Netherlands-based seafood supplier Zalmhuys has taken a significant step by acquiring a majority interest in BML Food Group, an importer in the seafood sector.
According to Zalmhuys, this acquisition “strengthens” its standing within the European seafood landscape, with BML contributing “extensive shrimp expertise” to the company. Zalmhuys anticipates leveraging BML’s broad international supplier network and established customer base.
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in The Hague, BML specializes in the import and distribution of shrimp and various frozen seafood items from its cold storage facilities located in Lekkerkerk and Breda. The company has successfully exported its products to over 30 countries while offering private-label seafood options alongside its own brand, Ben’s Easy Kitchen, to wholesalers, manufacturers, and retailers.
Post-acquisition, Zalmhuys is projecting its annual revenue to approach around €600 million ($650 million). Ben Slothouber and Graeme Kerr, the current shareholders of BML, will continue their roles as directors and hold a minority stake in the entity.
Harm ten Napel, managing director of Zalmhuys, remarked, “We have developed from a salmon business into a broad supplier of fish and seafood. Our aim is to offer customers as much of their seafood range as possible from within one group: ‘all your seafood in one place’. BML’s expertise in shrimp fits well with that approach. Its strength lies in its independent entrepreneurship, which is why BML will continue to operate under the leadership of Ben and Graeme and retain its own position in the market.”
Slothouber expressed his intention to gradually lessen his involvement, stating, “Our discussions with Zalmhuys quickly established mutual trust and respect. They had clearly taken the time to understand our company and the market in which we operate. That combination gave me confidence that BML will be in good hands.”
Based in Urk in the northern Netherlands, Zalmhuys employs about 600 staff members and manages various enterprises, including Het Urker Zalmhuys, Ocean Fish, Anova Seafood, and Baarssen Fish Processing.