Need a specific city or state? Want to email them directly?

Search, get contacts, and send outreach — all in one place.

Try Free Search

Seafood Processing Companies

Last updated: January 2026

This directory lists 87 seafood processing companies across the United States, from primary de-heading and gutting operations to advanced value-added co-packers specializing in HPP and prepared meals.

Buyers often seek solutions for achieving optimal fillet yield with minimal trim, ensuring impeccable cold chain integrity from offloading to final packaging, or needing precise IQF capabilities for individual portion control. These processors solve challenges like scaling production for new product launches, maintaining specific glazing percentages on frozen products, or navigating stringent FDA HACCP compliance for diverse product lines.

Supplier types in this space broadly fall into primary processors (focused on heading, gutting, and filleting fresh catch), secondary processors (creating value-added products like breaded portions, smoked fish, or HPP shellfish), and specialized co-packers (often focused on specific freezing technologies like blast freezing or IQF, or high-volume custom packaging). Some specialize purely in finfish, others in shellfish, and a few in cephalopods, each requiring distinct equipment and handling protocols.

Buyers should arrive prepared with detailed specifications including desired glaze levels, required shelf-life extensions, specific traceability protocols (e.g., boat-to-plate data), and target fillet cut descriptions. Suppliers, in turn, expect clarity on volume forecasts, packaging requirements, and any critical certifications like MSC or ASC relevant to your raw material sourcing.

87 companies·61 emails·81 phones

Company Directory

87 companies nationwide

Anchorage, AK

Based in Anchorage, AK, Alaska Sausage and Seafood Co. offers custom processing services for fish and game. They specialize in transforming catches into delicious smoked products, demonstrating direct seafood processing capabilities with their own facilities and expertise. This company serves customers seeking high-quality, value-added food items.

Based in New Bedford, MA, The Atlantic Red Crab Co. is a vertically integrated seafood company specializing in Atlantic deep-sea red crab. The company manages harvesting, processing, and shipping its wild-caught product, landed live in Massachusetts. It provides a 100% traceable, sustainable product from U.S. waters.

Jacksonville, FL

Based in Jacksonville, FL, Beaver Street Fisheries processes sustainable, wild-caught seafood, producing over 20 value-added items weekly. They serve wholesale, retail, institutional, and foodservice customers, providing quality food products globally. The company also acts as an importer and exporter of various seafood and meat.

Best Sea Pack of Texas, Inc. specializes in processing and packaging wild-caught shrimp for commercial clients. They supply ready-to-use shrimp products to retail and food service sectors, offering versatile solutions for diverse applications. The company focuses on providing high-quality seafood processing services for B2B needs.

Bellingham, WA

Bornstein Seafoods, based in Bellingham, WA, specializes in processing and distributing wild-caught seafood. The company focuses on sustainable, U.S.-caught West Coast groundfish. They offer large volume purchases for commercial clients, emphasizing quality and responsible sourcing directly from the untamed sea.

Portland, ME

Based in Portland, ME, Browne Trading Company supplies fresh seafood, fine caviar, and smoked seafood. They process and distribute smoked seafood, serving both restaurants and home kitchens across the United States. The company offers next-day delivery for its products.

San Diego, CA

Bumble Bee Foods, LLC. is a prominent provider of packaged seafood products, including a variety of tuna, salmon, and shrimp. The company processes and sells a broad range of healthy seafood, committed to sustainable sourcing and production practices for its consumer offerings.

San Pedro, CA

Cal Marine Fish Company, LLC, based in San Pedro, CA, specializes in processing seafood for human consumption, aquaculture, pet food, and bait. They operate their own fleet with innovative chilling and food processing infrastructure, including 300 tons daily freezing and 3,500 tons of cold storage. The company is committed to sustainable fishing practices.

Based in Braintree, MA, Channel Fish Processing Company provides sustainable seafood processing, offering fresh, frozen, and value-added products. They deliver private label and co-packing services from a state-of-the-art facility, serving retail, restaurant, and institutional clients.

