Peter Pan to Buy Trapper’s Creek Smoking Co.
Jerky Works
Trapper’s Creek brands include Copper River Smoking Company, Alaska’s Best, and Eat Like a Grizzly.
“We are very proud to add these brands, including the Copper River brand, to the Peter Pan Seafood portfolio,” Peter Pan CEO Kevin Bixler says.
From its smokehouse near midtown Anchorage, Trapper’s Creek makes salmon jerky, hot- and cold-smoked fish, gift packs, and custom packages for fresh-caught salmon, halibut, or crab. The company has four drop-off locations on the Kenai Peninsula.
“We are committed to creating jobs in Alaska and in the United States, and this is another example of that commitment,” says Peter Pan President and Chief Growth Officer Rodger May. “We will bring our strong commitment to key stakeholders including employees, customers, fleet, suppliers, business partners, and communities for both companies.”
Trapper’s Creek Smoking Co.’s current owner Andi Wahry will stay on in an advisory role to ensure a smooth transition. “I’ve always envisioned a long and successful path for this company,” Wahry says. “I’m excited to see how the brand will thrive with Peter Pan at the helm.”
Making History
The track of oil and gas development in Alaska shows the footprints of bold companies and hard-working individuals who shaped the industry in the past and continue to innovate today. The May 2024 issue of Alaska Business explores that history while looking forward to new product development, the energy transition for the fishing fleet, and the ethics of AI tools in business.