Peter Pan Seafood Becomes US-Owned, Vertically Integrated Seafood Processor
Commercial fishing pots in King Cove; Peter Pan Seafood is in the process of opening its King Cove facility for 2021.
Photo 115005800 © Robert M. Braley Jr. – Dreamstime.com
Peter Pan Seafood Company is a new, vertically integrated seafood company with deep Alaska roots. New Peter Pan is built on strong, mutually beneficial relationships with key stakeholders, including employees, customers, fleet, suppliers, business partners, and communities.
The new company combines the industry innovation and value-added sales channels of Northwest Fish Co. with the facilities, operations, and management of the legacy Peter Pan company.
The new ownership group is comprised of Rodger May of Northwest Fish, the Na’-Nuk Investment Fund (managed by McKinley Capital Management), and the RRG Global Partners Fund (managed by RRG Capital Management).
“As a lifelong Alaskan, I am enthusiastic about investing in the Alaska seafood industry, and especially in bringing a storied seafood processor like Peter Pan back under US and Alaska leadership. My partners and I want to show the world that Alaska offers world-class sustainable seafood investment opportunities that result in benefits to the state of Alaska, our fishing families and coastal communities, and investors,” says Rob Gillam, CEO and chief investment officer of McKinley Capital.
“Despite the struggles of 2020, consumer demand for wild, natural and sustainable Alaska seafood remains high. As markets begin to reopen and rebound, New Peter Pan is positioned to harness the brand strength of Alaska seafood as we transform the company and begin to create a new legacy.”
Northwest Fish was founded by entrepreneur Rodger May and is one of the fastest growing seafood companies in North America. May will join New Peter Pan leadership as president and chief growth officer.
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“Combining Northwest Fish and Peter Pan’s assets creates a vertically integrated, sustainable seafood platform,” says May. “New Peter Pan aligns the customer-focused mindset and value-added offerings we’ve developed at Northwest Fish with a high-quality Alaska seafood supply. This means that we’ll be able to provide more markets for the combined companies’ products and create opportunity throughout the entire supply chain.”
The New Peter Pan will continue to operate facilities in Dillingham, King Cove, Port Moller, and Valdez with headquarters in Bellevue, Washington. The new ownership group is committed to continuing operations with little disruption.
“King Cove is the first plant to open in the new year. We’re in the process of opening this facility and are focused on implementing a long-term strategy of hiring and empowering the most talented people in the industry. As a values-driven company, we share a commitment to quality, corporate stewardship, our employees, and to exceeding the expectations of our local fishing fleets, the communities where we operate, and our customers,” says May. “We are excited to embark with all of our key stakeholders on this journey to revitalize the company.”
New Peter Pan’s vision is to “produce sustainable seafood for the benefit of oceans and people.” At the core of its mission is a devotion to customers and stakeholders, and a desire to be a global supplier of top-quality, responsibly sourced seafood.
“We are passionate about supporting local fishing communities and providing healthy, sustainable seafood to consumers across the globe while preserving ocean ecosystems,” says Ari Swiller, co-founder of RRG Capital Management. “We believe that sustainably managed, vertically integrated seafood companies are attractive investments and create environmental and social benefits. By focusing New Peter Pan on its customer and fleet services, we’re confident we can create tremendous value for our customers and our stakeholders.”
New Peter Pan will be a nimble, growth-oriented company with leadership intimately familiar with the communities in which it operates. It will also look globally for opportunities to achieve the highest value possible for Alaska’s seafood resources.
“Grounded in Alaska, acting globally. That’s one of our core values,” Gillam says.
In their company kitchens, the Corporate 100 blend wholesome ingredients with exquisite utensils to create the scrumptious ambrosia that keeps employees gratified and contented. Meet the top Alaska employers ranked by number of Alaskans on their payroll, and learn the recipe for success. This issue also includes a focus on economic development initiatives in Anchorage and Kodiak.