Oxnard, CA

Based in Oxnard, CA, Coastal Provisions is an FDA, HACCP, and California-certified facility. They provide full-service seafood processing for restaurants and hospitality operations, from local sourcing to custom portioning and packaging. Launched in 2019, they ensure fresh, high-quality fish with extended shelf life.

Monterey, CA

Based in Monterey, CA, Del Mar Seafoods is a family-owned, vertically integrated seafood producer, processor, and exporter. They specialize in high-quality California market squid, caught through an exclusive West Coast network. The company operates MSC certified fisheries, emphasizing sustainable practices and secure supply chains for commercial clients.

Ducktrap is a Maine-based smokehouse specializing in processing high-quality smoked Atlantic and Sockeye Salmon fillets. They utilize a unique brining process perfected over 45 years. Products are slow-smoked below 90°F with a distinct blend of cherry, apple, oak, and maple woods, ensuring a rich texture and delicate flavor.

Based in New Bedford, MA, East Coast Seafood Company operates two GFSI certified facilities, totaling 152,000 square feet, for seafood processing. They specialize in freezing, tray pack, and value-added seafood products, including lobster, scallops, crab, fish, and shrimp, serving food service and retail customers.

Monroe, WA

Based in Monroe, WA, Echo Falls Seafoods is a primary processor of wild Alaska smoked sockeye salmon and other seafood. They specialize in hot and cold smoked salmon, yellowfin tuna, and wild Alaska keta salmon caviar. The company also produces pickled herring and serves both retail and foodservice customers.

Minneapolis, MN

Based in Minneapolis, MN, Eddie M's Co. provides comprehensive seafood processing services. They specialize in custom cut fish fillets, bulk marinated or spiced fish portions, shrimp skewers, and fresh fish kabobs, offering case-ready products for their clients.

Emeryville, CA

Dockside Fish Processing, located in Emeryville, CA, operates a dedicated fish processing and vacuum-packing facility in the San Francisco Bay Area. The company provides custom fish processing services, primarily for anglers stepping off charter boats, ensuring their catches are cleaned and packed to satisfaction.

San Diego, CA

Based in San Diego, CA, Fisherman's Processing provides custom seafood processing services for sportfishing fleets, private boaters, and tourists. Established in 2009, they offer table-ready fillets, trade for cans, and jerky, utilizing RSW methods to maintain catch quality.

San Francisco, CA

Four Star Seafood and Provisions is a chef-curated marketplace based in San Francisco, CA, specializing in fresh, sustainable seafood. They process and offer a variety of seafood products, including fillets, steaks, and meal kits, available for both retail and wholesale customers.

Plantsville, CT

Based in Plantsville, CT, Gulf Shrimp Co specializes in comprehensive shrimp processing services. Their operations include harvesting, de-heading, and grading using specialized machinery. The company prepares shrimp into various final product forms for commercial clients, ensuring quality and efficiency throughout the supply chain.

New Hyde Park, NY

Based in New Hyde Park, NY, Harbor Seafood is a long-standing provider of high-quality seafood processing. Since 1975, the company has offered an extensive range of finfish, shellfish, and value-added products. They prioritize sustainable practices, environmental stewardship, and full product traceability for their commercial customers.

La Conner, WA

Based in La Conner, WA, Harmony Fresh Seafoods provides co-packing, private-label, and R&D services for seafood products. They specialize in crafting wild-caught sockeye salmon into value-added items such as smoked, jerky, and pickled seafood. Operating from the Pacific Northwest, they emphasize small-batch production and responsible sourcing for quality client solutions.

Palacios, TX

Based in Palacios, TX, Homegrown Seafood is a third-generation, family-owned, and vertically integrated seafood producer. They farm-raise and process hybrid striped bass, red drum, catfish, and Pacific white shrimp. Seafood is harvested to order, chilled, and packed within hours, emphasizing freshness, traceability, and responsible practices.

Indiantown, FL

Based in Indiantown, FL, Homegrown Shrimp USA specializes in sustainable indoor-farmed shrimp. The company provides freshly harvested, eco-friendly shrimp directly from their farm, supporting responsible agriculture practices for consumers.

