Juneau, Alaska-U.S.A. Alaska Seafood Company has been acquired by the Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska.
The company is a processor and provider of Alaska salmon, halibut, black cod, and caviar, selling to foodservice providers and retailers across the U.S. Northwest and operating its own online store allowing B2C sales.
The Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska is a Juneau-based tribal government representing more than 35,000 Tlingit and Haida Indians worldwide.
“This is another solid investment for Tlingit and Haida that not only supports our region's fishery economy, but also enhances our economic sovereignty,” Council President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson said in a press release. “This acquisition is really about supporting our tribal citizens and communities and providing the highest quality, sustainably harvested Alaskan seafood to those who want to experience the taste of Alaskan seafood.”
Alaska Seafood Company was founded in 1987 and pioneered the use of retort pouch “soft can” salmon canning, which enables the creation of self-stable seafood canning with no refrigeration necessary, according to the release. Today, beyond canned products, the company offers fresh and frozen salmon, hot- and cold-smoked salmon, salmon jerky, canned and smoked black code, and pet treats. Its products are popular in Alaska gift shops and are also carried by many big box retailers in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, according to Tlingit and Haida Chief Development Officer Will Ware.
"We are excited to be adding the Alaska Seafood Company to the family of Tlingit & Haida owned businesses," Ware said. "This is a business that aligns well with our cultural way of life. We will be looking to expand on custom processing and value-added opportunities, as well as eventually working with tribal citizen-owned fishing operations to market the most amazing seafood in the world."
