One of the world’s leading sustainable tuna supply companies has announced the sale of its global tuna supply business to its longtime partner, Bolton Group.
Bolton Group has held significant minority interest in Tri Marine since 2013, and with this transaction Bolton Group now owns 100% of Tri Marine’s tuna supply chain business.
Tri Marine goes back to 1971 as a privately-owned company, operating one of the world’s most extensive and sophisticated tuna supply businesses, with numerous subsidiaries around the globe.
The new owners intend to retain the Tri Marine name and support the continued growth of the company.
Bolton Group, also a privately-owned company, is a significant player in the international consumer goods market across various product sectors, including home and personal care, adhesives and cosmetics in addition to its food industry interests.
It is the European leader of the canned tuna market with globally recognised brands such as Rio Mare, Saupiquet and Isabel.
The longtime partnership between Tri Marine and Bolton Group has greatly improved the sustainability of tuna supply worldwide. Both companies are founding members of the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF).
Since the management buyout in 1985, Tri Marine CEO Renato Curto has led the company and under his management it has expanded its global reach and influence, and has led the industry with transparent and sustainable operations. From directly participating in by-catch mitigation research to achieving Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Fair Trade Certifications, Tri Marine and its partners have been industry innovators all along.
‘Bolton has been a valued Tri Marine customer and partner for a very long time,’ Renato Curto said.
‘This transaction ensures our growth and success well into the future. It places Tri Marine employees, partners, suppliers and customers in highly capable hands. I am grateful that Bolton recognises the strategic value of maintaining Tri Marine’s existing workforce, network of suppliers and global customer base. We can now focus on the group’s core business and continue to move in the direction that today’s world commands. I am proud of this transaction and know that Bolton is committed to our shared values of transparency, environmental and social responsibility, sustainability, quality and innovation.’
Renato Curto will continue to serve as CEO of Tri Marine during a transition period.
‘We are proud of our longtime partnership with Tri Marine and welcome the company into our family. We look forward to this exciting new chapter of providing customers worldwide with the highest-quality, sustainably caught tuna. We will continue to build on Tri Marine’s legacy in the industry,’ said Bolton Group CEO Marina Nissim.
