New owners for P. E. I.’ s Atlantic Aqua Farms

Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan announced Friday, the acquisition of Atlantic Aqua Farms, the largest grower of live mussels in North America, from San Francisco- based Encore Consumer Capital.

Th e purchase marks Ontario Teachers’ first venture into the realm of aquaculture, and falls under its natural resources mandate to invest in the global food basket, with an eye on sustainable sources of food production.

“Demand for protein is increasing, and in the context of land constraints and environmental considerations, aquaculture is among the most sustainable sources to meet this demand,” said Andrew Claerhout, Senior Managing Director, Infrastructure and Natural Resources. “Atlantic Aqua Farms has built a signifi cant aquaculture platform, underscoring the significant opportunities for long- term growth in this space.”

P. E. I.- based Atlantic Aqua Farms has been supplying North American consumers with its Canadian Cove brand mussels for over 25 years. Headquartered in Orwell Cove, the company is the largest grower and processor of the widely- recognized, high- quality Prince Edward Island blue mussels under the brand names Canadian Cove, Confederation Cove and J. P.’ s Shellfish, and also off ers a wide selection of branded oysters, clams, and live Maine and Canadian lobster.