Argentine waters host three species widely consumed in Spain and beyond: shrimp, hake, and Patagonian squid. Vigo’s fishing industry has long been a driving force in this South American country, contributing to the region’s processing capacity within the European Union’s main fishing area. The Galician capital stretches from Mar del Plata to Puerto Madryn, illustrating sustained growth. A notable development comes from WOFCFO, a global fishing company, which recently completed a 45% stake purchase in Conarpesa, one of Argentina’s leading canners, with whom they already had established ties. In recent years, oil and seafood groups have pursued expansion in Argentina, investing in ships and processing facilities. Companies such as Nueva Pescanova, Iberconsa, Profand, Videmar, and Vieira are among those active in the market.
Recently, several Argentine operations have underscored Vigo’s ongoing interest in the country. The most significant development is Nueva Pescanova, which is finalizing the acquisition of nine vessels, three processing plants, and a canning facility belonging to Pesquera Veraz, a leading Spanish player in hake and shrimp. If the deal closes, it would strengthen the fishing group after a decade of quiet growth and would relocate Nueva Pescanova’s Argentina subsidiary, making it the second-largest operator by fleet size after Iberconsa.
Iberian Frozen Group, led by Alberto Freire, has been the most aggressive in fleet renewal, rebranding first to Portobello and later to a private equity name. The latest edition of a trade event highlighted Rawson as a key production hub with a multi-million euro investment, alongside plans to build a new processing line with substantial funding. The firm has recently welcomed three new beam trawlers built by Armón shipyards, christened API XII, API XIII and API X as part of its expansion.
Shopping
WOFCFO’s entry into the Argentine shipping scene has also played out on screen, with the company noted for its past appearances in documentary style showcases. The group began by acquiring Floridablanca IV, a nearly 35-meter vessel, and currently operates at least three more. It also invested around ten million euros to purchase Greciamar, which houses operations in Puerto Madryn.
Eduardo Vieira Limited Company continues to build a presence with the Argentine industry gradually emerging. A recent agreement with Pesquera Arbumasa to process shrimp in Argentina marks another milestone, as does the group’s ongoing efforts to renew and charter vessels locally. Other large players in the sector include Profand and Fandicosta, working with Pesquera Deseado and with Pesquera Cruz del Sur using two jiggers. Additional partners such as Pescapuerta (Estrella Patagonica) and Pereira (Altamare) also maintain activities in the country. The trend shows both sides strengthening ties while fleets modernize, reflecting a bidirectional exchange of ships and orders across the Atlantic.
Yet the relations are not one-sided. Argentine shipowners are actively renewing their fleets and expanding a flexible order book, with more than a dozen vessels already delivered and operating in the region.
Ruda greeted officials from Galicia and was publicly acknowledged by the government for supporting Galician interests in Argentina. The meeting underscored the strategic role of fishing in both regions and reinforced Galicia’s commitment to robust cooperation across the Atlantic. Discussions also touched on how to navigate inflation and exchange-rate challenges, ensuring ongoing activity for Galician companies operating abroad, including Argentina.
The regional authorities highlighted the sector’s importance for employment, exports, and regional dynamism, expressing full commitment to assist Galician firms as needed. The talks stressed that fishing remains a key pillar of the economy on both shores and positioned Argentina as a critical market for growth outside European waters.
The regional leadership underscored a desire to maintain stable, favorable conditions for Galicia’s fishing companies abroad, aiming to sustain growth and mutual prosperity across the Atlantic coastline.