American Food Partners Acquires Sea Fresh USA
NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI – American Food Partners (AFP) has acquired 100 percent of Sea Fresh USA, a leading U.S. processor and supplier of premium, wild-caught Loligo squid. The first acquisition into the AFP portfolio provides an exciting start for the ownership’s U.S. presence.
Market Access: The deal gives direct access to the U.S. retail and foodservice markets through an established, high-quality domestic brand.
Fully Integrated Infrastructure: The transaction includes Sea Fresh USA’s land-based assets, highlighting its BRC-certified processing facility in North Kingstown, Rhode Island.
Docking & Supply Continuity: Sea Fresh USA's affiliated docking operations at Handrigan Seafoods in Galilee, Rhode Island, will continue to unload, buy fish, and provide ice and shoreside services to independent and company-owned vessels, ensuring stability for local commercial fishermen.
Sustainability & Portfolio: Sea Fresh USA will maintain its focus on Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)-certified Loligo and Ilex squid, alongside its existing fluke, sushi tuna, and groundfish offerings.
"This transition ensures a strong future for the business, our local fishermen, and our employees who have driven our success since 1981,” said James Fox, owner of Sea Fresh USA.
"It is an honor to continue Jim Fox's legacy and work alongside Sea Fresh's highly experienced management team," said Ignacio Tirado, President of Océano Seafoods and princpal of American Food Partners. "Our objective is to continue actively investing in and growing the U.S. operations while integrating our global supply capabilities to better serve our combined customer base."
Antarctica Advisors LLC, a specialized seafood industry investment banking firm, acted as the exclusive corporate financial advisor to Sea Fresh USA throughout the structuring and execution of the transaction.
About Sea Fresh USA
Established in 1981, Sea Fresh USA is a vertically integrated seafood processing and distribution company specializing in wild-caught domestic squid. With processing infrastructure in North Kingstown, RI, and dedicated fleet offloading via Handrigan Seafoods in Galilee, RI, the company supplies premium, sustainably caught seafood to private label and foodservice markets worldwide.