Stavis Seafoods, a Boston, Massachusetts-based international importer and first receiver of frozen and fresh seafood, announced on January 17 that CEO Richard Stavis will relinquish his post as the company has entered into a strategic partnership with IMV BV, a multinational fishing company based in the Netherlands with vessels and processing facilities around the globe.
Former President Chuck Marble has taken over as chief executive officer and is now in charge of day-to-day operations. Stavis remains on board in the role of chief sustainability officer and director of purchasing, where he will continue to work at expanding the company’s role in the industry and help to define seafood sustainability.
In a statement issued by Stavis Seafoods, the new strategic partnership enables it “to offer direct access and unparalleled supply chain visibility and traceability to customers for a wide variety of seafood. IMV’s international fleet of fishing vessels and processing facilities deliver vertical integration that will help expand our reach both domestically and internationally.”
The partnership includes financial support that provides Stavis with more resources to position the company for growth. IMV’s extensive industry and fishing expertise includes operations in different countries of South America, Asia, Africa and Europe. Its worldwide reach should provide a competitive advantage for Stavis, allowing it to show customers a direct connection to fishermen harvesting seafood right on the boat.
“For years, one of our main strategic goals was to become a more vertically integrated company so we could meet the ever-changing needs of our customers,” said Stavis. “This partnership not only offers direct access to high quality seafood, it also allows us to promote a simpler, more traceable sourcing solution. Consumers are getting more and more interested in seafood and this partnership makes us better equipped to meet their needs and answer their questions about how their seafood is sourced.”
“This is an exciting time,” added new CEO Marble. “The IMV partnership will increase our production and sourcing capabilities and allow us to target a larger scale of customer while having more control over our supply chain. Stavis has a long history of innovation and excellence in seafood and this relationship will help us continue that tradition by positioning us as a true international player in the industry.”
