Bolton Group, a family-owned Italian food producer, has announced its decision to close a canned fish factory in Quimper, France. The facility, known for producing tinned mackerel and sardines, is expected to cease operations by the end of 2024. The company cited various factors such as changes in consumer preferences, rising production costs, inflation, and market share erosion as reasons for the closure.
According to the group, the decline in sales since 2020 has led to excess production capacity, impacting all European sites within the company. Despite efforts to improve utilization at the Quimper site, it remains one of the lowest within Bolton Food.
Employees at the Quimper site will meet with company representatives to discuss the closure and the possible social support measures that may be offered to affected workers. We has reached out to Bolton Group for confirmation regarding the relocation of production for its canned fish brands and the potential impact on jobs.
Bolton’s canned fish brands include Saupiquet, Rio, Palmera, Isabel, and Wild Planet. Wild Planet Foods, the producer of Wild Planet, was acquired by Bolton Group in 2021. The company also owns Cuca tinned mussels, Simmenthal canned beef, and Prima ketchup.
Quimper is Bolton’s only food production site in France, with seven additional facilities in Europe and the US. In 2022, Bolton Group reported revenues of €3.2 billion, with food products accounting for over 40% of annual sales.
