Oldest fishing business is bought by Falklands firm

THE oldest fishing business in Cornwall has been acquired by a Falkland Islands business.

- by OLIVIER VERGNAULT

The Ocean Fish Group, a family-owned fishing and processing business with headquarters in Roche, has been taken over by Fortuna Ltd.

The company, based in the Falkland Islands, is a leading fishing quota and vessel owner in the region, specifically known for its fleet of factory freezer boats and frozen-at-sea fish products.

The acquisition was made official as bosses at the two firms said it would help Ocean Fish become a £100 million-turnover business by 2030 by opening it up to the global market.

Ocean Fish, which was previously majority owned by the Lakeman family who have been fishing in Cornwall for generations, has established itself as a leading supplier into wholesale, food service and retail customers in the UK and Europe in recent years through the acquisitions of W Stevenson and Sons in Newlyn and a recent joint venture with Chapman's of Sevenoaks.