Coomarpes Ltda., based in Mar del Plata, Argentina, is a fishing cooperative engaged in the harvesting, processing, and commercialization of marine products. With a foundation rooted in cooperative values and community-driven enterprise, Coomarpes represents a collective of artisanal fishers and small-scale producers committed to sustainable fishing practices and high-quality seafood production. Operating along Argentina’s Atlantic coast, the cooperative leverages the country’s rich maritime resources to serve domestic and international seafood markets.
Core Business and Product Portfolio
Coomarpes specializes in the capture and processing of diverse marine products sourced from the South Atlantic Ocean. Its primary product categories include:
- Fresh Fish: Daily catch of coastal species, supplied to local and regional wholesale markets.
- Frozen Fish: Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) or block frozen formats for export and long-distance logistics.
- Fishmeal: Derived from processing by-products, used in aquaculture and livestock feed.
- Fish Oil: Processed for nutritional supplements, animal feed, and industrial use.
The cooperative’s diversified production supports both human consumption and secondary industries such as aquaculture and agriculture.
Specialization and Competitive Advantage
Coomarpes’ strengths are deeply rooted in its structure and operating model:
- Cooperative Structure: Operated and owned by its members, ensuring shared economic benefit and local community investment.
- Sustainable Fishing Practices: Emphasizes selective fishing methods and compliance with Argentine marine conservation laws.
- Proximity to Fishing Grounds: Based in Mar del Plata, Argentina’s largest fishing port and processing hub.
- Flexibility and Freshness: Smaller-scale operations enable rapid processing and distribution of fresh products with reduced handling time.
This model supports quality, traceability, and socio-economic impact in the coastal fishing communities.
Financial and Market Insights
While Coomarpes does not publicly disclose its financial statements, industry-level insights suggest:
- Argentina’s fish and seafood exports exceeded USD 1.8 billion in 2023, with Mar del Plata accounting for a significant portion of that volume.
- Coomarpes contributes to the domestic supply of fresh fish and is believed to participate in exports to regional markets such as Brazil, Uruguay, and Chile.
- The cooperative plays a critical role in sustaining employment for artisanal fishers, supporting dozens of families through its operations.
Their market presence aligns with buyers seeking traceable, small-scale, and community-based seafood sourcing.
Target Market
Coomarpes serves a range of customer segments across the supply chain:
- Domestic Wholesalers and Distributors: Supplying fresh and frozen fish to urban markets throughout Argentina.
- Seafood Processors: Partnering with processing plants for value-added product lines.
- Feed and Pet Food Manufacturers: Supplying fishmeal and oil for animal nutrition.
- Exporters and Regional Traders: Providing bulk frozen seafood for Latin American markets.
Buyers prioritize the cooperative’s freshness, sustainability credentials, and regional authenticity.
Operational Capabilities
While specific facility details are not published, typical cooperative operations like Coomarpes manage:
- Dockside Fish Reception Facilities for small vessels
- Cold Storage and Freezing Units for preservation and export preparation
- Fishmeal and Fish Oil Processing Equipment
- Quality Control and Traceability Systems
These capabilities enable efficient post-catch handling and value retention through the processing chain.
Certifications and Compliance
There is limited public data on third-party certifications for Coomarpes, but cooperative seafood producers in Argentina typically comply with:
- SENASA (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria) for sanitary control and export eligibility.
- INIDEP (Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero) guidelines on sustainable fishery management.
- Municipal and Provincial Regulatory Approvals for fish processing operations.
Such compliance ensures product safety and alignment with national marine conservation policies.
Industry Reputation
Coomarpes is recognized in the Argentine fisheries sector as:
- A representative of small-scale artisanal fishing efforts
- A promoter of socially inclusive economic models
- A provider of fresh, locally sourced seafood with minimal environmental impact
Its cooperative model is often highlighted in regional development discussions as a case study in equitable marine resource utilization.
Key Achievements
- Based in Mar del Plata, one of the top 10 fishing ports in Latin America by volume.
- Supports dozens of artisanal vessels and fishing families, promoting local employment and food security.
- Contributes to regional sustainability goals through responsible fishing methods and community reinvestment.
- Participates in Argentine fishery development programs, enhancing technical training and cooperative management.
Coomarpes Ltda. embodies the principles of responsible seafood production through its cooperative structure, artisanal roots, and dedication to sustainable resource management. By connecting traditional fishing practices with modern market needs, Coomarpes continues to deliver value to communities and customers alike across Argentina and neighboring regions.