Tassal has closed the acquisition of MPA Fish Farms Pty Ltd and MPA Marketing Pty Ltd (MPA), which operate Australia's only ocean barramundi farm in Cone Bay, Western Australia (WA). The company predicts that the Tassal branded barramundi will reach the market in November 2023.
Tassal managing director and CEO Mark Ryan said he looks forward to adding ocean-raised Australian barramundi to the business. This will secure the future of more than 50 local jobs at MPA's facilities can produce about 1,600 tons yearly.
"Tassal has turned around both the salmon and prawn industries in Australia before. The company has the skills and capabilities to apply the same learnings and intellectual capital to do this for the MPA companies and the wider barramundi industry in Australia. We are excited to bring world-class engineering, technology, innovative equipment, and 36 years experience in aquaculture to operating this barramundi farm," said Ryan.
Moreover, the acquisition presents a significant advantage for the company of its strong relationship with retailers. Leveraging its well-established connections with retailers across Australia, the company can effectively enhance its reputation as a premium product.
"Once operations are consolidated, we will look at growth opportunities. This is a huge win for Northern WA and a win for local jobs and investment. At Tassal, we work in regional areas across the country and are committed to working closely [them]," said Ryan.
Tassal employs nearly 2000 people and serves as Australia's largest vertically integrated producer, processor, marketer, and seller of seafood products. Committed to sustainable practices, Tassal aims to 'Feed Tomorrow Sustainably' while recently expanding its product range to include barramundi. Moreover, as part of Cooke Inc., one of the world's largest families of aquaculture and seafood companies, Tassal aligns with Cooke's purpose: 'Farming the Ocean with Care, Nourishing the World, Sustaining Families, and Strengthening Communities.'
