Pacific Seafood, a US-based fishing to processing and distribution business, has opened its first office in Europe as a “gateway” for EU expansion.
The family-owned business, headquartered in Clackamas, Oregon, has established its presence in Hamburg, Germany, with the new office to be led by Stephan Kleemeyer, according to a statement.
Kleemeyer is an experienced seafood industry executive whose most recent posting was as managing director for the European operations of Trident Seafoods, where he oversaw the company’s Pickenpack business in Riepe, Germany.
Ashton Meier, the vice president of processing for Pacific Seafood, confirmed with Just Food that the company currently supplies the retail and foodservice channels in the EU.
“Establishing a physical presence in Europe allows us to better support these customers and continue building long-term partnerships.”
He added: “While this is Pacific Seafood’s first European location, we are actively exploring opportunities to further invest in vertically integrated fishing, processing, and distribution businesses.
“These investments will strengthen our footprint and enhance the value proposition and diverse product mix we offer to both customers and consumers.”
Pacific Seafood’s product range includes wild whitefish, coldwater shrimp, salmon and “aquaculture products such as steelhead and oysters”, along with an added-value offering, Meier said.
Kleemeyer will head up business development across the EU and will seek to “strengthen partnerships with existing customers and identify growth opportunities”, according to the statement.
“Establishing a permanent presence in Europe is a bold but natural next step in our expanding global footprint,” Meier said in the statement. “Stephan brings deep experience and strong relationships in the region, and we’re confident he will help us deliver even greater value to our European partners.”
Pacific Seafood was set up in 1941 by Frank Dulcich. It manages all parts of the supply chain from harvesting to fishing, processing and distribution.
The business has launched its so-called Mission 31 strategic initiative to expand the company’s operations within a timeframe to 2031, with Europe now playing a part in that endeavour.
Pacific Seafood said the project was launched last year and has already resulted in undisclosed and unspecified investments in Alaska and Florida.
Late last year, Pacific Seafood acquired the processing assets of Trident Seafoods in Kodiak, Alaska, including three plants.
The Kodiak operations are engaged in the processing of a varied assortment of seafood, encompassing halibut, flatfish, rockfish, crab, herring, pollock, salmon and Pacific cod.
