// Morrisons acquires Falfish, a wholesaler of sustainable seafood that has been a supplier to Morrisons for over 16 years
// The acquisition represents another significant investment in fresh food and foodmaking at Morrisons’ counters
// Over 80% of Morrisons fish and shellfish will now come from its wholly owned seafood operations
Morrisons has acquired Cornish seafood supplier Falfish, which has supplied the Big 4 retailer for 16 years, for an undisclosed sum.
The Bradford-based Morrisons said the deal meant it has now become the first UK supermarket to own its own fishing boat.
It also marks the latest move by Morrisons to own parts of its supply chain, with more than 80 per cent of its fish and shellfish now due to come through its wholly-owned supply chain.
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Falfish, which operates from two sites in Redruth and Falmouth docks, secured around 50 per cent of its annual £40 million turnover from Morrisons.
Morrisons said the move also reinforces its commitment for sustainable seafood and fish.
It comes after rivals Sainsbury’s and Tesco reduced their numbers of fresh fish and meat counters, with the retailers saying this was driven by a change in customer demand.
“Falfish is a great fit with Morrisons; not only is it a great British company supplying high quality fish and shellfish, but they also share our passion for sustainability and for local sourcing,” Morrisons manufacturing director Andrew Thornber said.
“Bringing Falfish into Morrisons further strengthens our position as Britain’s biggest foodmaker.
“Our manufacturing operations employ around 9000 people at 19 sites throughout Britain, providing around 25 per cent of everything that Morrisons sells.”
Falfish’s 140 staff will transfer to Morrisons, the retailer said.
Falfish managing director Mark Greet said: “Falfish has been a supplier to Morrisons since 2004 and over the years this has become a very strong partnership.
“For my father Ian and our family, as part of the Cornish community, this acquisition ensures the continuing ethos of Falfish in upholding our relationships and values, and strengthens this for our colleagues, for the South West fishing fleet, and for all of our customers and stakeholders.
“The acquisition is great news for Falfish’s Cornish operations and the wider community, bringing investment and access to many new opportunities.”
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