01
Responsibly Sourced
We source from MSC-certified fisheries and trusted suppliers who share our commitment to healthy fish stocks and well-managed waters.
Heritage
The Robertson Story
A family business born in the Granite City, with roots dating back to the late 1870's, Joseph Robertson is proud to be one of the leading pioneers of the UK fish processing industry. Our long standing reputation is built on innovation, superior quality, and exceptional service.
Now proudly in its 5th generation of family ownership, we are the oldest family-owned fish processing firm in the United Kingdom.
1878
Founded
5th
Generation
145+
Years of Heritage
£40m+
Annual Turnover
Our Journey
148 Years of Excellence
1878
Records show that the company was first established in 1878 by Joseph Robertson.
1878
Records show that the company was first established in 1878 by Joseph Robertson.
1900
Aberdeen fish market in full operation.
1900
Aberdeen fish market in full operation.
1916
Joseph Robertson was registered as a company in 1916.
1916
Joseph Robertson was registered as a company in 1916.
1928
Joseph Robertson celebrated its 50th anniversary.
1928
Joseph Robertson celebrated its 50th anniversary.
1930's
2nd generation of family ownership, James Robertson.
1930's
2nd generation of family ownership, James Robertson.
1946
Company moved on to the 3rd generation of ownership following the conclusion of World War 2 when James Robertson joined the business.
1946
Company moved on to the 3rd generation of ownership following the conclusion of World War 2 when James Robertson joined the business.
1980's
This saw the introduction of the 4th generation, and current owners, into the family business. The three brothers James, Michael and Simon.
1980's
This saw the introduction of the 4th generation, and current owners, into the family business. The three brothers James, Michael and Simon.
1991
With the business growing the decision was made to move into a purpose built manufacturing facility on Crombie Road, Torry.
1991
With the business growing the decision was made to move into a purpose built manufacturing facility on Crombie Road, Torry.
1999
Joseph Robertson moved to the current factory site on Sinclair Road.
1999
Joseph Robertson moved to the current factory site on Sinclair Road.
2005
The company suffered a devastating fire in December of 2005 which completely destroyed the facility.
2005
The company suffered a devastating fire in December of 2005 which completely destroyed the facility.
2007
In May 2007 the business moved into a new £8.4m state of the art factory.
2007
In May 2007 the business moved into a new £8.4m state of the art factory.
2008
The business strategically evolved from a foodservice based supplier into the chilled and frozen sectors of the retail market.
2008
The business strategically evolved from a foodservice based supplier into the chilled and frozen sectors of the retail market.
2011
The 5th generation joins the business.
2011
The 5th generation joins the business.
2015
The company invested in an extension to the factory in order to increase capacity, functionality and efficiency.
2015
The company invested in an extension to the factory in order to increase capacity, functionality and efficiency.
2016
Opened Centre Of Excellence in Grimsby focused on 'New Product Development' hosting the product innovation team.
2016
Opened Centre Of Excellence in Grimsby focused on 'New Product Development' hosting the product innovation team.
2020
Annual turnover milestone of £40m.
2020
Annual turnover milestone of £40m.
2021
Acquired adjacent properties increasing site capacity by 40%.
2021
Acquired adjacent properties increasing site capacity by 40%.
2023
5th generation emerges into senior management roles covering Finance, Operations and HR.
2023
5th generation emerges into senior management roles covering Finance, Operations and HR.
2024
5th generation appointed to Board positions.
2024
5th generation appointed to Board positions.
Our Products
Crafted with Pride Since 1878
Our focus is simple; outstanding quality. By using only the best, responsibly sourced and sustainable ingredients, we ensure our products take centre stage at every table. Driven by innovation, we develop products that anticipate market trends and global tastes, frequently bringing fresh new ideas to market. We specialise in secondary, value-added processing, supplying the UK's leading retailers with own label product.
Coated Fillets
Natural and Formed fillets. Cod, Haddock, Pollock, Hake and Sole in a variety of tasty coatings — from classic breadcrumb to signature beer batter.
Fishcakes
From traditional favourites to our innovative melting centre and naked fishcake ranges, crafted with the finest sustainably sourced fish.
Ready-to-Cook Meals
Hand crafted, chef-inspired seafood meals prepared with premium ingredients — simply pop in the oven for a restaurant-quality dinner at home. Our range consists of En Croutes, Mornays, Gratins and Kievs.
Party & Snacking
Crowd-pleasing savoury bites perfect for entertaining — from crispy goujons and tempura prawns to mini fishcakes, classic vol au vents and indulgent chorizo mac & cheese bites.
