Seafood Connection has announced a new strategic partnership with Northcoast Seafoods Ltd. located in Grimsby, United Kingdom. Seafood Connection has recognized the growing potential of Northcoast Seafoods in the retail and B2B market in the United Kingdom. Along with Seafood Connection's parent company Maruha Nichiro, both companies hope to grow Northcoast's ambitions in the UK market.
According to a press release, Takeyuki Nakazawa, Seafood Connection's COO, supervised the acquisition. Also, he acted as liaison between Maruha Nichiro, Seafood Connection, and Northcoast Seafoods. "Their local uniqueness in a big market such as the UK's made the company very appealing to Maruha Nichiro and Seafood Connection," he said.
In addition, he mentioned that the size and influence of the company made it the perfect partner for a geographical expansion strategy in Europe. "I have high hopes for Northcoast Seafoods. I am delighted to be able to invite the company into our family. Further, to become a colleague at Northcoast Seafoods as Liaison and Compliance Manager," he added.
On the other side, Seafood Connection CEO Jan Kaptijn commented: "I am glad to finally have a great partner to make the jump across the North Sea and be more active in the UK market. The same management will stay because I believe they are very able."
Firstly, Adrian Crookes will lead the company as Managing Director together with Commercial Director Christopher Baird. Secondly, Fridrik Mar Thorsteinsson will step down as Managing Director and continue to contribute to the company as Advisor & Procurement Director. "I am proud and happy to join the largest seafood business in the world. I am confident that this new relationship will strengthen the UK business," Thorsteinsson stated.
Finally, Baird concluded: "I am delighted that Seafood Connection and Northcoast Seafoods will be working together in the future. The synergies between the two businesses will undoubtedly strengthen our position in the seafood sector. In which Northcoast has grown significantly over the last 20 years, with the support of its suppliers and customers."