Tlingit & Haida Acquires Alaska Seafood Company
The Alaska Seafood Company retail location in Juneau.
Tlingit & Haida
A Juneau company that distributes salmon, halibut, black cod, and caviar worldwide is now under tribal ownership. The Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska purchased the Alaska Seafood Company, a retail and wholesale provider in business since 1987.
A Deal in the Can
The Alaska Seafood Company operates a small storefront on Concrete Way in Juneau. It also distributes fresh and frozen seafood, smoked (hot and cold) canned or jarred salmon or black cod, and pet treats to gift shops and big box retailers throughout Alaska and the Northwest. Shoppers can also order products online.
Tlingit & Haida chief development officer Will Ware led the acquisition with the tribal development team. The transaction price was not disclosed.
“We are excited to be adding the Alaska Seafood Company to the family of Tlingit & Haida owned businesses,” says Ware. “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.”
Current Issue
May 2024
Alaska Seafood Company was the first in the state to produce smoked salmon using the retort pouch or “soft can” method of canning. The company cornered the market with this method, which allows for shelf-stable seafood products with no refrigeration necessary.
“This is another solid investment for Tlingit & Haida that not only supports our region’s fishery economy but also enhances our economic sovereignty,” says President Richard (Chalyee Éesh) Peterson. “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.”
Tlingit & Haida has been expanding its commercial holdings lately, closing in March on the purchase of the Driftwood Lodge and Sandpiper Café in the Aak’w Village District near downtown Juneau.
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.