Industry – July 17, 2026
Mowi Canada East: Cooke vows to stabilise and reinvest in salmon operations
Cooke Aquaculture’s proposed acquisition of Mowi Canada East demonstrates the long-term potential of Newfoundland and Labrador’s salmon farming industry, according to the province’s aquaculture trade body.
Bradley George, executive director of the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association, said he had not expected the transaction but welcomed Cooke’s commitment to retain Mowi Canada East’s approximately 250 employees.
“Cooke sees the long-term potential here, so they’re investing significantly in Atlantic Canada now, including Newfoundland and Labrador,” George told The Telegram.
“The fact that they’re expanding here underscores the strength of our province’s potential.”
Cooke agreed in June to acquire Mowi’s salmon farming operations in eastern Canada for CAD 225 million. The assets include freshwater hatcheries, marine farms and two processing plants across New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Cooke chief executive Glenn Cooke said the company intended to reinvest in the business after completing the transaction.
“Our immediate objectives will be to stabilize and reinvest in the operations through synergies with our existing farming operations across Atlantic Canada,” he said.
“We look forward to welcoming Mowi Canada East’s 250 employees to Cooke and to working together to grow the sector and sustainably farm Atlantic salmon for customers in this region and beyond.”
Mowi Canada East produced approximately 9,000 tonnes of salmon in 2025. Cooke expects the acquisition to close before the end of 2026, subject to due diligence, regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
The transaction follows Cermaq’s acquisition of Grieg Seafood’s Newfoundland operations earlier this year, marking a further consolidation of salmon farming assets in Atlantic Canada.