Bell, CA

Based in Bell, CA, H&T Seafood specializes in processing and supplying a range of shrimp products. The company offers Black Tiger Prawns and White Shrimp in various forms, including head-on, headless, and value-added preparations, serving commercial customers with high-quality seafood solutions.

Santa Barbara, CA

Based in Santa Barbara, CA, Kanaloa Seafood is the first certified sustainable seafood company in the U.S. With over 40 years of experience, it provides fresh, sustainably sourced seafood to restaurants, retailers, and national accounts. The company maintains a rigorous scientific approach to sourcing and processing.

Seattle, WA

Based in Seattle, WA, Keyport LLC processes and supplies wholesale wild-caught crab and frozen seafood products. The company offers a range of crab species, including Red King, Golden King, Snow, and Dungeness, serving commercial and food service customers.

Brunswick, GA

King & Prince Seafood is a large US-based company providing quality, innovative seafood solutions for the foodservice industry. With global sourcing links through Nissui, they offer a wide range of seafood options. Their culinary team assists customers in menuing more seafood effectively.

San Francisco, CA

Based in San Francisco, CA, Monterey Fish Market, Inc. specializes in wholesale seafood processing and distribution. The company provides a wide range of finfish and shellfish, utilizing various techniques to prepare products for commercial and retail clients. They also offer retail services and curbside pickup in Berkeley, serving the wider Bay Area.

North Hollywood, CA

Native Cure Smokehouse, based in North Hollywood, CA, specializes in processing high-quality smoked salmon. They use traditional methods with fresh salmon, salt, sugar, and natural wood, avoiding preservatives or additives. Each fillet is meticulously smoked and vacuum-packed to deliver optimum flavor and texture.

Wilmington, CA

Nautilus Seafood, based in Wilmington, CA, operates a processing plant for fresh and frozen seafood. They import, export, process, and distribute a wide array of products, including calamari, squid, mackerel, sardines, shrimp, octopus, and various fish. Nautilus serves restaurants, distributors, hotels, and markets nationwide and worldwide.

Based in Boston, MA, North Coast Seafoods processes and distributes high-quality, sustainable seafood. They serve foodservice and retail customers, offering fresh and frozen seafood products like crab meat, shrimp, and oysters. The company provides wholesale options for businesses.

Renton, WA

Based in Renton, WA, Ocean Beauty Seafoods processes wild-caught Alaska seafood, creating fresh and frozen products for retail and foodservice. The company utilizes its seven wholesale distribution centers across the Western U.S. to also distribute beef, pork, and poultry.

Vernon, CA

Based in Vernon, CA, PAFCO provides comprehensive seafood processing services for a global selection of fresh, frozen, and live items. Their capabilities include importing, warehousing, processing, distribution, and product development for commercial clients.

New Orleans, LA

Based in New Orleans, LA, Paul Piazza Shrimp is a vertically integrated seafood processor specializing in premium, wild-caught shrimp. The company processes over 30 million pounds annually, sourcing sustainably from the coasts of Louisiana, Texas, and Florida. They provide SQF Certified shrimp products for both consumer and foodservice markets.

Sugar Land, TX

Philly Seafood, based in Sugar Land, TX, is a family-owned company specializing in high-quality domestic Gulf and farm-raised shrimp. Since 1998, they have focused on controlling their shrimp production from family boats to customers, emphasizing environmental sustainability, food safety, and integrity.

San Diego, CA

Based in San Diego, CA, Point Loma Seafoods provides professional fish processing services. They offer filleting for whole fish, priced per pound based on fish size, with a typical 3-5 day turnaround. Additionally, the company specializes in hickory smoked fish, also available on a per-pound basis.

Vernon, CA

Based in Vernon, CA, Premier Meat Company is a family-run supplier that processes and distributes fresh, premium meats, poultry, and seafood. They conduct in-house chicken and fish processing, grinding, and dry aging. The company serves restaurants across California.

