Mark Foods and Arista Seafood merge to create $800m seafood giant

Mark Foods and Arista Industries‘ Seafood Division have agreed to merge, creating a frozen seafood conglomerate with annual revenues exceeding $800 million. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The newly combined entity will operate under the name Mark Foods and will be a leading U.S. importer, processor, and marketer of premium seafood products like Chilean Sea Bass, Lobster, and Wild-Caught Shrimp. Barry Markman, the CEO of Mark Foods, and Alan Weitzer, the President of Arista Industries, announced the merger, which will result in the workforce doubling to over 50 employees and a combined sales team of 20 individuals.

Talent Pool and Sales Team Expansion

“We are pleased to welcome Arista Seafood and its team to Mark Foods’ premier seafood sourcing and distribution platform. Together, we will be a leading importer of premium seafood with more scale, a broader product offering and new expansion opportunities. I have long admired the Arista Seafood team and the business they have built, and I am thrilled to welcome them to the Mark Foods family. Looking ahead, our combined leadership team is eager to work together in delivering the highest-quality seafood to our customers,” said Barry Markman. The addition of Arista’s General Manager Joe Weitzer and the entire Arista team significantly expands the talent pool and sales operations of Mark Foods.

A Strong Partnership for Future Growth

Alan Weitzer noted, “We are excited to have found a strong partner in Mark Foods. With the entire Arista Seafood team joining Mark Foods, we anticipate a seamless transition for our customer and supplier partners. Mark Foods’ and Arista’s cultural alignment on commitment to quality, service and sustainability positions the combined company for long-term success to the benefit of our customers, suppliers and employees.” With the completion of the transaction, all Arista Industries shareholders have become shareholders in Mark Foods, while Mr. Markman remains the controlling shareholder.

Focus on Expansion Initiatives

The merger is the latest in a series of growth initiatives undertaken by Mark Foods in recent years. It includes a significant interest in Endeavor Seafoods and the construction of Openwater Seafoods, a leading processing facility for Chilean Sea Bass. The merger does not include Arista’s specialty oils business, which will continue to operate as Arista Industries, Inc. with no changes in ownership or management.

Building on Past Achievements

In 2021, Arista Industries acquired Penguin Frozen Foods, a leading distributor of gulf domestic shrimp, and in 2022 Mark Foods expanded its operations by hiring industry veteran Josh Burman to launch a fresh fish importing operation. This marks another milestone in the industry as the companies combine their market presence and expertise.