seafood, a London-based scallop processor, one of the largest in Europe.
The “integration” of the two businesses, as the companies described the arrangement in a press statement, will strengthen their presence in U.S., European and Asian markets.
“The integration will enable us to combine the strengths of both Atlantic Capes Fisheries and Ocean Fleet Seafood to better serve our valued customers in Europe and expand our European and Asian customer base to those who desire to be assured a consistent supply of U.S. East Coast scallops and live shellfish by directly working with our boats,” said Jeff Bolton, COO of Atlantic Capes.
Atlantic Capes operates 24 scallop, clam and fishing vessels, three production facilities (Fall River, Mass.; Bristol, R.I.; and Cape May, N.J.) and four offloading facilities. It processes one-quarter of the U.S. sea scallop resource and also supplies Hokkaido scallops from Japan and Cape May Salt Oysters. Ocean Fleet operates two production facilities in the U.K. (London and Brixham) and one in Shanghai, China. It also supplies squid and value-added scallop products.
“Partnering with Atlantic Capes Fisheries, the largest U.S. sea scallop resource company, will provide a unique access to the raw materials and enable us to build reliable scallop programs to both retail and foodservice customers,” said Ken Bruzas of Ocean Fleet.
