Dutch vessel owner and fresh seafood supplier Zeevishandel Mercuur sees its newly-acquired Belgian firms as a potential route to dealing with retailers, director Rosemarie van Duijn told Undercurrent News.
Zeevishandel Mercuur, based in the port of IJmuiden, has bought Belgian processor Multi-Fish, and several other companies previously owned by Fox Holdings, a group built up by entrepreneur Donaat De Vos. As well as Multi-Fish, Fox also sold Verbiest, Transaqua, Daniel’s Visbedrijf, Mosselman Seafood, F. Verleye and Het Viskraam.
“Combined, our companies have greater knowledge of markets,” said van Duijn. “We’re still looking for synergies we can implement, but we expect to capitalize on economies of scale; for instance, both firms are sourcing from Iceland. There are chances to bring our costs down.”
She emphasized that it remained to be seen what the deal would mean for the firms, but said she envisaged new opportunities in terms of processing and products. “The Belgian companies are very good, they’re up-to-date with technology and certifications, so we don’t need to invest in them for now.”
The former Fox Holdings companies — unlike Zeevishandel Mercuur — do some business to retailers, she noted. “So, it looks like a stronger chance to look at this business.”
While the potential was unknown at this point, van Duijn noted the “world is becoming smaller”, and that the company would likely look beyond the Dutch borders in dealing with European retailers.
“I think we’re seeing more consolidation, with a view to building stronger traders, and some catering to retail,” she said, asked about the proliferation of Dutch (and other European) suppliers. “It’s certainly easier to talk to retail when you’re a bit bigger and stronger.”
However, she also noted seafood was a growing market, with more “shops within shops” established in retailers, and more seafood selling in restaurants.
Zeevishandel Mercuur has been around for more than 30 years and sells under its “Mr Vis” brand. Van Duijn said that while this acquisition was the result of “an opportunity that came by” with a group of companies it knew well, it sees itself as “okay for now” in terms of further acquisitions.
“It’s important to grow at a good pace, steady but constant,” she said. Now, the group of firms together should have a turnover of around €100 million, she estimated.
Zeevishandel Mercuur does some export business, to Switzerland, the UK, Germany, and Belgium; its new acquisitions only do a little, to Switzerland, she said. While Mr Vis products are largely wild-caught — sourced from the firm’s own two vessels and bought at auctions around the Netherlands and abroad — farmed imports are becoming increasingly important.
She also noted both her firm’s trawlers utilize pulse trawls. The EU is moving towards a potential ban on the practice, with a “trilogue” set for later this year. “I really hope people look again at the science and data of this, instead of listening to the emotional arguments which have been shouted the loudest so far,” she said.
“The sector worked hard to find this sustainable, efficient method of fishing, and I don’t understand why people want to ban it.”
