Labeyrie Fine Foods, the French manufacturer, has confirmed closure plans at a sushi products factory in its domestic market.

Based in Boulogne-sur-Mer, the facility specialised in manufacturing sushi-type products marketed under the Comptoir Sushis brand or under a private label in the Marée Self-Service section of “major retail brands”.

However, Labeyrie Fine Foods stated that it has been “experiencing a deficit in activity for several years”.

The group added that it had seen a decline in sushi sales of “more than 60%” over the last three years due to the effect that “made on-site” counters in stores had on the self-service department.

Labeyrie Fine Foods attempted to find a solution to the struggling factory: looking at the “development of sub-contracting activities, industrial partnerships, or even sale of the factory”.

In a statement, the company statement said: “In March 2023, this last option emerged as the most reasonable solution to maintain employment on the site, the other options having not proven conclusive, despite the numerous contacts initiated and the support of the town hall, the region and the sub-prefecture in the search for partners.”

The food group added that a potential buyer “showed its interest” but the deal fell through on 9 August when the unnamed company decided not to pursue a purchase.

Labeyrie said employees at the factory set for closure are yet to be informed of their future at the company as “arrangements will soon be discussed”.

The company launched the factory in 2011 under its fish and seafood subsidiary Delpierre.

Founded in 1946, Labeyrie has an annual turnover of around €1bn ($1.06bn), has 3,400 employees and 14 sites worldwide.