EDB CEO welcomes Albacora S.A. representatives to discuss expansion and investment in Mauritius’s blue economy

Albacora is a prominent Spanish, family-owned company specialising in the fishing and processing of tuna. Established in 1974, the company operates one of Europe’s largest modern fleets of vessels across the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. As a major player in the global tuna industry, its integrated operations encompass fishing, transportation, storage, distribution, selling, and packaging, providing a comprehensive approach to the tuna supply chain. Since 2023, Albacora has maintained a strategic presence in Mauritius, marking its investment and expansion into the region.

During the meeting, discussions focused on the potential establishment of a tuna processing plant in Mauritius—an initiative that aligns closely with the Government’s broader vision to develop the blue economy and position Mauritius as a regional hub for value-added seafood production. Mr. Kundasamy highlighted the pivotal role of the EDB in this regard, serving as a central agency for facilitating and accelerating investments.

Mrs. Isabel Beitia Lachaga highlighted the need for regulatory adjustments to better support large-scale investments in the fisheries and processing sector. She highlighted that her company has already made substantial investments in Mauritius, reflecting their long-term commitment to the country. She further emphasised the strategic advantage offered by Mauritius’s vast Exclusive Economic Zone, which provides significant potential for sustainable marine resource exploitation. In this context, she expressed her intention to seek further support from the Government to ensure the success and scalability of their operations.

She also underscored the potential for local SMEs to benefit from the project through auxiliary maritime services, including chandlery, maintenance, ship provisioning, logistics, and supply chain support, thereby creating broader economic opportunities and fostering inclusive growth within the local business ecosystem.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Mahen Kundasamy thanked Albacora for choosing Mauritius as a strategic base in the Indian Ocean. He reiterated the EDB’s commitment to supporting the company’s expansion and facilitating investment through policy advocacy and coordination. Mr. Kundasamy welcomed the proposed tuna processing plant as a key project that could boost the blue economy, create jobs, and benefit local companies. He concluded by expressing the EDB’s readiness to deepen collaboration with Albacora in support of sustainable and inclusive growth.