Shellfish Distributors and Wholesalers

Research shellfish distributors and wholesalers to find the best items for your business

Restaurants, hotels and the myriad other businesses that offer shellfish as part of their offerings rely on shellfish wholesalers to provide them with quality items to help their businesses run smoothly. Wholesale shellfish typically encompasses fresh and frozen lobster, crab and shrimp products. If this cog in the foodservice process breaks down, a restaurant will be hard-pressed to provide its customers with the quality shellfish items they’ve come to expect.

Some shellfish distributors and wholesalers provide just wholesale crabs or wholesale lobsters, while others can supply any type of shellfish you seek. Determine your needs before you start shopping around for crab distributors, shrimp wholesalers or other certified wholesale shellfish dealers. Here are a few options to consider:

1. Explore regional shellfish wholesalers that offer fresh local products and personalized customer service.

2. Research shellfish wholesalers and distributors that supply frozen shellfish products.

3. Consider a nationally recognized shellfish distributor with local distribution centers for cost savings.

 

Check out regional shellfish wholesalers for fresh products

A local or regional shellfish distributor can typically provide a nice selection of fresh shrimp, lobster and crab. What's more, because the companies are local, you can often get swift, more personalized service, which is a godsend in the hustle and bustle of the foodservice business.
Try: Gardner’s Wharf Seafood serves major East Coast markets by supplying wholesale crabs, clams, steamers and lobsters. American Mussel Harvesters is another New England–based distributor of fresh mussels, oysters and clams. They ship daily out of Boston to supply markets such as New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

Consider shellfish wholesalers of frozen products

Fresh doesn't necessarily mean the best if you find a quality shellfish distributor that takes care in its freezing process. Try out several different wholesalers before giving your business solely to one to ensure you provide customers with the best product possible.
Try: City Seafoods is a supplier of frozen shellfish items such as frozen lobster, crab and scallops. LSM Seafoods is another great source for frozen oysters, clams and lobsters.

Opt for national shellfish wholesalers

If you can't find what you're looking for from regional lobster distributors or other shellfish wholesalers, consider one of the big shellfish suppliers. They have a reputation of getting quality items to customers across the country within a reasonable time and at reasonable prices. You may not get the personal care you would from a more local supplier, however.
Try: Quality Seafood Direct offers wholesale crabs, clams, scallops and more to restaurants and other foodservice companies nationwide. Great Alaska Seafood provides a bounty of wholesale shellfish to restaurants across the country, including prawns, shrimp, scallops and more.

 

• Offering customers items from local shellfish distributors shows that you support local businesses, which may be a plus for customers.

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