Blue Harvest Fisheries, LLC, New York, acquired Hygrade Ocean Products Inc., a New Bedford, Mass.-based processor and distributor of scallops, cod and other premium fish products.

By virtue of the acquisition, Blue Harvest will begin marketing and distributing company-landed scallops, bluefin tuna and swordfish directly to customers. With operations in Newport News, Va., and Fairhaven, Mass., Blue Harvest owns a fleet of 15 scallop vessels and is an active participant in the bluefin tuna and swordfish fisheries.

“By vertically integrating, Blue Harvest can now provide its customers with greater product traceability, quality assurance and variety,” says Jeff Davis, chief executive officer of Blue Harvest. “The acquisition of Hygrade is consistent with our strategy of building a vertically integrated premium seafood company.”