Netherlands salmon smoker saved by rival

The oldest smoked salmon business in the Netherlands has been saved from closure by a competitor.

The Zalmhuys Group, based in Urk, has taken over the activities of smokehouse H. van Wijnen at two locations in the country.

Two months ago H. van Wijnen bv was declared bankrupt, due mainly to the very high prices for salmon earlier in the spring.

Zalmhuys Group director Harm ten Napel decided to act quickly and moved to rescue the business, describing it as an opportunity.

Most of the 130 workers were immediately offered a new jobs while its activities have been continued under the leadership of the existing management team.

Van Wijnen, based in Krimpen aan de Ijssel, is an established name in the salmon world. Founded as a company in 1864, the company grew into one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious smokehouses, with an annual turnover of €40m (£34.5m).

It produces salmon under the van Wijnen brand, as well as Hendrick’s smoked salmon and John Orrin smoked Scottish salmon, and own-label products for retail customers. It managed to double its sales between 2010 and 2015.

A few years ago H. van Wijnen attracted support from the investment firm Nimbus.