About Us
Innovation and R&D have been key drivers in our journey. We pride ourselves on being up to date with current market trends — in many cases, setting the trend.
Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and dedicated Centre of Excellence in Grimsby house our product innovation team, driving new product development and ensuring we remain at the forefront of the seafood industry.
We are committed to leading the way in responsible seafood sourcing, ensuring every product reflects the highest standards of sustainability and traceability. By aligning with the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), we support well-managed fisheries and help protect marine ecosystems for future generations. Our approach combines rigorous compliance, trusted partnerships, and a proactive mindset—so our customers can be confident they are choosing seafood that is both high quality and responsibly sourced
BRC Certified
Global Food Safety Standard
MSC Certified
Marine Stewardship Council
Gluten Free Certified
Gluten Free & Non-Gluten Free Manufacturing Capability
CSR & Sustainability
Sedex Approved
What We Stand For
Our Values
The principles that have guided five generations of the Robertson family and continue to shape everything we do.
P.R.I.D.E
People Powered
Our people are the beating heart of our family business, building on 5 generations of skill, expertise, commitment and pride in everything we produce.
Respect
We treat everyone with dignity and fairness — our colleagues, customers, suppliers and the communities we serve.
Integrity
We do what is right - consistently and without compromise - earning trust that stands the test of time.
Dedication
Unwavering commitment to our craft, our customers and the highest standards of quality.
Excellence
A legacy of quality, upheld everyday. Relentless pursuit of the highest standards in everything we do.
Our Responsibility
Sustainability at Sea, On Shore, and For the Future
For nearly 150 years our family has depended on the North Sea. Looking after it isn't a campaign — it's a condition of staying in business for another five generations.
Six Pillars of Responsible Seafood
From the boats we buy from to the boxes we ship in — sustainability is a daily discipline, not a slogan.
02
Full Traceability
Every fillet is fully traceable from catch to plate — vessel, fishery, and processing records held against each batch we produce.
03
Reducing Our Footprint
Energy-efficient refrigeration, optimised logistics and ongoing investment in our Aberdeen facility to lower emissions year on year.
04
Less Waste, More Value
By-product recovery, recyclable packaging and lean processes that respect the catch and the people who land it.
05
Supporting Coastal Communities
Backing the Scottish fleet and the harbour towns whose livelihoods — like ours — depend on the sea.
06
A Five-Generation View
Decisions made today must work for the next generation of Robertsons, customers and crews. The long view guides every choice.
Built on the Quality of Scottish Fish
Joseph Robertson has built its business reputation on the quality of Scottish fish, remaining committed to our local markets and the schemes that protect them — from crew welfare at sea to certified ingredients on shore.
Sustainable Sourcing
As a leading food manufacturer, Joseph Robertson is committed to sourcing raw materials responsibly. We aim to source all our seafood from responsibly managed fisheries and farms, in line with the Sustainable Seafood Coalition's code of conduct. Our products are made with certified seafood from MSC fisheries and Global GAP or Global Aquaculture Alliance farms. Since October 2016 we've participated in the Ocean Disclosure Project (ODP), and in 2021 we signed up to the UN Global Compact.
Marine Stewardship Council
Because Scottish waters cannot supply all our needs, we procure from other Northern waters — principally off Iceland and Norway — investing time and effort to ensure fish from these sources is fully sustainable and caught using methods that minimise impact on the marine environment. Line-caught Haddock and Cod form the vast majority of these landings. Salmon is sourced principally from Scottish and Norwegian farms renowned for excellent fishery management, with RSPCA-monitored Scottish Salmon and MSC Wild Salmon from Alaska adding to our sustainable supply.
Seafish Responsible Fishing Scheme
Our commitment is about fish and people. We support the Responsible Fishing Scheme (RFS) — the only third-party scheme that certifies high standards of crew welfare and responsible catching practices on board fishing vessels. As a firm supporter of the Seafish Industry RFS, we were proud to be the first manufacturer permitted to use the RFS logo on our retail frozen Swankie brand packaging.
Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)
As a responsible food manufacturer, we source our raw materials using Sustainable Palm Oil. We are members of the Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and use 100% certified palm oil in our ingredients.
Certified to the Highest Standards
Working With Industry Leaders
Get in Touch
Contact Us
Whether you're looking for a supply partner, want to discuss a bespoke product, or simply want to learn more about our heritage — we'd love to hear from you.
45 - 47 Sinclair Road, Torry, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK, AB11 9BG
enquiries@josephrobertson.co.uk