Buchan company Whitelink Seafoods is targeting a buoyant market for scallops in mainland Europe with a new acquisition.
The Fraserburgh-based seafood processor has just bought a boat to help drive up its shellfish sales.
Whitelink did not put a value on its latest investment but director Graeme Sutherland said it was “significant”.
He added: “It will not only help us improve our supply channels to the European export market but will create more jobs within the business.
“We currently have 250 staff employed in Fraserburgh, France, Germany, Spain and Iceland.
“The seafish market is still very healthy here in the north-east and there is a great appetite for what we can catch here abroad. Our main market is the European export sector.”
Launched in 1974, Whitelink is run by the Sutherland family and has operations in France, Germany, Spain and Iceland.
The firm’s new boat, the Georgia Dawn, was build at Macduff Shipyards in 2005 for George Jack, of Avoch.
It was named after his daughter and he port registration number (INS 140) was from a vessel, Monadhliath, that was owned by his father.
Whitelink’s purchase, which was supported by the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), is just one part of the firm’s plans for growth.
Mr Sutherland said: “Fishing and fish processing is a traditional industry but we need to invest and keep moving with the times if we want to remain ahead.”
Gregor Stewart from the RBS corporate and commercial team in Aberdeen, said: “Whitelink is a great example of the quality and skills that the north of Scotland brings to the global seafood industry.
“The company has a great legacy and we are delighted to be able to help the Sutherland family take the company forward and build on 41 years of success.”
According to industry leadership body Scotland Food and Drink, food and drink has been Scotland’s fastest growing industry for exports in recent years as overseas markets snap up more produce such as seafood and whisky.
Sales of Scottish brands in the UK have risen 35% since 2007 and exports are up over 50% in the same period.