I will incorporate the following updates from the search results:
- Ownership Change: Peterhead Port Authority acquired Peterhead Ice Company in July 2022. This means the ownership structure mentioned in the raw prompt (shares with 75% or greater) needs to be clarified in the context of this acquisition. The prompt mentioned "North East Ice Limited is registered in Scotland under registration number Sc038734" and "Ownership of shares indicates specific control, with existing records noting ownership of 75% or more of shares". The news states, "We would like to thank North East Ice Company for the opportunity of being able to support this transition". This confirms "North East Ice Company" was the previous entity. The report is written about "North East Ice (Peterhead Ice Company)", so this transition is crucial.
- New Ice Plant: A new £3.5 million ice-making plant by KTI Plersch became operational in September 2024, replacing two older factories. This significantly updates the 'Technology & Innovation' section.
- Production Capacity: The new plant has three ice makers, each producing one tonne per hour. The prompt indicates 75t per day production capacity, and "Peterhead Ice Company has served the fishing industry... With a 100 tonne per day production capacity and over 100 tonne of bulk storage". I will use the updated capacity from the new plant description. The new plant has ~72 tonnes/day (3 1 tonne/hr 24 hrs), or more accurately, the new plant includes three cylindrical ice makers capable of producing one tonne of ice per hour each, replacing the two older plants. One search result mentions "With a 75t per day production capacity and over 100t of bulk storage", and another "With a 100 tonne per day production capacity and over 100 tonne of bulk storage". The new plant description appears more specific for the current state. I will mention the new plant's capacity (3 tonnes/hour total) and also that the overall capacity can dispatch up to 30 tonnes per hour. I should be careful not to conflate production capacity with dispatch rate.
- Strategic Partnership: The relationship with Peterhead Port Authority is now one of direct ownership, which strengthens the "Strategic Partnerships" section.
I will restructure the provided information, incorporating these updates, and ensuring no citations are present in the final output. I will use the current date (January 13, 2026) for the report.
Applying the information:
- The input background clearly identifies North East Ice as Peterhead Ice Company.
- The searches clarify that Peterhead Port Authority (PPA) acquired Peterhead Ice Company (PIC) in July 2022 from North East Ice Company. The report should reflect this as the current status – Peterhead Ice Company is now owned and operated by Peterhead Port Authority. This changes the 'Financial Overview' from talking about North East Ice Limited's share ownership to reflecting PPA's ownership and investment.
Revised approach for sections:
Summary: Will reflect the local fishing economy support, now under Peterhead Port Authority, and the new ice plant.
1. Strategic Focus & Objectives: Still focused on essential ice supply for fishing and processing in Peterhead.
2. Financial Overview:
- Detail the acquisition by Peterhead Port Authority in July 2022.
- Mention the £3.5 million investment in the new ice plant.
- The previous financial filings and charges were before the acquisition, belonging to North East Ice Limited. I will frame them as historical context of the prior entity. The prompt says "North East Ice Limited is registered in Scotland under registration number Sc038734. Ownership of shares indicates specific control, with existing records noting ownership of 75% or more of shares." This refers to the prior structure. The current financial stability is linked to Peterhead Port Authority.
3. Product Pipeline: Still flake ice. Will mention new plant capacity.
4. Technology & Innovation:
- Major update: New £3.5 million ice-making plant from German supplier KTI Plersch, operational Sept 2024. More efficient, accessible.
- Production capacity: Three ice makers, 1 tonne/hour each (total 3 tonnes/hour production). Also, still states dispatch capability up to 30 tonnes per hour for loading vessels/trucks.
- Integration of 130kW PV system for power.
5. Leadership & Management:
- Will reflect that Peterhead Ice Company is now operated by Peterhead Port Authority, and its leadership would be integrated into the PPA structure. Specific individual profiles for PPA's leadership relevant to the ice company aren't detailed in the search results, so the statement that individual executive profiles are not readily available remains mostly true for "Peterhead Ice Company" specifically, beyond general PPA leadership.
6. Talent and Growth Indicators: Same as before, little specific info.
7. Social Media Presence and Engagement: Same as before, minimal for the ice company itself.
8. Recognition and Awards: Still no specific awards.
9. Competitive Analysis: Still relevant.
10. Market Analysis: Still relevant.
11. Strategic Partnerships:
- Strongest update: Now owned by Peterhead Port Authority. This is more than a partnership; it's an integration. Will frame it as such, and also mention the historical functional relationship.
12. Operational Insights:
- Competitive advantage is further enhanced by the new, efficient plant and PPA's ownership and investment. Strategic location at Greenhill Quay remains key.
13. Future Outlook:
- Tied to PPA's vision for Peterhead Port. Growth through continued investment in modern facilities, efficiency, and sustainability (PV system) to support the fishing industry.
