Safcol

The SAFCOL story began in 1945 when a group of South Australian Fishermen formed a Co-operative – the first of its kind in Australia. The Co-operative was formed under the name – South Australian Fishermen’s Co-operative Limited. For more than 63 years, SAFCOL has excelled in the production and supply of premium quality seafood throughout Australia and around the world. Today, the SAFCOL brand is a household name offering a wide range of seafood products including Tuna, Salmon and Sardines.

1945

A group of 28 lobster fishermen from Kingston in South Australia agreed to form a cooperative with the objective of running their own business to achieve fairer prices. In January 1945 the South Australian Fishermen´s Cooperative Ltd was formed with an initial capital of 33 pounds.

1955

The Cooperative took over the Adelaide Fish Market and by this stage served every port in the state, a unique Australian situation.

1957

Cooperative purchased the cannery in Pt Lincoln for tuna processing.

1964

SAFCOL Seafoods Pty Ltd formed to operate a cannery in Melbourne.

1972

SAFCOL (Thailand) Ltd formed.

1976

Management company SAFCOL Holdings was formed to manage all functions outside of South Australia (including overseas). Cooperative held a 50.1% shareholding, Southern Farmers 49.9%

1981

A new public company SAFCOL Holdings Ltd was formed which in October 1981 bought out the fishermen´s interests which had been one third of SAFCOL Holdings.

1985

SAFCOL Holdings Ltd became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Southern Farmers Group Ltd, which in turn was owned in major part by Industrial Equity Limited (IEL).

1990

Adelaide Steamship acquired IEL, which included SAFCOL Holdings.

1991

TC Group of companies, a major manufacturer of canned seafood products, acquired SAFCOL.

1996

SAFCOL Foods Pty Ltd (formerly SAFCOL Seafood´s Pty Ltd) relocated to Adelaide South Australia at new head office site in Elizabeth.

2000

SAFCOL brought innovation to canned Tuna with the ONLY Tuna canned fresh and never frozen – Northern Bluefin Tuna. Canning fresh from the fishermen meant lighter and tighter textured tuna – a visible quality offering above others.

2001

SAFCOL launched “Gourmet on the Go” – made from the finest tuna and ingredients. The association with Geoff Jansz spread the quality message to Australian consumers. SAFCOL launched Tuna and Salmon in pouches – a great innovation you will see on supermarket shelves today. SAFCOL launched a number of innovative new products –SAFCOL Chargrilled Tuna and Salmon.

2005

SAFCOL´s 60th Birthday!

2006

SAFCOL launched new packaging – simple, clean and acknowledged to be the best packaging to make choice of flavours simple. SAFCOL launched the first and finest Atlantic Salmon in tins. “Growers Market” television commercial goes to air.

2007 

SAFCOL launches an innovative consumer marketing event – the “SAFCOL Tuna Challenge.” Consumers loved it and clearly saw that SAFCOL looked and tasted the best.

2009 / 2010

SAFCOL continues to drive category innovation with investment in ground breaking single cook technology and processes. Coupled with this is the new Premium Product lines including, Premium Yellowfin Tuna and Premium Atlantic Salmon. The SAFCOL brand is also being re-invigorated with a strategy that includes Teresa Cutter, The Healthy Chef, partnering with SAFCOL and developing a range of delicious and healthy meal time.