Scouler Adds to Pet Food Portfolio with Frozen Fish Processing Plant

Nebraska-based Scoular has acquired Northwest Farm Food Cooperative’s frozen fish processing facility in Burlington, WA, to add to its pet food manufacturing portfolio.   

The facility upcycles fish trimmings by processing them into frozen fish ingredients for pet food manufacturers. This acquisition complements Scoular’s joint venture fishmeal processing facility in Warrenton, OR.

Both facilities strengthen Scoular’s assets and capabilities to serve pet food customers with a sustainable supply of high-quality fish ingredients year-round.  

“We’re excited to welcome the Burlington employees to the Scoular team and look forward to serving existing and new pet food customers as we grow this business,” said Chad Gauger, Scoular Vice President for High Nutritional Value Proteins.   

For decades, Scoular has provided upcycled fish trimmings through its broad portfolio of products. This latest acquisition enhances Scoular’s product offerings with a supply of salmon, tuna, sole, cod, hake, and other critical pet food ingredients. 

“Scoular has been working directly with Northwest Farm Food for many years, and they are a well-respected producer of frozen fish ingredients for pet food. We are excited to continue to build on this reputation and for the opportunity to bring new products to the pet food industry,” said Justin Stadden, Scoular’s Frozen Ingredient commercial leader.  

Scouler's JV, which occured last October, is with Da Yang Seafood and Bornstein Seafoods upcycle fish trimmings. The facility will upcycle Da Yang and Bornstein fish trimmings from their nearby seafood processing plants. The trimmings will be processed into fishmeal and fish oil, ingredients in pet food and aquaculture markets, and both marketed under Scoular’s Encompass brand.

Processing was to begin at the new $17.5 million facility in early 2023.