The prompt specified "North East Ice (Peterhead Ice Company)" as the company name. The search results clarify that "Peterhead Port Authority has taken ownership of Peterhead Ice Company" and "We would like to thank North East Ice Company for the opportunity of being able to support this transition". This indicates North East Ice Company was the entity that previously owned/operated Peterhead Ice Company, which is now owned by PPA. The report should reflect the current status correctly. I will use the company name as provided, "North East Ice (Peterhead Ice Company)", and clarify its current operational context under Peterhead Port Authority.
I will also make sure the section numbers are sequential and correct, omitting sections if genuinely no info is available (but here, information is available, even if it's about the lack of specific details for some subsections).
The prompt asks for "Total funds raised to date" for 'Funding History'. The input talked about 'charges' being satisfied. The new information is about PPA's investment. This can be covered under investment, not "funds raised" in the traditional startup sense for North East Ice. I will adapt the language to reflect the nature of the information.# North East Ice (Peterhead Ice Company) - Comprehensive Analysis Report
Summary
North East Ice, operating as Peterhead Ice Company, is a pivotal ice manufacturing and supply company deeply integrated into the fishing and fish processing industries of Peterhead, Scotland. Its core mission revolves around providing a reliable and essential ice supply to support the vital local fishing economy. Peterhead is recognized as the largest fishing port in the UK, anchoring the company's significance in ensuring the preservation of the region's substantial fish catches. The company provides continuous 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service, playing an indispensable role in the smooth operations of the Peterhead Fish Market and local merchants. In July 2022, Peterhead Port Authority acquired Peterhead Ice Company, significantly strengthening its operational foundation and leading to a major £3.5 million investment in a new, highly efficient ice-making facility that became operational in September 2024.
1. Strategic Focus & Objectives
Core Objectives
The primary objective of North East Ice is to deliver a consistent, reliable, and essential ice supply to the demanding fishing and fish processing sectors in Peterhead and the wider North East of Scotland. This continuous service is critical for the preservation of fresh fish, directly supporting the operational continuity and economic health of one of the UK's most significant fishing hubs.
Specialization Areas
The company specializes in dedicated, round-the-clock ice production and delivery, directly supporting a highly demanding industrial sector. Its unique value proposition stems from its strategic location within the Port of Peterhead, enabling seamless integration into the local fishing supply chain and rapid response to operational needs.
Target Markets
North East Ice primarily targets the fishing fleet operating from the North East of Scotland and the extensive fish processing industry situated within the Port of Peterhead. Its market positioning is anchored in being an essential local service provider to a critical industry.
2. Financial Overview
Funding History
In July 2022, Peterhead Port Authority formally acquired Peterhead Ice Company. This acquisition marked a significant transition, with Peterhead Port Authority assuming ownership and committing to ongoing investment in the ice supply operations. Post-acquisition, there was a substantial £3.5 million investment in a new, state-of-the-art ice-making plant.
Prior to the acquisition, North East Ice Limited (registered under Sc038734 in Scotland) operated Peterhead Ice Company. Historical financial filings for North East Ice Limited indicated charges related to an ice plant at Ballast Quay Peterhead and a cold store at Ballast, with a standard security created in 1978 and satisfied in 2022. Further charges from 1975 noted heritable property in Peterhead. Detailed revenue figures for the former entity are not publicly disclosed; however, the strategic acquisition by Peterhead Port Authority underscores the company's financial and operational importance to the port's overall infrastructure.
3. Product Pipeline
Key Products/Services
The company's primary product is flake ice, which is the industry standard for cooling and preservation of seafood due to its small, flat particle size, ease of handling, and excellent cooling properties. The service encompasses continuous ice production and 24/7 delivery to fishing vessels and onshore processors.
- Product Name: Flake Ice
- Description: Small, flat, free-flowing ice particles produced at sub-zero temperatures, ideal for seafood preservation. It provides optimal product coverage and cooling.
- Development Stage: Commercial production and continuous supply.
- Target Market/Condition: Fishing fleet (for onboard preservation) and fish processing facilities (for onshore handling and packaging) in Peterhead and the North East of Scotland.
- Expected Timeline: 24-hour, 7-day-a-week availability with minimal notification.
- Key Features and Benefits: Ensures fish quality from catch to market, prevents spoilage, and supports the rapid turnaround demands of the fishing industry.
4. Technology & Innovation
Technology Stack
North East Ice, now under Peterhead Port Authority, operates a modern ice plant located on Greenhill Quay. This facility became operational in September 2024, replacing two aging factories. The new plant was constructed by the German manufacturer KTI Plersch and represents a significant upgrade in technology.
Proprietary Developments
While specific proprietary technologies beyond the advanced manufacturing processes of the KTI Plersch plant are not detailed, the operational efficiency and reliability of the new facility are key. The new plant includes three cylindrical ice makers, each capable of producing one tonne of ice per hour, enhancing overall production capacity.
