Seafood Connection acquires stake in Van der Lee

Seafood Connection has acquired a 70% majority stake in Van der Lee Seafish, officially confirming the longstanding collaboration between the two companies. “The trust has always been there; this transaction is a formal confirmation of that,” says Gijs van der Lee.

The acquisition supports Seafood Connection’s ambition to strengthen the value chain for sustainable food products, with a focus on both seafood and plant-based alternatives. Van der Lee Seafish brings modern production capacity and deep expertise in Atlantic fish species and processed products such as breaded and pre-fried fish.

Targeted growth in Europe

This strategic move is part of the 2025–2027 Midterm Management Plan from parent company Maruha Nichiro. The plan identifies Europe as a key growth region, emphasising vertical integration and international expansion. For Seafood Connection, the acquisition accelerates its existing strategy of combining organic growth with targeted M&A. “Alongside our organic growth, acquisitions are an important way to speed up our expansion in the European market,” says CEO Jan Kaptijn.

Expanded assortment and sales channels

Van der Lee’s products – ranging from Atlantic fish to plant-based – are a valuable addition to Seafood Connection’s existing offering. “Given our strong position in the European retail market, this is a welcome extension to our assortment,” says COO Klaas Hakvoort.

The collaboration enables broader market access: Van der Lee will gain entry to Seafood Connection’s extensive European retail and wholesale network, while Seafood Connection strengthens its position in the foodservice segment. Both companies will continue to operate under their existing names and structures.

Seafoodconnection.nl