Following the successful launch of a frozen range of value-added retail seafood products, the Grimsby-based CoolBrand team has officially made its hometown even cooler.
Saucy Fish Co.’s “Grimsby Just Got Cooler” messaging is now proudly displayed on the boundary sign of the seaport community situated on the east coast of England, welcoming everyone to the town that’s twinned with port city Bremerhaven in Germany. Saucy Fish debuted a frozen range in the UK earlier this year with a “Frozen Just Got Cooler” digital advertising and social media campaign that inspired the new Saucy signs in Grimsby.
Further up the busy A180 road, Saucy Fish has also sponsored the Lockhill roundabout, which now features cool banners. The company is owned by Icelandic Seachill, which operates two processing plants on either side of the A180 entrance to Grimsby
Board Vice Chair at the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership, Stephen Savage, commented: “Saucy Fish Co. are known for being one of Humber’s most vibrant brands, so it’s great to see them adding a splash of color to Grimsby.”
Saucy Fish Co. Brand Manager Anne Laudage added: “We are proud to be from Grimsby, so we are shouting it from the rooftops – and the roundabouts!”
Icelandic Seachill, which employs approximately 750 people and is a major supplier of fresh and frozen seafood to British retailers, has been on the block since April. Íslandsbanki and UK-based Oghma Partners have been engaged to manage its sale for the Enterprise Investment Fund (EIF), which holds 100% of Icelandic Group stock. EIF owns and manages all Icelandic Seafood brands and provides various services to license holders and other producers in Iceland. Its primary partners are Solo Seafood of Spain, and Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada-based Highliner Foods.
According to a report published by the Grimsby Telegraph earlier this month, Hilton Food Group, a Huntingdon, UK-based meat specialist, is a potential buyer for Icelandic Seachill. While the Grimsby company has been mum on the matter, Hilton has confirmed it was “at an early stage of discussions” in relation to an acquisition.
A spokesman for the £1.2 billion company, which logged profits of £34 million in 2016, commented: “There can be no certainty at this time whether any agreement on such transaction will be reached, and a further announcement will be made as and when appropriate.”
Icelandic Seachill posted an operating profit of £4.3 million last year. The frozen line offered by its Saucy Fish unit include Salmon with Chilli, Lime & Ginger Dressing, Sea Bass with Salsa Verde, Smoked Haddock with Vintage Cheddar & Chive Sauce, and two fishcake varieties.
