Alaska-based Peter Pan Seafood bought Trapper’s Creek Smoking Company, a local company, and acquired its brands and a smokehouse.
The fee was not disclosed by either party.
Brands set to become part of Peter Pan include Copper River Smoking Company, Alaska’s Best and Eat Like a Grizzly. The Trapper’s Creek Smokehouse is based in Anchorage, Alaska.
Peter Pan aims to “expand with the addition of smoking capabilities” and further grow in Alaska. Today, its King Cove production facility is the largest salmon processing facility in Alaska.
Peter Pan was sold by Japanese seafood giant Maruha Nichiro in 2020 to Alaska-based Rodger May (now chief growth officer) and private equity firm McKinley Capital Management. In January 2021, the seafood business became a vertically integrated seafood processor under this new ownership.
“We are committed to creating jobs in Alaska and in the US, and this is another example of that commitment,” May said.
“We will bring our strong commitment to key stakeholders, including the employees, customers, fleet, suppliers, business partners and communities of both companies.”
Peter Pan sells its products globally and its best sellers are salmon, crab, halibut, cod, and haddock.
“We are very proud to add these brands, including the Copper River brand, to the Peter Pan Seafood portfolio,” said Peter Pan CEO Kevin Bixler. “This will drive our continued growth in new channels and value-added products.”
Trapper’s Creek owner Andi Wahry will work with the company as a consultant to ensure a smooth transition.
“I always envisioned a long and successful road for this company,” Wahry said. “I am excited to see how the brand will thrive with Peter Pan at the helm.”
