Filer, Idaho-headquartered Riverence Holdings has acquired Clear Springs Foods, rainbow trout producer with a 54-year legacy of fish farming in the Snake River Canyon of Southern Idaho’s Magic Valley. The buyer’s businesses now include Riverence Brood in Washington, Riverence Farms in Idaho, and Clear Springs, making it the largest land-based producer of steelhead and rainbow trout in the Americas.
The Magic Valley will continue to be the base of operations for both Riverence and Clear Springs Foods, with the intent to maintain existing brands, team members and the markets they serve. Together, the companies employ over 450 people.
“We believe in aquaculture and sustainable, land-based production of seafood,” said Rob Young, chief executive officer of Riverence. “With this investment, we are deepening our commitment to doing what’s right in support of our communities, the fish we produce, and the natural resources we share. Together, we stand ready to redefine farm-raised fish and the future of American aquaculture.”
“We’re starting to reimagine the potential of the US trout industry,” said Clear Springs Foods CEO Jeff Jermunson. “We are honored to begin the next chapter of our company’s long history as part of the Riverence family.
Founded in 1966 by Jess O. “Ted” Eastman as Clear Springs Trout, the company expanded steadily over the decades to become a processor of more than 25 million pounds per year and major supplier of frozen as well as dressed chilled fish to both foodservice and retail sectors. Among its numerous value-added product offerings are clear-cut butterfly style boneless rainbow trout fillets, crunchy potato rainbow trout fillets, parmesan crusted rainbow trout and pecan crusted rainbow trout.
Together with Clear Springs Foods, Riverence controls the supply chain from brood stock to delivery to distributors. Its portfolio now includes 14 farms able to produce more than 15,000 metric tons annually, four brood stations, two processing facilities, a value-added processing facility, a waste recovery plant, and a feed mill – all of which are BAP-certified or pursuing certification. Shared resources also include a modern fleet of 12 over-the-road tractor trailer combos providing nationwide market access to all Riverence and Clear Springs products.
