COMPANIES

Cooke Inc announces acquisition of Copeinca, one of the world’s leading fishmeal producers

Lima, Peru, 8 November 2024 | The binding agreement is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be finalised later this month

Glenn Cooke, CEO de Cooke Seafood

Cooke Inc., a family-owned Canadian company with extensive experience in the fishing and aquaculture industries, has announced a binding agreement to acquire Corporación Pesquera Inca (Copeinca), a Peruvian company recognised as one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of fishmeal and fish oil.  

According to a statement from Cooke, this acquisition is intended to bolster its marine ingredients business and diversify its portfolio across different regions and species, contributing to its goal of enhancing global food security.  

Glenn Cooke, CEO of the Canadian group, highlighted the strong synergy between Cooke and Copeinca, noting the vital role of fishmeal and fish oil in both animal and human nutrition.  

Meanwhile, José Miguel Tirado, CEO of Copeinca, underscored the company’s people-centred culture and its shared commitment to sustainability with Cooke.  

Cooke, founded in 1985 by the Cooke family in Blacks Harbour, New Brunswick, Canada, also highlighted that its entry into the marine ingredients sector is relatively recent, following its 2017 acquisition of Omega Protein Corporation, a leading producer of nutritional products specialising in oils and protein solutions.

Copeinca, fábrica harina y aceite de pescado en Perú

Copeinca employs 2,770 people, operates 45 vessels, and runs 8 processing plants along Peru’s northern and central coasts. It holds the largest anchoveta quota in the country, accounting for 15.9% of the total, and processes around 21% of Peru’s national catch.

Cooke Inc. began as a modest aquaculture operation with a single marine farm site and a production capacity of 5,000 salmon in 1985. Over the years, it has grown into a global seafood leader, employing more than 13,000 people worldwide.

Copeinca is advised by Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Antarctica Advisors International Corp. The agreement remains subject to standard closing conditions and is expected to be completed by the end of November.

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