This family-run business provides year-round Gulf oysters, specializing in fresh, frozen, and high-pressure processed products. The company invests in Gulf Coast sustainability by recycling oyster shells and planting cultch material to support future oyster generations.

Based in Washington, DC, Profish is a seafood processor and wholesaler providing fresh and prepared seafood products. They offer a diverse range including various fish fillets, live shellfish, crabs, lobsters, sushi, and smoked items. Profish supplies restaurants and also offers direct-to-public sales.

Vernon, CA

Based in Vernon, CA, Red Chamber Co. is a seafood importer, exporter, processor, and harvester established in 1973. The company operates strategically located processing plants on both US coasts, offering diverse seafood products processed with sophisticated technology and a strong quality control program.

Sheboygan, WI

Based in Sheboygan, WI, Schwarz Fish Company specializes in natural hardwood smoking of various fish. They process a selection of seafood, including salmon, trout, whitefish, and herring. This company utilizes traditional smoking methods to provide distinctively flavored fish products.

National City, CA

Based in National City, CA, San Diego Fish Processing provides offloading, transport, and processing services for fish caught by anglers in the San Diego area. They offer on-call dockside pickup for private and charter vessels, utilizing a 7,000 sq. ft. climate-controlled facility to ensure fresh, high-quality seafood processing.

Houston, TX

Based in Houston, TX, Seafood Wholesalers LLC is a vertically integrated wholesale seafood company. They manage production, inventory, and logistics through global partnerships, offering high-quality products and sustainable practices. With extensive experience, they serve customers across Texas and surrounding states.

North Hollywood, CA

Based in North Hollywood, CA, Seven Seas Smokehouse specializes in the processing of luxury seafood products. The company offers a selection of fine caviars sourced globally and expertly smoked salmon and fish. Their fresh products are available through online orders and a retail store, catering to discerning customers.

Miami, FL

Based in Miami, FL, Seven Seas Foods processes various seafood types like salmon, pollock, cod, flounder, and tilapia into portions and fillets. They also offer a customizable line of ready-to-heat products.

Oakhurst, CA

Based in Oakhurst, CA, Sierra Seafood Specialties is a family-owned wholesale and retail fish market established in 1991. With over 30 years of experience, they provide high-quality fresh seafood, including salmon, halibut, tuna, and crab, to the Central Valley. The company offers refrigerated delivery.

Seattle, WA

Based in Seattle, WA, Silver Bay Seafoods is a fishermen-owned, vertically integrated company specializing in the sustainable harvesting and processing of premium wild-caught seafood. With facilities across Alaska and the West Coast, they produce a range of products including salmon, whitefish, and squid for worldwide markets.

Texas Blue Pacific Crab is a family-owned seafood processor specializing in fresh blue crab and crabmeat. They responsibly source blue crabs from the waters of Los Mochis Sinaloa, Mexico, and Matamoros, focusing on delivering high-quality, fresh crab products for diverse culinary applications.

Santa Fe Springs, CA

The Bumble Bee Seafood Company processes and provides a variety of ocean-inspired, protein-rich seafood products. The company focuses on discovering new, innovative, and sustainable sourcing methods. It also champions sustainable fishing and advocates for fishers, aiming to set future industry standards through its actions.

Seattle, WA

Based in Seattle, WA, Trident Seafoods specializes in responsibly fishing and processing wild Alaska seafood. For over 50 years, the company has provided high-quality, sustainable seafood products to customers globally, including premium food service. They offer scalable production capabilities for businesses of all sizes.

Ultco is a specialty seafood company focused on responsibly ocean-raised and wild-harvested species. The company emphasizes sustainable and traceable practices in its operations, providing high-quality seafood products.

Redmond, WA

Based in Redmond, WA, Unisea operates its primary seafood processing facility in Dutch Harbor, Unalaska, Alaska. The company partners with independent vessels and fleets to harvest and process a variety of seafood, offering comprehensive processing capabilities for commercial customers.

