Ocean King® started in 1983 as an independent importer of canned seafood from numerous countries in South America, supplying pilchards to the Southern African market. The brand was born and continues to be under the ownership of Humboldt Trading, a multi-faceted import/export company started in 1982 by the Italian civil engineer Enzo Sacerdote. Enzo arrived in South Africa to build the FIAT assembly plant in Rosslyn north of Pretoria. Once completion of the facility had been reached and FIAT 500’s were rolling off the floor, Enzo decided to focus his international trade experience on the canned foods sector, starting both Humboldt Trading and a year later Goldcrest Foods.
The early 1980’s saw many countries refusing to trade with South Africa due to economic sanctions imposed – it was in the face of this that Ocean King went ‘underground’, and emphasis was placed not on building the brand but on securing and importing the same quality food products for national retailers’ own private labels. The exception was Goldcrest, which was used as a tool to test the international tradeways as well as the popularity of exotic products in the South African market. In the late 80’s, once Goldcrest had generated sufficient commercial interest, it was sold to Patleys which now belongs to the BidVest group.
Today, with nearly 30 years experience in canned food, Ocean King® has re-surfaced as a brand in its own right, offering a select range of top quality canned fish products. Packed full of protein, essential vitamins, minerals and low in fat, Ocean King® canned fish forms a convenient, delicious and essential part of a healthy diet.
The range is evolving and currently includes:
- canned tuna (six variants)
- smoked mussels
- smoked oysters (two variants)
- Portuguese sardines (seven variants)
At Ocean King® we demand that our suppliers adhere to sustainable fishing practices to ensure the continued health of fish populations in our marine environments. Any new products we may launch will also be scrutinized to ascertain the level of sustainable practices involved in their harvesting and packing. Only once we are satisfied our criteria are met, will we bring these to market adding to our heritage as the local, independent ethical canned fish trader.
Our modern-day diets often suffer as quick convenience foods substitute a well balanced meal. One of the many benefits of our canned fish products is that they are processed from fresh (never frozen) raw materials, with minimal processing and no additives. They are also quick and easy to prepare – and can even be eaten straight out the can!
At a time when the pace of living is speeding up, the cost of living and food prices are increasing, Ocean King® provides an affordable, long-life food product which is delicious, convenient and healthy.