BFA is part of a critical discovery effort against a key defendant in this case, in which Plaintiffs allege defendants entered into a conspiracy involving packaged seafood product in violation of the Sherman Act and state antitrust law.
On July 30, 2019, Judge Janis L. Sammartino of the Southern District of California granted class certification to a class of direct purchasers. In January 2021, Direct Purchaser Plaintiffs and Defendant Tri-Union Seafoods d/b/a Chicken of the Sea International and Thai Union Group PCL (collectively, “COSI”), announced a settlement agreement in principle, and for final approval was granted in the amount of $13,001,961.86 on March 7, 2023.
On July 18, 2023, the Court granted final approval of a $20 million settlement between End Payer Plaintiffs and Defendants COSI. On August 22, 2022, the Court granted final approval of a $6,500,000 settlement between Commercial Food Preparer Plaintiffs and Defendants COSI. Commercial Food Preparer Plaintiffs and Defendants StarKist Co. and Dongwon Industries Co., Ltd. reached a settlement on January 5, 2024. The remaining parties have briefed motions for summary judgment and are awaiting a decision.