United States Seafoods is a fully integrated fishing company specializing in premium Alaska seafood from the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. They operate three catcher processors and four catcher vessels, bringing high-quality seafood to global consumers. The company supports vessel maintenance from its homeport facility.

Harlingen, TX

Based in Harlingen, TX, Valley International Cold Storage, LLC provides state-of-the-art facilities for cold storage and repackaging of frozen food. They offer co-packing services and specialize in Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) processes, catering to commercial B2B clients requiring food processing solutions for products like seafood.

San Bruno, CA

Based in San Bruno, CA, Vince's Shellfish Company specializes in custom production and packaging services for a wide array of seafood selections. The company utilizes its own facilities to provide comprehensive processing solutions, catering to commercial clients within the seafood industry.

Bellevue, WA

Based in Bellevue, WA, Westward Seafoods Inc. processes a wide range of wild, all-natural, sustainable, and traceable seafood. Their product offerings include Alaskan black cod, king crab, halibut, pollock, and surimi block. The company focuses on delivering high-quality seafood for commercial customers.

Oak Harbor, WA

Based in Oak Harbor, WA, Whidbey Island Seafood Company provides custom seafood and game processing services, including smoking. The company also offers a variety of sustainably sourced seafood, such as cod, crab, halibut, salmon, and tuna, delivered directly to customers.

Rockport, TX

Based in Rockport, Texas, Big Tree Oyster Company cultivates premium Eastern oysters in Copano Bay. They utilize hands-on techniques, including tumbling and sorting, to grow oysters with deep cups and plump meats. Focusing on sustainability, they hand-select oysters for consistent quality and freshness, offering a crisp, vibrant product.

Red Bluff, CA

Mt. Lassen Seafood Processors is a Red Bluff, CA-based company that processes and distributes fresh, responsibly sourced seafood. They specialize in processing trout and steelhead, offering products like dressed trout and portioned steelhead. The company directly handles the processing and supply of its aquaculture products.

Brownsville, TX

Based in Brownsville, TX, Texas Gold Shrimp specializes in the processing of wild-caught Texas Gulf shrimp. The company manages the entire process from harvesting to packaging, providing high-quality shrimp products for its customers.

Based in Bedford, MA, Tichon Seafood Corporation has offered seafood processing since 1943. This four-generation company emphasizes sustainable practices, sourcing high-quality seafood directly. They specialize in custom packing scallops and fresh fish fillets, available in 5, 10, or 15 lb increments to meet commercial specifications.

Atlantic Fish and Seafood provides various forms of value-added fish and seafood. The company specializes in processing seafood to meet diverse customer needs, offering products beyond raw forms for commercial clients.

Edmonds, WA

Alaska General Seafoods, based in Edmonds, WA, is a seafood processing company focused on wild salmon. With three plants in Naknek, Ketchikan, and Egegik, Alaska, the company sources sustainably harvested seafood from independent fishermen. They provide wild salmon products to both retail and wholesale markets globally.

Seattle, WA

Based in Seattle, WA, American Seafoods is a leading at-sea processor specializing in sustainable, high-protein Wild Alaska Pollock and Wild Pacific Hake. The company utilizes a modern fleet to freeze wild-caught fish directly at sea, preserving freshness and nutrition, for food manufacturers.

Anaheim, CA

Based in Anaheim, CA, Anderson Seafoods operates two state-of-the-art facilities specializing in seafood processing. One facility is dedicated exclusively to frozen processing, managing a diverse array of seafood products. They provide comprehensive processing services for commercial customers with their own equipment and workforce.

Cape Coral, FL

Based in Cape Coral, FL, Merrick Seafood Wholesale operates as a distributor, sourcing sustainable local fish from the Gulf of Mexico and Florida's Atlantic Coast. The company provides wholesale seafood, likely involving processing, for commercial clients including restaurants and other businesses.

Blue Sea Products processes and supplies a diverse range of high-quality seafood including shrimp, crab, scallops, lobster, finfish, and calamari. The company offers value-added seafood products, managing the process from sea to table. They focus on providing best-in-class products and services to their customers.

