Hundreds of jobs at risk as Queensland seafood company Raptis collapses hours before Easter rush

A decades-old Australian seafood business is being wound down, putting more than 200 jobs at risk just hours out from one of the busiest periods on the industry calendar.

The A. Raptis & Sons Group, headquartered in Morningside, Brisbane, will cease operations over the coming months after administrators failed to secure a buyer.

The company is a family-founded fishing operation dating back to the 1960s, with origins in the 1930s when Greek founder Arthur Raptis snr began working in the fishing industry as a migrant. The family later opened a fish and chip shop in Adelaide.

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Administrators were appointed on March 6 to entities including A. Raptis & Sons Pty Ltd, Harvest Seafood Australia and its Karumba-based operations.

Despite launching an urgent campaign to sell or recapitalise the business, no viable offers were received.

From migrant beginnings to a national seafood operator, the Raptis family business grew from a small fish and chip shop into a major industry player. Credit: RaptisEaster is one of the busiest periods for seafood in Australia, second only to Christmas, with demand largely driven by Good Friday traditions. Credit: Raptis

“While there was some interest in the sale process… there have been no offers for the sale of the business as a going concern that are able to be taken forward,” the administrators said in an update on March 31.

“Given this circumstance and the ongoing funding requirements of the business operations, a decision has been made to wind down the business of the companies over the coming months.”

The collapse will impact more than 200 employees across Queensland. The sudden closure is expected to send ripple effects through supply chains, from trawler crews and processing workers to transport operators and regional suppliers.

For decades, Raptis has been the backbone of Australia’s prawn trawling industry, with strong ties to northern fishing hubs like Karumba in the Gulf of Carpentaria.

The company owns and operates 19 commercial fishing vessels across Australian waters and sources wild-caught seafood nationally.

Banana prawns caught by a Raptis trawler, with Easter typically marking a peak sales period for the industry. Credit: RaptisThe company’s fleet fishes across Australia, targeting prawns and other species in key commercial fisheries. Credit: Raptis

The announcement comes just 24 hours before the traditional seafood run-up to Easter — one of the most critical trading windows of the year — when demand for prawns and fresh seafood typically surges.

It also raises broader concerns about mounting pressures the fishing industry is facing, including rising fuel costs, operational expenses and market volatility.

Administrators said they are now working with affected staff and stakeholders as the shutdown progresses.

“The administrators are engaging with relevant stakeholders who may be impacted by this decision and will continue to pursue a sale of the assets of the companies,” they said.

They will continue liaising with employees about their entitlements during the administration process.