The Sea as a Legacy
For the Wattez Group, the sea is much more than a profession.
It is a family story, passed down from generation to generation, shaped by hard work, commitment, and passion.
A culture built on discipline, high standards, and respect for the resource.
A commitment at the heart of the industry, close to the regions and to the women and men who bring them to life.
A determination to build a sustainable group, capable of standing the test of time while remaining true to its roots — to pass on, tomorrow, an even stronger legacy.
OUR group
FROM SEA TO PLATE,
AUTHENTICITY FIRST
Founded in 1989 by Jacques Wattez, GROUPE WATTEZ is a family-owned holding company based in Boulogne- sur-Mer.
Today, our group brings together 6 companies whose expertise goes beyond fishing. We manage the entire upstream chain, from the production of whole fish and fresh fillets to the manufacturing of high-quality frozen prepared products.
Our values are simple and bring us together :
Passing on our heritage, respecting the sea, and innovating responsibly. Every day, our teams bring to life a unique know-how, blending tradition and modernity to preserve resources and build the future.
Because the sea is our story, we want to sustain it.
OUR DATA
22000 tons
of fish processed annually
77M
turnover in 2024,
with 20% from exports
37
years
of existence
190
employees
armement boulonnais
IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE SEA!
Founded in 2017, Armement Boulonnais was born from the union of two families’ know-how,
united across generations by their love for the sea and fishing: the de Boer and Wattez families.
Sailing under the French flag, the company’s two captains and ten sailors form a young, tight-knit team proud to share their passion and expertise. They contribute to sustaining artisanal fishing.
As a key supplier to all the companies in our group, Armement Boulonnais takes pride in rigorously and sensibly respecting regulations, in full alignment with our values.
Key points :
> Respect for the product
> Respect for the resource
> Short fishing trips ensuring freshness
> Fair value sharing with the teams
Species fished by Armement Boulonnais:
Squid / Cuttlefish / Mackerel / Whiting / Red mullet
unipeche
FROM COLLECTION TO MARKET:
UNCOMPROMISING STANDARDS
UNIPECHE is a ship agent company based in Boulogne-sur-Mer. Its mission
is to facilitate and modernise the connection between producers and buyers to enhance the value of seafood products.
From fish collection to market distribution, everything is done to meet the demands of both vessel-owners and seafood processors.
UNIPECHE has become a key player in promoting fresh catch by offering top- quality seafood from the English Channel, the North Sea, and imports.
Key points:
>Collection of fish along the coastline from Brest to the Netherlands
>Order preparation
>Multi-channel marketing to meet client needs
>12,000 tons processed per year
Species handled by UNIPECHE:
Cuttlefish / Squid / Mackerel / Herring / Sardines / Whiting / Red mullet / Shellfish / Tub gurnard
whatfish
DIGITAL SOLUTIONS
FOR SEAFOOD
PROFESSIONALS
Always seeking new ways to simplify the lives of industry stakeholders, the GROUPE WATTEZ has innovated by creating WHATFISH, a dedicated marketplace for seafood professionals.
Developed by our subsidiary UNIPECHE, this new tool is the digital version of services that have been offered to boats and buyers for nearly 40 years.
It provides logistical and commercial support that is simple, efficient, and intuitive.
WHATFISH allows industry professionals to secure product supply at a pre-agreed price, save time, and better showcase the value of their work.
uni-marée
SEAFOOD WIDELY ACCLAIMED!
UNI-MARÉE is a seafood processing and trading company, renowned for its commitment to freshness and its strong connection to the sea.
Its mission is to select, prepare, and ship the finest products to clients seeking quality and reliability.
A human-scale company based in Boulogne-sur-Mer, it is present at the fish auction from the early morning, in direct contact with the products. Once selected, purchased, received, processed, and prepared by UNI- MARÉE, the products are shipped the same day — within 9 hours in France, and under 12 hours to Italy or Spain.
Proud to be trusted by major retailers as well as wholesalers, UNI-MARÉE stands out for its key strengths:
>Continuous and reliable supply
>Careful selection and product integrity
>Full traceability
>On-demand sourcing
>Consistent quality
Species handled by UNI-MAREE :
Sardines / Mackerel / Herring…
Cephalopods / Cuttlefish / Squid…
vadet
FOR TRUE SEAFOOD
CONNOISSEURS SINCE 1946
GROUPE WATTEZ is especially proud to count among its group the oldest fish processor in Boulogne-sur-Mer. Thanks to word-of-mouth that has worked across France since 1946, VADET is a brand renowned for its historically premium craftsmanship — unmatched on the port.
Exclusively serving the restaurant and fishmonger sectors, clients seeking top- quality finishing have found in VADET a trusted partner. Every step of the preparation is performed entirely by hand by true artists of cutting and shelling (v-cut, j-cut, removal of scallop roe, etc.). Because the art of bringing out the best of the sea is also in the craftsmanship!
Species prepared by VADET:
All types of fish and shellfish caught in the North Sea and the Channel. Scallops, Pollock, Redfish, Turbot, Red Mullet, Whiting… (non-exhaustive list)
appeti’ marine
SEAFOOD PRODUCTS
MADE FOR ALL,
DESIGNED FOR YOU
Part of the GROUPE WATTEZ since 2021, APPETI’MARINE is an industrial deli specialising in the production of frozen prepared seafood products. With a 4,500 m² production facility in Dunkirk, the company offers high-quality products following a clean label approach. Compliant with the strictest food industry standards, it adapts to the needs of its professional partners.
Its expertise spans from high-volume production to the creation of custom recipes. Recently, APPETI’MARINE expanded its offer with the acquisition of the Jacques Maës brand, broadening its range of authentic products.
MARTIN IMPORT EXPORT
SERVING FOODSERVICE PROFESSIONALS
Recently integrated into the Group, MARTIN IMPORT EXPORT has specialized for over 60 years in the distribution of seafood and freshwater products.
The company sources its products from fish auctions in order to offer a wide range, tailored to the requirements of foodservice professionals and the expectations of their clientele. Located at the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer, it benefits from direct and regular access to products.
Relying on two processing workshops and logistics sites with their own delivery fleet, the teams ensure direct distribution across the entire national territory, with a service tailored to the constraints of restaurant operators.
MARTIN IMPORT EXPORT is built on a responsive and well-managed organization, guaranteeing the quality and freshness of products as well as the reliability of supply. Recognized for its industry expertise and rigor, the company stands as a trusted partner for foodservice professionals.
Key highlights
- Direct access to a wide range of seafood and freshwater products
- Selection of flagship products: salmon, scallops, turbot, pike-perch
- Controlled logistics with direct delivery to restaurant operators
- Services tailored to the requirements of professionals, with ready-to-cook products
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