About us
At UFA, we facilitate the buying and selling of the highest quality fresh North Sea fish. We connect supply and demand and support fishermen and buyers in every possible way. Discover more about our history, the origin of UFA, and our vision for the future.
History
Fishermen and traders have for centuries known the important fishing ports of Scheveningen, Goedereede, Ouddorp, Stellendam, and Colijnsplaat. In addition to fishing, various other trades developed in these areas. Rope-making shops, cooperages, sailmakers, and shipyards owed their existence directly or indirectly to the fishing industry. Fish auctions have emerged over the years in the heart of these fishing ports due to their direct location by the sea and a flourishing trade in fish and shrimp. Some fish auctions disappeared, while others were relocated. One thing remained constant, however: the supply of the finest quality fresh North Sea fish, Dutch shrimp, and Oosterschelde lobster.
Origin
In 2000, the then-municipal fish auctions of Scheveningen, Stellendam, and Colijnsplaat joined forces and merged to form United Fish Auctions. UFA thus became the logistics centre for the finest quality fresh North Sea fish, Dutch shrimp, and Oosterschelde lobster. As of 2023, the shares of the UFA have been held by the municipalities of Goeree-Overflakkee and The Hague. In addition to our branches in Scheveningen and Stellendam, UFA now has national and international partnerships with the fish auctions of Den Oever, Lauwersoog, Stockholm, Smögen, Thyborøn, Gilleleje, Hvide Sande, and Thorsminde.
The future
One thing is for sure: the fishing industry never stands still. As one of the largest fish auction organisations in the Netherlands with a passion for fish, the UFA aims to make fresh fish and shrimp available daily in a responsible way for the world’s rapidly growing population. All our business processes are focused on ensuring sales channels for fishermen and supply security for buyers. We never lose sight of the well-being of people, animals, and the environment. The UFA believes that cooperation is essential for the future of fishing. Fishermen, buyers, and all other stakeholders in the chain are stronger together. That is why we connect them with each other. In so doing, we make sure that you can trust the finest quality fresh North Sea fish and shrimp, now and in the future.
Innovation Centre
The Dutch fisheries policy focuses on making the fishing sector more sustainable. The fishing industry, the government, and the European Union are constantly researching new fishing techniques and adjustments to fishing gear and nets. In 2015, the UFA established the Fisheries Innovation Centre for Southwest Netherlands. The Innovation Centre supports entrepreneurs, scientific, and knowledge institutions with fisheries-related innovation and knowledge issues.
Sustainability
Fishermen catch only what is truly needed and manage nature and fish stocks responsibly. As the logistics centre for North Sea fish, the UFA also makes no concessions when it comes to handling authentic and healthy food responsibly, and we take responsibility for sustainability. All our fish auctions comply with the MSC Traceability Standard. It assures consumers that the MCS-labelled fish are legally sourced from sustainably managed sources, not mixed with non-certified products, and traceable throughout the entire supply chain, from the ocean to the plate. On the roof of the Scheveningen fish auction, 1,664 solar panels generate over 490,000 kilowatt hours of solar power annually, and we align business processes to use most of this solar power directly in the building.
Auction and sale
The UFA believes that working together in fisheries is essential for the sector's continuity. Fishermen, buyers, and all other stakeholders in the market are stronger together. That is why we connect them with each other.