Troy, OH

Based in Troy, Ohio, Buckeye Surf & Turf is a family-owned butcher shop and fish farm. The company provides custom and inspected slaughtering and processing services for various livestock including beef, pork, and lamb. Additionally, they raise Yellow Perch for live wholesale markets, supplying fresh aquaculture products to the seafood supply chain.

Bradenton, FL

Based in Bradenton, FL, CEH LLC is a USDC Grade 'A' seafood processor. They specialize in processing seafood caught in American waters by American ships within the USA. The company provides value-added products with custom flavor profiles, co-packaging services, and serves the Hospitality, Food Service, Military, and Retail industries.

Theodore, AL

Based in Theodore, AL, Fortune Fish & Gourmet is a founder-run importer, processor, and distributor of premium seafood, specialty meat, and gourmet specialty food products. The company handles a variety of fresh finfish, shellfish, and other specialty seafood, emphasizing sustainable practices.

Grand Prairie, TX

Frugé Seafood is a wholesale seafood provider for chefs and restaurants. The company offers fresh, top-quality fin fish, shellfish, and crawfish, delivered directly to its clients. Based in Grand Prairie, TX, it emphasizes reliability and product freshness for commercial kitchens.

Anahuac, TX

Based in Anahuac, TX, Jeri's Seafood, Inc. is a family-owned oyster harvesting and processing company since 1970. They employ sustainable practices, maintaining their own reefs and recycling shells to grow over 70% of their harvest. The company offers FDA, DSHS, and HACCP certified processing services.

Based in New Bedford, MA, Marder Seafood processes and supplies premium dry, fresh, and frozen scallops. The company also offers Pacific Cod and value-added seafood products like lobster bites and cakes. It serves both wholesale and retail customers, providing high-quality seafood solutions.

Mazzetta Company, LLC is a fully integrated producer, importer, and distributor of fine, frozen seafood. The company manages the sourcing, harvesting, and processing of frozen seafood, delivering sustainable products to restaurants, retailers, distributors, and foodservice organizations globally.

Edmonds, WA

Based in Edmonds, WA, North Pacific Seafoods operates five seafood processing plants in Alaska's key harvesting areas. The company specializes in processing a wide selection of wild Alaskan seafood products, committed to providing high-quality, sustainable, and traceable options. They offer services like salmon processing and filleting.

Highland Park, IL

Based in Highland Park, IL, Oishii Shrimp specializes in processing sustainably harvested shrimp. The company efficiently freezes shrimp from swimming to frozen in under four hours, ensuring high-quality, fresh frozen shrimp products for the market. They cater to both commercial and retail customers seeking premium seafood.

Los Angeles, CA

Pacific Fresh Seafood is a Los Angeles-based company specializing in sourcing, processing, and delivering fresh and frozen seafood. They provide a wide variety of responsibly sourced seafood options from around the world. The company serves L.A.'s finest restaurants with top-tier offerings year-round.

Bay City, OR

Based in Bay City, OR, Pacific Seafood manages the entire seafood supply chain from harvesting and fishing to processing and distribution. The company provides fresh seafood by overseeing all operational aspects to ensure quality.

Sam Rust Seafood is a family-owned wholesale seafood processor and distributor, established in 1938. The company emphasizes quality, sustainability, and community, sourcing eco-conscious products locally and globally. They employ an ozone water sanitation system and maintain strict quality assurance processes for all seafood.

Santa Barbara, CA

Based in Santa Barbara, CA, The Santa Barbara Smokehouse operates a 15,000 square foot facility producing smoked salmon. Specializing in both wild and farmed varieties, the company utilizes proprietary, artisanal methods rooted in a 1940s Scottish recipe. They serve culinary experts and restaurants, maintaining high-quality processing standards.

Jacksonville, FL

Based in Jacksonville, FL, Shaw Family Seafood Co. offers over 85 years of expertise in seafood processing. The company specializes in private label co-packing, delivering highly customized comfort food solutions. They provide comprehensive manufacturing services for B2B clients within the food industry.

