U.S. demand for fresh and frozen seafood has steadily increased over the past 10 years, and forecasters project the demand to grow even faster in the future. Distributors and wholesalers of frozen fish products and seafood products sell to grocery stores, markets, restaurants, hospital cafeterias, nursing homes, catering companies, hotels/resorts, schools and other businesses.

Much of the frozen seafood you buy from them has undergone quick or flash freezing. This process kills parasites, stops and retards/reduces growth of microorganisms, enzymatic activity and chemical and physical changes in fat and protein that create flavor and texture changes and extend shelf life. During your research, keep the following in mind:

1. Look for growing and wider availability of organic frozen fish and seafood in the U.S. to meet consumer demands/preferences.

2. By far, shrimp ranks as the top fresh and frozen seafood seller because of taste, ease in cooking with and health benefits, and the U.S. actually imports the majority of its available supply.

3. The U.S. contributes heavily to the international seafood trade; it has ranked as the second largest importer for more than 10 years, giving U.S. consumers tons of frozen seafood options to choose from in restaurants and stores.

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Learn where frozen seafood distribution and wholesale companies get their product

You can acquire a wider variety of top-quality fish and shellfish from a frozen fish wholesaler or distributor whose product comes from locations that serve as the habitat for specific fish and shellfish.

I recommend: Download the catalog at Slavin and Sons to view their inventory of whole fish, hand-cut fillets, shellfish and other frozen products that come from all over the world. Buy frozen fish wholesale from Prime Select Seafoods if you're looking for Alaskan seafood like salmon, halibut, cod and rockfish. Sea-Lect Wholesale Seafood started its business in 1972 and services customers with fresh and frozen seafood from the U.S., Canada, Central and South America, Africa, Norway and New Zealand.

Order frozen seafood from seafood-only companies or companies offering other products, too

When ordering fish and seafood for your restaurant or store, you can choose wholesalers or distributors of frozen seafood products that offer nothing else, or consider a company carries frozen fish and seafood in addition to other frozen, fresh or dry products.

I recommend: Order from fresh and frozen seafood distributors and wholesalers like Southstream Seafoods and Newport International when you only want seafood. If you want to offer the makings for sushi and other Japanese recipes in your market or offer Japanese dishes in your restaurant, get frozen/fresh fish, appetizers, vegetables and dry products from one source, True World Foods. Besides frozen seafood, Sysco Food Services can serve as your one-stop source for appetizers, beverages, main dishes, dairy, dessert, international specialties and more.

Purchase value-added frozen fish and seafood products

Offer your customers more choices for pre-made fish and seafood appetizers and entrees they can prepare quickly and easily any night of the week.

I recommend: Ocean Galley offers choices like flounder fillets with seafood stuffing, gourmet stuffed mushrooms and salmon or tilapia fillets with seafood and cheese stuffing. Fill your store's freezer cases with seafood products like crab and seafood cakes, appetizers, steamer creations, soups and seasoned fish from Phillips Foods.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Understanding distributors and wholesalers of frozen seafood products basics include safe handling practices on their part and on yours. Always keep frozen fish and seafood at the proper temperature until you're ready to prepare it. Some high-moisture foods like seafood lose 5% of their shelf life for each 5-degree increase above 0 degrees F.

The most popular distributors and wholesalers of frozen seafood products are located throughout the world. Many of these distributors of frozen seafood products market and distribute their products regionally, while others export frozen seafood products to other countries. Seafood remains one of the most popular food choices in all areas of the world.

Distributors of frozen seafood products sell their product lines to retailers throughout the world, who then set prices and offer these products to consumers in grocery stores, seafood markets, and other retailers. Consumers have taken notice of the positive health benefits that seafood products offer, and many have incorporated these products into their diets and daily lifestyles.

1. Wholesalers of frozen seafood products appeal to many retailers because of their product varieties, packaging, and the health benefits that seafood provides.

2. Distributors and wholesalers of frozen seafood products are particularly popular in the United States, and sell in a variety of popular brand names that are found on supermarket shelves.

3. Frozen fish products are typically sold in breaded or baked varieties in the form of fish sticks, fillets, or patties.

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Consider frozen seafood products of the highest quality with a reputable brand name

Many product lines offer frozen fish, such as Gorton's of Gloucester, who markets its products as the Gorton's brand name in the United States. Pinnacle Foods, who markets the Van de Kamp's name, is another popular choice. Finally, Mrs. Paul's seafood products, also manufactured by Pinnacle Foods, is another popular variety.

I recommend: Reputable and popular brands include Gorton's food products, Van de Kamp's, and Mrs. Paul's products.

Buy frozen fish and other seafood products from reputable wholesalers and distributors

Purchasing products from the most reputable wholesalers and distributors ensures that the products are of the highest quality for consumption. Distributors without a strong reputation for value and convenience are not recommended.

I recommend: Jana Worldwide offers a variety of seafood products such as imitation crab meat and Ahi Tuna.

Consider door-to-door delivery of frozen seafood products for high quality and service

Many distributors offer home delivery of frozen fish and other seafood products, both online and by phone. These offerings often provide the best value and convenience.

I recommend: Great-Alaska-Seafood offers door-to-door delivery of seafood products at competitive prices, with a strong reputation for value and service.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Frozen seafood products are a good source of nutrition and value for many consumers. Seafood is one of the most popular foods for consumption, and consumers seek products that support their nutritional agendas. The human diet requires omega-3 fatty acids in acceptable quantities, particularly for pregnant women, and frozen seafood products are a good source of these nutrients.