Scientific Methodologies
The ice production involves trickling water over surfaces chilled to below -25°C, creating flake ice with a thickness of 2-4mm. This specialized method is chosen for its effectiveness in preserving seafood. Ice stock management ensures regular turnover to maintain quality and prevent compaction.
Technical Capabilities
The company boasts robust technical capabilities, including:
- A production capacity for flake ice with individual ice makers capable of producing 1 tonne per hour (total 3 tonnes per hour for the new plant).
- Automated discharge system allowing for dispatch rates of up to 30 tonnes per hour directly into fishing vessel holds or onto trucks.
- Strategically located facility on Greenhill Quay, offering enhanced accessibility for vessels at any tide and easy vehicle access for land-based deliveries.
- Integration of a 130kW photovoltaic (PV) system on the adjacent fish market roof, supplying at least a third of the plant's power, enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability.
5. Leadership & Management
Executive Team
Information regarding specific executive profiles for the Peterhead Ice Company as a distinct entity, including names, backgrounds, and social media presences, is not readily available beyond its integration into Peterhead Port Authority's structure. The company's operations are now overseen as part of the broader management and governance of Peterhead Port Authority.
Recent Leadership Changes
The most significant leadership change was the acquisition of Peterhead Ice Company by Peterhead Port Authority in July 2022. This transition involved the transfer of all existing employees to Peterhead Port Authority, integrating the ice company's operations and management within the Port Authority's corporate structure.
6. Talent and Growth Indicators
Hiring Trends and Workforce
Specific hiring trends or open positions for North East Ice (Peterhead Ice Company) are not extensively publicized in typical job board data or social media. However, its established and critical role within the Peterhead fishing industry suggests a stable and experienced operational team is maintained. The integration with Peterhead Port Authority also implies that workforce management is now handled under the Port Authority's human resource functions.
Company size and expansion metrics
Publicly accessible data on specific employee numbers or detailed expansion metrics for the ice company itself are not available. Its growth trajectory is intrinsically linked to the continued investment by Peterhead Port Authority and the performance of the wider Peterhead fishing and fish processing industry.
7. Social Media Presence and Engagement
Digital Footprint
North East Ice (Peterhead Ice Company) does not maintain a prominent, dedicated social media presence or active digital marketing strategy. Mentions of Peterhead Ice are typically found on the Peterhead Port Authority website and related industry news, highlighting its operational presence and importance within the port's infrastructure rather than direct brand engagement with a broad public audience.
8. Recognition and Awards
Industry Recognition
No specific industry awards or external recognitions directly attributed to North East Ice (Peterhead Ice Company) are publicly detailed. General awards found under "ICE North East" typically refer to the Institution of Civil Engineers' regional awards, which are distinct from the Peterhead Ice Company.
9. Competitive Analysis
Major Competitors
In the broader Scottish and UK ice supply market, various competitors offer a range of products and services:
- The Edinburgh Ice Company: Positions itself as Scotland's only artisan ice supplier, focusing on premium quality using triple-filtered Scottish water and advanced Hoshizaki and Clinebell equipment for cubed, crushed, and block ice.
- Ice 24/7 (Glasgow and Edinburgh): Provides premier ice supplies and delivery services across Scotland, catering to diverse commercial and domestic needs.
- Eskimo Ice Ltd. (operating as Ice Club): A significant UK and European manufacturer, known for its highly automated facilities producing large quantities of packaged ice daily.
Competitive Positioning
North East Ice (Peterhead Ice Company) primarily differentiates itself through its deep specialization and strategic integration within the Peterhead fishing and fish processing industry. Unlike competitors that may focus on artisanal ice, broader commercial markets, or larger-scale packaged ice distribution, North East Ice provides an essential, dedicated, 24/7 industrial supply service localized to a major fishing port. Its direct ownership and investment by Peterhead Port Authority further solidify its competitive advantage by ensuring infrastructure alignment and sustained support for the local fishing sector.
10. Market Analysis
Market Overview
The UK ice market encompasses diverse segments, including edible ice (such as ice cream) and industrial/commercial ice. Although North East Ice primarily serves the industrial segment for fish preservation, the broader trends influence the frozen product sector. The UK dry ice market was valued at USD 17.5 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 38.1 million by 2035, driven by demand in food preservation, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications. The UK ice cream market, valued at USD 1.8 billion in 2024, is expected to reach USD 3.0 billion by 2033, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.2%, influenced by consumer preferences for high-quality flavors, health-oriented options, and advancements in distribution. North East Ice's market directly supports the UK's significant fishing industry, with Peterhead being a central hub responsible for substantial landings, valued at £232 million in 2023.
Growth Potential
The growth potential for North East Ice is directly tied to the continued health and expansion of the Peterhead fishing and fish processing industry, along with sustained investment from Peterhead Port Authority to maintain modern, efficient infrastructure.
Key Market Trends
Trends in the broader frozen
