In 2025, Pacific Seafood made a pivotal move in its strategic growth plan: the opening of its first European office in Hamburg, Germany. This decision marks not just geographic expansion but the beginning of a deeper engagement with European markets, where sustainability, traceability, and premium quality drive consumer demand.
Hamburg was no random choice. As one of the most important seafood import hubs in the European Union, the city offers access to key markets and trade routes. With over 300 seafood companies already operating there and proximity to high-demand markets in Germany, France, the Netherlands, and the UK, Hamburg positions Pacific Seafood at the epicenter of European seafood commerce.
Strategic Entry with the Right Leadership
Spearheading this expansion are Ashton Meier, Vice President of Business Development, and Stephan Kleemeyer, General Manager Europe. Both bring decades of experience in international trade, regulatory alignment, and customer engagement. Their leadership is essential to navigating the complex landscape of EU regulations, cultural business norms, and consumer expectations.
Kleemeyer, a Hamburg native with deep roots in the European seafood supply chain, ensures Pacific’s values align with regional market needs. His team is tasked with building local relationships, sourcing distribution partners, and coordinating logistics across the EU.
What Hamburg Represents
The Hamburg office is more than a sales outlet—it’s the nerve center for European operations. It will support market intelligence, product localization, customer service, and regulatory compliance. It also serves as a coordination hub for future acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and sustainable sourcing initiatives across Europe.
From Hamburg, Pacific Seafood can ship directly to dozens of major cities within a 12-hour radius, minimizing carbon footprints and improving freshness.
Serving the EU Market Ethically and Effectively
European consumers are some of the most environmentally conscious in the world. Transparency in supply chains, low-carbon processing, and clear sustainability certifications aren’t just nice to have—they’re mandatory. Pacific Seafood is uniquely suited to meet these demands thanks to its vertically integrated model, MSC and BAP certifications, and commitment to responsible sourcing.
Early wins in Hamburg include building interest in Pacific’s 4-star BAP oysters and premium frozen shellfish products. EU distributors are impressed by Pacific’s traceability systems and clean-label processing practices.
Supporting Mission 31
Hamburg is a key node in Mission 31, Pacific Seafood’s plan to double its business by 2031 through responsible, sustainable growth. The office helps bridge Pacific’s North American supply with European demand, creating a more resilient global supply chain.
It also enhances Pacific’s ability to participate in EU sustainability conversations, influence fisheries policy through alliances, and partner with NGOs on traceable, ethical sourcing practices.
Creating European Jobs, Building European Trust
Pacific’s expansion is not about parachuting into a market. It’s about becoming part of it. Local hires in Hamburg are empowered through training programs, multilingual onboarding, and career pathways—mirroring Pacific’s inclusive practices in the U.S.
The office is designed as a cultural bridge, blending Pacific Northwest values with German efficiency. Employees report high engagement levels and are proud to be part of a company whose mission includes ocean health, food security, and community empowerment.
Future Outlook
The Hamburg office is just the beginning. Plans are underway to explore processing partnerships in Spain, cold storage facilities in Rotterdam, and additional market access through the UK and Scandinavia.
With the right people, the right values, and the right vision, Pacific Seafood is ready to become a European leader in sustainable seafood. The Hamburg launch isn’t just a move across the Atlantic—it’s a move into the future of responsible global seafood trade.
In Hamburg, Pacific isn’t just opening an office. It’s opening a new chapter.
