By NIyi JACOBS
Tantalizers Plc, one of Nigeria’s prominent food service companies, has announced its strategic expansion into the nation’s Blue Economy sector, acquiring 10 fully equipped modern fishing trawlers worth approximately $10 million.
The bold move is part of the company’s diversification plans aimed at unlocking growth opportunities across critical sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The acquisition, facilitated under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Tantalizers Plc and a U.S.-based marine consortium led by Mr. Charles Quinn, Consortium Chairman, marks a significant milestone in the company’s entry into the lucrative seafood industry. The trawlers, equipped with cutting-edge gadgets for deep-sea fishing operations, are scheduled to arrive in Nigeria by May 2025 from their current base in Honduras and New Bedford, USA.
The new venture will be operated by a newly established subsidiary, Tantalizers Fisheries Limited, which aims to boost Nigeria’s seafood production and strengthen its position in the global seafood value chain. According to the company, the trawlers will be deployed to enhance commercial fishing operations targeting high-value species such as prawns, shrimps, scallops, and other crustacean sea products.
In addition to the acquisition, Tantalizers Plc has partnered with the American fisheries consortium to enhance food production, processing, and export capabilities. The collaboration covers technical expertise, operational capacity building, and export market access, designed to position Tantalizers Plc as a key player in the emerging private-sector-led Blue Economy.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held in New Bedford, Massachusetts, USA, Tantalizers Plc’s Group Managing Director, Mr. Rob Speijer, expressed optimism about the company’s new direction.
“This acquisition and partnership will transform Tantalizers Plc into a Nigerian multinational and deepen our inroad to a fully diversified ‘foodtainment conglomerate’ with interests spanning entertainment, quick-service restaurant chain, fisheries, seafood processing, and export,” Mr. Speijer said.
The partnership will also ensure compliance with global best practices in sustainable fishing and seafood processing, aligning with international standards to guarantee Nigerian seafood products meet global export requirements.
By diversifying into the Blue Economy, Tantalizers Plc aims to not only contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth but also enhance the nation’s seafood export capacity, creating jobs and driving foreign exchange earnings.
