Peregrine Livefoods acquires FishScience

Peregrine Livefoods, UK reptile wholesaler has acquired FishScience, an “innovative” business that utilises sustainable alternatives to fishmeal, completed on 18 February.

Peregrine Livefoods is an Employee-Owned Trust, meaning all 192 employees at the Harlow based company have a stake in the future success of the business.

The brand said FishScience was created by Dr David Pool in October 2013 when he saw a necessity to create a more sustainable fish food brand. Having stocked the products for several years, Peregrine “welcomed” the opportunity to acquire the business when Dr Pool announced his retirement.

With the new acquisition paving the way for Peregrine Livefoods to enter the aquatics sector, the future of the exotic pet industry “looks bright.”

The firm also said with many herpetoculturists (those who keep reptiles and amphibians) now also keeping fish in semi-aquatic enclosures called ‘paludariums’ the increased knowledge in-house should benefit a “wide reach” of businesses across the country.

Chris Jones, managing director of Peregrine Livefoods, said: “Firstly, we have ambitions to expand our portfolio and market reach beyond reptiles and into the aquatic sector. Secondly, both FishScience and Peregrine Livefoods’ foundations are built on the use of insects as part of our foods. This synergy allows for a myriad of opportunities in the future.”

Dr Pool added: “The use of insect meal in the formulation of FishScience foods, along with its focus on natural and sustainable ingredients, has been central to the brand’s success. When Peregrine Livefoods expressed an interest in purchasing FishScience, it felt like a natural fit.

“Their business focuses on insects, and they recognise the many opportunities that this ingredient offers. Added to this; Peregrine Livefoods is a young and dynamic company that has the resources and expertise to take the FishScience brand to the next level.”