The seafood industry has a significant impact on global and national economies. According to a Statista report, the global seafood industry is estimated to generate revenue of $610.80 billion by the end of 2023, and it is expected to grow by 6.92% by 2028.

An Allied Market Research report indicates that, within the global seafood market, the fish segment will be the highest contributor, with projected values reaching $125.914 billion by 2027.

Let's explore the reasons behind the rise of the fish segment’s share in the seafood market.

Mordor Intelligence suggests that this increasing trend in the fish segment's expansion in the global seafood market is due to the fish's higher nutritional value, ease of availability, and low prices.

Wholesalers and seafood distributors in the US can benefit from the flourishing trend in the industry, as the total revenue amounted to $28.09 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow by 4.00% by 2028.

Choosing a Wholesale Seafood Distributor

What characteristics should you look for in a seafood distributor? Here are some of the factors to consider:

Quality Suppliers

It is important to evaluate the quality of the suppliers from whom a distributor sources the seafood. These suppliers should maintain a comprehensive system that ensures seafood quality from the catch point until it is delivered to the distributor's loading dock.

Food Safety Certification

Seafood is a delicate product that spoils easily if not stored in an ideal environment. A competent seafood distributor will possess the necessary food safety certifications, such as SQF (Safe Quality Food) and HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) plans.

You can request the distributor to share any such certification and a HACCP plan to ensure their adherence to quality and safety measures.

Seafood Transportation System

Transportation is vital when dealing with a perishable commodity like seafood. Choose distributors with an efficient transport system, as they are more likely to supply good-quality seafood.

Customer Service

Although seafood is a fast-paced industry, the product isn't always readily available in the market due to transport requirements. A good distributor will offer excellent customer service, including:

• Taking less time to transport the product
• Ability to restock fast in case of emergency
• A product replacement policy in case the supply wasn't satisfactory

After you've considered all these factors, you can make an informed decision to partner with a suitable wholesale seafood distributor.

Now, let’s address some FAQs that might be on your mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is buying sustainable seafood important?

The seafood industry relies entirely on organic sources for products. The growing consumer demand means there is a high risk of seafood species exploitation, which is detrimental to aquatic ecosystems.

Therefore, it is crucial to buy seafood from distributors who source products from sustainable farms.

Q: What are the certifications for seafood quality and sustainability?

To ensure seafood quality and safety, look for SQF (Safe Quality Food) certification issued by GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative).

To verify sustainability, check for the ASC label for responsibly farmed seafood and the MSC blue fish label for wild-caught seafood.