Pacific Seafood acquires Trident’s Kodiak processing operations

Pacific Seafood has finalized the acquisition of Trident Seafoods’ Kodiak processing operations, a transformative move that expands Pacific’s reach in the Alaskan seafood industry. The deal includes three processing plants—Star of Kodiak, Alkod, and Kodiak Near Island—along with the Plaza bunkhouse apartments for employee housing. By retaining Trident’s workforce, the acquisition ensures job continuity and stability for the Alaskan fishing community, a vital part of Kodiak’s economy.

This Pacific Seafood acquisition underscores the company’s commitment to vertical integration, providing direct access to wild whitefish, Pacific cod, pollock, and other Alaskan species. Ashton Meier, Vice President of Processing at Pacific, emphasized that Kodiak is renowned for its sustainable fishing practices and praised the collaboration with local teams, the fishing fleet, and the wider community to unlock new opportunities for the region.

Strengthening the Seafood Supply Chain

With over 40 facilities across the U.S. and Canada, Pacific Seafood is a leader in the seafood supply chain, recognized for its ability to support seafood industry growth. The addition of Trident’s Kodiak facilities enhances the company’s capacity to deliver a consistent wild whitefish supply and other Alaskan products.

Meier, who will oversee the newly combined Kodiak processing operations, is working closely with local teams to ensure a seamless transition and to prepare for the upcoming cod and pollock seasons. This expansion positions Pacific to better support its fishing partners while strengthening the economic foundation of the Alaskan fishing community.

Founded in 1941 as a family-owned seafood retailer in Portland, Oregon, Pacific Seafood has grown into a global distributor under the leadership of third-generation CEO Frank Dulcich. The company has consistently prioritized sustainable fishing practices and community engagement while driving innovation in the seafood industry.

Trident Seafoods Restructuring

For Trident Seafoods, this sale is part of a broader Trident Seafoods restructuring plan announced in December 2023. The company has been modernizing its Alaska operations and streamlining its facilities to focus on long-term sustainability and operational efficiency. Despite selling its Kodiak facilities, Trident remains a major player in North America, harvesting and processing species such as pollock, salmon, crab, and halibut.

Trident’s Kodiak plants have been critical in processing a wide range of species, ensuring the economic vitality of the Alaskan fishing community. This transition aligns with recommendations from Alaska’s Bycatch Task Force, which advocates for rationalization programs to maintain sustainable and competitive Kodiak processing operations. Both Pacific and Trident have emphasized the importance of these programs for securing the long-term health of Alaska’s fisheries.

Industry Significance

This Pacific Seafood acquisition is a strategic milestone, solidifying the company’s position in Alaska while providing direct access to vital resources. The collaboration between Pacific and Trident highlights a shared commitment to sustainable fishing practices and underscores the need to support the seafood industry’s growth in a challenging market.

The retention of jobs, stability for the local economy, and support for Kodiak’s fleet reflect Pacific’s dedication to strengthening its partnerships across the region. The continued operation of these Kodiak processing operations ensures that Kodiak remains a key hub in the global seafood supply chain.