If you carry frozen fish and seafood in your market or serve dishes incorporating frozen fish and seafood products, make sure you're getting the best price, quality and variety of frozen seafood. By visiting wholesalers and distributors of frozen seafood products, you can buy frozen fish products and seafood products you may never have thought possible before.

Processing and freezing of fresh fish and seafood to very low temperatures often occurs right on the fishing vessel immediately after the catch. Making the most of distributors and wholesalers of frozen seafood products means more than looking through their catalogs; you should also take advantage of their newest offerings and look to see if they carry recipes on their websites.

1. Plan different recipes using a particular frozen fish or seafood so you can save money and buy in bulk from a frozen seafood wholesaler.

2. While buying in bulk can save money, make sure you'll use it all before you buy bulk frozen fish wholesale.

3. Frozen seafood gift baskets bought in bulk make excellent Christmas gifts for your favorite clients.

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Find a large variety of products from frozen seafood wholesalers and distributors

More and more people continue converting to a healthier lifestyle and updating their diets to incorporate fish. Cheaper than fresh seafood, frozen fish and seafood will help you attract customers to your market and patrons to your restaurant when you offer fish and seafood products your competitors don't.

I recommend: Go with a frozen seafood wholesaler like 2 Sisters Alaska Seafood for Alaskan seafood like wild salmon, king crab,prawns, scallops, halibut and seafood gift packs. Darik Enterprises specializes in wholesale frozen seafood distribution. The company carries the brand names Farallon, Pearl Islands, Coral, Sea-Deli, Oh! Susana, George Stavrinos and Coronado, to name a few.

Consider ordering frozen seafood for a dinner or gift

If you entertain business associates or clients, you can impress them with a seafood dinner at your home that takes very little effort. Additionally, think about purchasing frozen seafood by itself, as part of a gift basket or in the form of a gift certificate for corporate clients, holiday gifts and special birthday presents.

I recommend: Hickory Farms offers lots of opportunities for you to impress others. Order seafood by itself or as part of a surf-and-turf package. The company offers gift baskets and gift certificates. Through a frozen seafood distributor like Always Fresh Fish.com, you can take advantage of frozen crawfish meat, whole crawfish, whole and half shell mussels and squid. Order its gift packages of appetizers, deluxe dinners or holiday creations as gifts or incentives for employees or important clients.

Locate scrumptious recipes on a frozen seafood and frozen shellfish supplier or wholesaler website

Making the most of distributors and wholesalers of frozen seafood products means going beyond their product catalog. Whether you use recipes in your restaurant or pass them on to customers trying to decide which frozen fish or seafood product to purchase, check out the websites of frozen fish suppliers and frozen seafood distributors, since they often publish mouth-watering recipes online.

I recommend: Check out the fish and seafood recipes for tilapia, crab cakes, scallops and shrimp from NAFCO Wholesale Seafood Distributors, a regional seafood distributor in the Mid-Atlantic. Adelphia Seafood, a regional fresh/frozen seafood distributor, processor and retailer, carries a great selection of fish, shellfish and accompaniment recipes for you to select from.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  No matter what company you buy from, feel confident about the proper food handling practices of the frozen seafood supplier, distributor or wholesaler you select. The frozen seafood you purchase shouldn't come in an open or torn package, and you shouldn't see frost or ice crystals through a transparent package you've bought.

When selling frozen seafood, you want to be able to assure your customers that you have fresh and high-quality seafood products. Explain to them how beneficial omega-3 fatty acids are and that none of the nutritional benefits have been compromised because your products are flash frozen to lock in the freshness. If they are looking for some economical options, discuss surimi with them to decide if it is right for their establishment. Knowing the terminology of frozen seafood products will guarantee that your customers will trust you and return to you for all of their frozen seafood needs.

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Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids to your health; however, the human body does not produce them. Omega-3's can be found in many seafood products such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel. These fatty acids help prevent certain diseases as well as improve cognitive and behavioral characteristics.

I recommend: The University of Maryland Medical Center details the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids.

Listeriosis

Listeriosis is a bacterial infection that can be acquired through the consumption of contaminated or raw foods such as seafood. Listeriosis can be especially harmful to pregnant women and small children.

I recommend: The Center for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition explains how to avoid getting listeriosis from seafood.

Ahi tuna, saku

Ahi tuna, also referred to as saku, is sushi grade tuna that is common in most sushi bars. Ahi comes in blocks, fillets, steaks, medallions, and ground.

I recommend: Catalina Offshore Products details a frozen sushi grade yellow fin tuna.

Surimi, kani

Surimi, also known as kani, is a finely ground fish -- often Pollock -- that is flavored to taste like lobster, crab, or other shellfish. The ground fish can be found in many forms such as imitation crab legs or lump meat.

I recommend: Alaska Seafood discusses how surimi is made and common uses.

Flash freezing

Flash freezing is a process of quickly freezing fresh seafood to lock in the maximum freshness. Flash freezing also helps prevent fresh seafood from going bad as very little time passes before the fish is frozen at its prime.

I recommend: Ed's Kasilof Seafoods explains what it means to flash freeze seafood.

Responsive flesh

In the seafood industry, responsive flesh is the term that refers to the freshness of a fish. A way to determine if the fish is fresh enough is to push on the skin which should bounce back if it is fresh.

I recommend: iSeafood discusses how to buy fresh fish.