Sojitz acquires UK seafood supplier NESI to expand European presence
The deal strengthens Sojitz seafood sourcing, processing and product development capabilities across the UK and wider European market.
UK – Japanese diversified trading company Sojitz Corporation has acquired UK-based New England Seafood International (NESI) through its purchase of Sealaska Foods International Holdings (SFIH), expanding its seafood operations and strengthening its presence in European markets.
Announced on 2 October, the transaction marks Sojitz’s fourth seafood-related acquisition in five years as the Tokyo-listed company targets growth opportunities in Europe and the United States, where it sees greater potential amid the maturity of Japan’s domestic seafood market.
The purchase price was not disclosed.
SFIH operates under Alaska-headquartered Sealaska Corporation’s Woocheen business unit and includes seafood businesses in the UK, Norway and Iceland.
Sealaska said the transaction represents the first step in its strategy to realise value from Woocheen’s global business platform while enabling investment in shareholder programmes benefiting its communities.
NESI supplies fresh and frozen fish and seafood to retailers and foodservice operators across the UK and northern Europe. Its product portfolio includes tuna, salmon and shellfish, alongside private-label and branded offerings such as Leap Fish and Fish Said Fred.
The company processes seafood across three UK sites in Chessington, Grimsby and Paignton, serving customers through its established manufacturing and distribution network.
Expanding seafood sourcing and product development
Sojitz plans to use the acquisition to strengthen seafood supply networks, particularly for white fish and other seafood products in Europe and the US.
The company also intends to expand its customer base, improve manufacturing capabilities and develop products tailored to local market requirements.
SFIH’s sourcing networks in Norway and Iceland are expected to support access to white fish raw materials, creating opportunities to develop and commercialise higher-value seafood products.
Sojitz also identified growing consumer interest in ready-to-eat raw seafood, pre-seasoned ready-to-heat products, sushi and other Japanese food offerings.
These categories present opportunities for seafood processors to combine established supply chains with convenient, value-added products for retail and foodservice customers.
The acquisition aligns with Sojitz’s broader strategy of transferring Japanese food industry expertise and product concepts into overseas markets while strengthening local production capabilities.
Building a global seafood business
The deal follows several seafood investments by Sojitz in recent years. In 2022, the company acquired Japanese seafood processor Marine Foods Corporation from NH Foods.
In 2023, it increased its ownership of Japanese tuna supplier Try from 10% to full ownership. In 2024, it acquired the in-store sushi businesses of US-based Sushi Avenue.
Together, these transactions demonstrate Sojitz’s focus on expanding across seafood sourcing, processing and prepared-food categories.
With NESI and SFIH’s wider sourcing network, Sojitz aims to strengthen its position in international seafood markets while increasing its capacity to deliver differentiated products to retailers and foodservice customers.
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