Greenfish: Sustainable, Low-Impact Seafood for All South Africans
Introducing Greenfish, a low-impact fishing business that has recently opened their new factory, Greenfish Eva (that stands for Extra Value Add), in Maitland, Cape Town. Founded and led by brothers Andrew and Ryan Nienaber, their business is underpinned by their deep connection and reverence for the ocean and the blue economy. Together they have a combined 60 years of experience in the fishing industry, with Greenfish being well-known for supplying top-quality catch to local favourites and top 10 restaurants globally.
The Greenfish promise? To empower customers with sustainable seafood choices by ensuring that every fish is sourced through low-impact practices. Every fish they catch is treated with respect and customers are provided with information to make informed decisions, including species and method of catch. The Invest Cape Town team recently caught up with local industry legend, Ryan, to learn more about Greenfish:
Please explain your company’s product and/or services in a nutshell.
We take local, seasonal, low impact fish, caught by traditional handline fishing communities, add value and take to market, to Cape Town’s top restaurant and home kitchens.
What made you choose to start a company in this industry?
Love for fishing. Watch this video about how we started.
What are your biggest challenges and how are they being addressed?
Challenges are changing market conditions, and changing to the needs and fashions of how people eat.
What advice would you give to other businesses facing similar challenges?
The more you put in, the more you get out, and you must have love for what you do.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as a business owner?
No matter how difficult it gets, the sun will set today and there is a new day tomorrow, just keep going.
Why choose Cape Town as a location for your operations?
Biggest food scene in SA, surrounded by two oceans of beautiful produce.
What is your company’s unique selling proposition?
Fresh fish. Most big companies focus on frozen, what we do requires care and love.
Watch the Greenfish story from hook to plate:
What are your company’s biggest achievements to date?
Pivoting in COVID, from B2B to B2C. Because of this our company has grown 5x.
What is your company strategy for growth and expansion?
Treat people and our entire team like a family.
How do you measure success in your business?
By how much free time we have to play.
What are the company’s plans for the next 5 years?
Exports, retail-ready packs, add more value to all fish. All our staff in happy positions.
Let’s continue to champion sustainability in the ocean economy, just as Greenfish does. To delve deeper into their inspiring story or place an order for fresh seafood, visit their website at www.greenfish.co.za and keep up with them on Instagram.
