In a primary sector where the product has traditionally lacked a strong brand identity, consumers are often unaware of the origin or the effort behind each catch. To change the game and lead the revitalization of fishing in the Basque Country, Kofradia Basque Seafood was created. This commercial and strategic project enters the market with a clear philosophy: to transform the classic marketing model by focusing on modernization and direct industrialization.
Far from being just another intermediary, the new entity represents the direct commitment of the fishermen themselves and the institutions to guarantee a prosperous future for Basque ports. This unprecedented union is the result of a historic agreement promoted by the Basque public administration and the sector itself. Thus, the company is equally owned, with 33% each, by the fishermen's guilds of Gipuzkoa (Opegui) and Bizkaia (Opescaya), along with the Hazi Foundation of the Basque Government, through its financial arm, Hazilur.
"We seek to revolutionize the marketing of fish, applying new market models and digital traceability that position the Basque product as a benchmark of quality and sustainability at an international level," emphasizes Javier Bilbao, commercial director of the new entity.
All this institutional support translates into a solid financial and social foundation. With an initial investment estimated at around €3 million, the company's operational launch generates approximately 25 direct jobs distributed across its various centers. Furthermore, the financial projections reflect exponential growth, with a projected turnover of €21 million by 2027 and approaching €27 million by 2030, reaching a volume exceeding 2,000 tons of fish.
To materialize this philosophy, the operation is based on its own industrial network of approximately 8,000 square meters, spread across three strategic production sites: Ondarroa as the central plant and epicenter of the transformation, Getaria for the processing of bonito and anchovy, and Bermeo as the spearhead in freezing processes with IQF technology.
Furthermore, to respond to the current market demand for transparency, the company has structured its offering under a dual brand identity. On the one hand, the Kofradia Basque brand exclusively markets fish from the Basque inshore and offshore fishing fleet, making local origin and sustainability a hallmark of prestige. On the other hand, the Kofradia Seafood brand allows it to meet global customer demand year-round by selecting species from other origins, such as salmon and octopus, while always maintaining the highest quality standards.
The true value of this initiative lies in going beyond a simple commercial transaction. The company's strategic objective is not just to sell fish, but to become the leading seafood processing company in the state.
