Morrisons has acquired Cornish seafood supplier Falfish, which has supplied the grocer for 16-years for an undisclosed sum.
The Bradford-based retailer said the deal meant it is the first UK supermarket to own its own fishing boat.
The decision to own parts of its supply chain means the grocer will receive 80 per cent of its fish and shellfish through its wholly-owned supply chain.
Falfish operates from two docks in Falmouth and Redruth and secured 50 per cent of its annual £40 million turnover from Morrisons.
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The news comes as rivals Sainsbury and Tesco reduced their numbers of fresh fish and meat due to changes in customer demands, according to the retailers.
“Falfish is a great fit with Morrisons; not only is it a great British company supplying high-quality fish and shellfish, but they also share our passion for sustainability and for local sourcing,” Morrisons manufacturing director Andrew Thornber said.
“Bringing Falfish into Morrisons further strengthens our position as Britain’s biggest food maker.
“Our manufacturing operations employ around 9000 people at 19 sites throughout Britain, providing around 25 per cent of everything that Morrisons sells.”
Falfish’s 140 staff will transfer to Morrisons, the retailer said.
Falfish managing director Mark Greet added: “Falfish has been a supplier to Morrisons since 2004 and over the years this has become a very strong partnership.
“For my father Ian and our family, as part of the Cornish community, this acquisition ensures the continuing ethos of Falfish in upholding our relationships and values, and strengthens this for our colleagues, for the South West fishing fleet, and for all of our customers and stakeholders.
“The acquisition is great news for Falfish’s Cornish operations and the wider community, bringing investment and access to many new opportunities.”
