Austral acquires QLD-based seafood processor

WA-based commercial fishing company Austral Fisheries has acquired Brisbane-based seafood processor Moreton Bay Seafoods.

Austral Fisheries, based in West Leederville, is one of Australia's largest vertically integrated commercial fishing companies.

Chief executive David Carter said the company was delighted for the addition of Moreton Bay Seafoods’ skills, experience and capability.

“I would like to especially acknowledge the Moreton Bay Seafoods management team for creating a work environment that is stable, respectful, safe, and ultimately productive,” he said.

“These values closely align with our own and we will be working hard to preserve this culture into the future.

“The investment recognises the strategic importance that provenance branded seafood has to our future.

“Having a dedicated capacity for processing seafood allows us to better meet consumer needs and ensure greater control over quality and consistency.”

Austral Fisheries sales and marketing general manager Dylan Skinns said the company's retail range for prawns could now be expanded.

“We have seen growing demand from consumers not just for Aussie-caught seafood, but for Aussie-processed seafood as well," he said.

Austral expects the move will increase the processing facility's overall volumes with its combined catch and expand the company's trading with east coast suppliers.