San Diego, CA

Based in San Diego, CA, Sportsmen's Seafood Fish Processing offers comprehensive seafood processing services. Established in 1965, the company provides a one-stop solution for various seafood processing needs, ensuring the delivery of fresh products for its customers.

Miami, FL

Based in Miami, FL, Western Edge Seafood offers private label packaging and custom processing for premium seafood. Their product range includes breaded shrimp, fish, and various fresh/frozen items. Serving food service distributors and restaurant chains, the company, founded in 1988, emphasizes consistent quality and reliable supply.

Ventura, CA

Based in Ventura, CA, Wild Local Seafood Co. processes sustainable, wild-caught seafood from local California fishermen. They utilize eco-friendly, hook-and-line practices, offering high-caliber, fresh, and often dry-cured fish delivered to fine eateries, purveyors, and the general public.

Frisco, TX

Zalo Fresh specializes in seafood processing, offering a range of value-added products. Their capabilities include breading and smoking, among other processing techniques. The company provides fresh, high-quality processed seafood items, reflecting a pioneering spirit in the industry.

St. Petersburg, FL

Based in St. Petersburg, FL, Bama Sea Products, Inc. is an integrated US seafood processor. The company specializes in peeling, breading, grading, and packing shrimp, handling both wild-caught US shrimp and globally sourced varieties. They also offer skinpacking services for fish, leveraging extensive experience in seafood processing.

Port Bolivar, TX

Based in Port Bolivar, TX, Milt's Seafood Plant is a dedicated seafood processing facility. It specializes in the careful handling and packaging of various types of fresh seafood, serving commercial clients with its specialized operations.

Found what you're looking for? Unlock 61 emails and 81 phones.

How to Choose a Company

  • Assess their experience with your specific species (e.g., finfish, bivalves, cephalopods) and required processing method, such as HPP for extended shelf life of shellfish or precise IQF portioning for retail-ready fillets.
  • For consumer-facing products, verify adherence to GFSI-recognized standards like BRCGS or SQF, and if sustainability is key, confirm MSC or ASC chain-of-custody certifications for your raw material source.
  • Beware of processors who can't provide verifiable data on consistent fillet yield or glazing levels for your product type; inconsistent yields directly impact your bottom line and product quality, signaling potential inefficiencies or lack of precise process control.
  • Examine their cold chain management protocols, from receiving raw materials in slurry ice or refrigerated conditions, through processing, freezing (e.g., blast freezing vs. plate freezing), and storage, to ensure product integrity and minimize degradation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the most critical factor for ensuring consistent product quality in frozen seafood portions?

Achieving consistent product quality in frozen seafood hinges on precise IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) capabilities coupled with meticulous glazing control. The IQF process is vital for preventing cell damage and maintaining texture, while accurate glazing (the protective ice layer) prevents freezer burn and ensures uniform product weight, directly impacting your per-portion cost and customer satisfaction. Scrutinize a processor's equipment and SOPs for both.

How important is traceability in seafood processing, and what should I look for beyond basic lot codes?

Traceability in seafood processing is paramount, especially for consumers demanding transparency and for regulatory compliance (e.g., FDA requirements). Beyond basic lot codes, look for processors capable of providing 'boat-to-plate' or 'farm-to-fork' data. This means verifiable records detailing the catch location or aquaculture farm, harvest date, specific vessel or farm ID, and all handling steps through processing. For sustainable products, confirm their MSC or ASC chain-of-custody certifications are active and apply to the specific species and product line you're sourcing.

What's the difference between a seafood processor specializing in finfish versus shellfish, and why does it matter?

The distinction between finfish and shellfish processing is significant due to vastly different handling requirements, equipment, and allergen controls. Finfish processors focus on filleting, deboning, and skinning, often requiring specialized scaling and pin-boning machinery. Shellfish processors, on the other hand, require equipment for shucking, deshelling, and purging (for bivalves) and must implement rigorous allergen management protocols to prevent cross-contamination. Selecting a processor with specific expertise in your product type is crucial for optimal yield, safety, and product quality.

Related Directories