Cooke celebrates two decades in Maine

Cooke Seafood’s USA division is celebrating 20 years of aquaculture operations in the state of Maine.

The group has more than 200 employees in the east coast state which is now arguably the most important salmon farming area in the US.

Cooke’s Maine operation supplies salmon to stores and restaurants throughout New England – and further afield in the US.

Its facilities include certified marine farms in Down East Maine, a salmon processing plant in Machias port and three land based freshwater hatcheries — two in western Maine and one in eastern Maine.

“Maine’s iconic seafood industry is a key part of our state’s heritage and a cornerstone of our economy. For two decades, Cooke USA has been a leader in seafood production in Maine, employing hundreds of people in high-quality, good-paying jobs,” said Maine Governor Janet Mills.

She added: “I congratulate Cooke as it marks 20 years in Maine and thank this family-owned business for its extraordinary contributions to the Maine economy.”

Group CEO Glenn Cooke said: “Twenty years ago this month in 2004 with the acquisition of Atlantic Salmon of Maine, we aimed to stabilize Maine’s salmon farming industry through improved efficiencies to support Maine’s working waterfront and provide jobs.

“We have many long-term employees who have been with us from the start, and we thank them for their dedication and are grateful to all those who have joined us over the years to grow a sustainable local business.”

Cooke Seafood is one of the few truly global seafood groups with operations stretching from the North American mainland to South America, Australia, Scotland and mainland Europe.

Photo: Cooke USA employees Jaelyn Matthews and Alex Johndro celebrate 20 years at Cooke’s Cross Island salmon farm site in Machias Bay.