American processing giant Acme Smoked Fish Corp., based in Brooklyn, New York, has acquired rival smoked fish brand Banner Smoked Fish.
The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Banner’s Founder Avi Attias and his son, Eli Attias, will join Acme, moving operations from Coney Island to Acme’s Greenpoint facility. Both brands will continue offering smoked and cured fish under their respective names.
Adam Caslow, Acme’s Managing Partner, expressed optimism about a seafood industry turnaround and indicated openness to further acquisitions.
“We’re thrilled to bring two family businesses together on a shared mission to make exceptional smoked fish,” said Caslow. “It’s an exciting time to work together with the Attias family; our shared legacy and commitment to quality will enable us to better serve our expanding customer base.”
Banner, founded in 1988, has a similar product line to Acme and primarily serves the bagel and deli market in New York City and Philadelphia. Acme’s products are certified kosher, while Banner holds a higher kosher endorsement from the Central Rabbinical Congress, appealing to certain higher-level kosher stores.
Caslow noted that the acquisition is seamless due to the product similarities and the established relationships Banner has with its customers. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to maintain quality standards during the transition. This acquisition boosts Caslow’s optimism about Acme’s prospects and the overall seafood industry’s financial recovery in the latter half of the year.
