Portland, OR – September 11, 2024 – Snow Peak, a Japanese camping brand with 65 years of history, is thrilled to announce the acquisition of a majority shareholding in Swift Fly Fishing, making it a proud subsidiary of the Snow Peak family. This strategic acquisition aligns with Snow Peak’s mission of reconnecting people with nature through innovative outdoor experiences.
Founded in 1958, Snow Peak has long been a pioneer in the outdoor industry, offering products and experiences that bring the outdoors into everyday life. With a deep commitment to enhancing human connections through nature, Snow Peak continues to expand its offerings, fostering a global community of campers and outdoor enthusiasts.
“We are thrilled to bring Swift Fly Fishing and the Epic Fly Rod brand into the Snow Peak family,” said Tohru Yamai, Snow Peak CEO and Chairman of the Board. “I’ve been fly fishing my entire life and Epic products are the best gear I’ve ever seen. This union beautifully blends our passion for camping with Swift’s artistry in fly fishing, further extending our mission to connect humans with nature’s rhythms. We look forward to the possibilities that lie ahead as we deepen our investment in the fly fishing market.”
Swift Fly Fishing, headquartered in Wanaka, New Zealand, is a leading high-end brand in the global fly fishing industry, known for its Epic Fly Rods brand. The Epic brand has set a new standard in fly fishing gear with its use of advanced materials and innovative designs, including graphite, graphene, and Epic’s proprietary “Fast Glass” composite material. Epic fly rods, reels, and accessories are celebrated for their superior design, strength, and precision, making them the top choice for discerning anglers around the world.
Founded by Carl McNeil and Jeanie Ackley, Swift has established itself as an innovator within the industry.
“While we will remain heavily influenced by our New Zealand heritage, the new relationship with Snow Peak will allow us to extend our fly fishing offerings and expand globally,” said McNeil. “New Zealand is the perfect laboratory to design and develop world class fly fishing equipment, we’re extremely excited about what’s on the horizon.”
Beyond its premium products, Swift Fly Fishing will also expand into experiential adventure tours that will blend travel, accommodation, dining, and fly fishing experiences in collaboration with elite fly fishing communities globally.
Through the acquisition, Snow Peak aims to integrate the advanced technologies and superior quality of Swift’s Epic brand into its own offerings, creating unique outdoor activity experiences that combine the joys of camping and fly fishing. This partnership is expected to further Snow Peak’s goal of restoring human nature by deepening people’s connection to the natural world.
About Snow Peak
Founded in Japan in 1958, Snow Peak is a camping brand serving customers in the USA for more than 20 years, with a mission to unite people and alleviate the stresses of modern life through time gathering outside. Its Japanese-designed, lifetime-guaranteed camping equipment serves as a catalyst for restorative experiences in nature. Focused on bringing people together, Snow Peak operates immersive retail locations in Portland and Brooklyn, as well as a Portland restaurant, Takibi, a PNW izakaya that brings to life the brand’s belief that time spent sharing food and drink by the fire is the best way to connect with one another. Snowpeak.com
About Swift Fly Fishing
Swift Fly Fishing, based in Wanaka, New Zealand, is renowned for its Epic brand of premium fly fishing gear. Epic fly rods are built to withstand the toughest conditions while offering unmatched accuracy, sensitivity, and versatility.
For more information, please visit snowpeak.com and swiftflyfishing.com.
