I&J Salt & Pepper Calamari

I&J (Irvin & Johnson) is a legendary name in the seafood industry, established in 1910. Originally founded in South Africa by George Irvin and Charles Johnson, the brand revolutionized the frozen food market by introducing deep-sea trawling and commercial freezing techniques. Over the decades, I&J expanded its footprint significantly, becoming a household name in markets such as Australia and Southeast Asia.

In the Australian market, I&J is well-known for its range of frozen fish fillets, calamari, and prawns. While the brand has South African roots, the Australian operations were acquired by the J.R. Simplot Company, a major American multinational agribusiness. This ownership brings global supply chain expertise, allowing the products to be sourced from sustainable wild-caught fisheries across the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Today, I&J products found in Australia are typically manufactured in facilities in Vietnam or Thailand using squid caught in the South Pacific. The brand remains a staple in the frozen food aisle, combining over a century of maritime heritage with the modern production and distribution capabilities of the Simplot group.