The Seafood Connection group of companies, have been a leading frozen seafood and food supplier in Europe for decades. Now, we are proud to announce that we will continue under a new name: Umios from April 1ˢᵗ 2026. This change marks an important step in aligning the European group with our parent company Maruha Nichiro Corporation and its 176 sister companies worldwide.
The new name reflects not only stronger unity within the group, but also a forward-looking vision of sustainability, transparency, and innovation across the entire frozen food value chain.
Umios is the new name of the Maruha Nichiro Corporation. Umios is one of the world’s largest and most influential seafood companies. Umios Europe builds on three decades of experience as Seafood Connection and now represents a unified, future-focused brand in the frozen food sector.
What this change means for our customers and partners;
A new name, the same foundation:
Maruha Nichiro was founded by two families that grew into one company. That heritage remains unchanged. Umios is a combination of the words ‘‘Umi,’’ ‘‘One,’’ and ‘‘Solutions.’’
- The Japanese word ‘‘Umi,’’ meaning ‘‘ocean,’’ reflects our inspiration to create innovative value from our origins in the ocean.
- ‘‘One’’ expresses our commitment to be one with our stakeholders, society and the planet.
- ‘‘Solutions’’ expresses our determination to provide solutions for social challenges on a global scale through food.
Trusted brands remain unchanged:
Product brands such as Seacon, Sealight, Blue Planet (Seafood Connection), King Fish Selection (Asiatico), and Exkimo, Seawork (Inlet) remain intact and well-recognized in the industry. Customers will see only a new company name and logo: not a change in their trusted products or services.
Consistent quality, guaranteed:
The same strict quality standards, processes, and supplier relationships continue under Umios. Customers can trust that nothing changes in daily operations, except for the name on the invoice.
One strong group, ‘‘One Solution’’:
What once started as individual companies has become a full-service frozen food supplier, covering seafood, meat (yakitori, gyoza), vegetables (edamame, wakame), and composed products. Umios stands for a complete value chain approach: distribution, production, and short supply chains. United under one name.
Global scale, local strength:
Operating as Umios makes the group’s true scale visible. With 176 sister companies worldwide, customers benefit from stronger sourcing, greater product diversity, and enhanced service.
Sustainability and innovation at the core:
The new name highlights a shift toward broader responsibilities: reducing food waste, distributing frozen food as a sustainable solution, and continuously innovating to meet market needs.
Continuity in people and leadership:
The same teams, values, and customer relationships remain. Even as Seafood Connection founder and current CEO Jan Kaptijn transitions to a new role within Umios, the company builds on 30 years of history with confidence in the future.
Exhibition stands and communications renewed:
Customers and partners will soon see the new Umios identity reflected in trade fair stands, communication materials, and branding. Through this, we are reinforcing the global strength and future-oriented identity of the group.
Confidence in change:
Reactions to the change have been positive overall, with recognition that this is a logical and necessary step for the future. While there is natural attachment to the old name, the shared belief is that Umios represents continuity, progress, and opportunity.
Download here the Umios Flyer
