Well-Known Distributors of Wholesale Seafood in Baltimore

The port of Baltimore lies in the northern portion of the Chesapeake Bay. As such, the area plays an important role in the Maryland commercial fishing industry. In the past, fishing was one of the primary economic activities. That’s why there are many local and seasonal seafood dishes. However, overharvesting has significantly impacted the sector. In the past decades, both governmental agencies and NGOs have begun restoration efforts in order to increase the population of blue crabs, oysters, and other species found in the area. From distributors of wholesale seafood in Baltimore to local restaurants that offer iconic seafood dishes, there are multiple seafood businesses in the area. Below we have shared some of the characteristics of the local fishing industry as well as some well-known suppliers of wholesale seafood in Baltimore. If you’re interested in finding quality suppliers, make sure you also check our posts on Baltimore coffee roasters and wholesale bakeries in Baltimore.

Key takeaway: Distributors of wholesale seafood in Baltimore offer a wide range of fish and shellfish products at wholesale prices. Although Maryland is known for its blue crabs and oysters, suppliers of wholesale seafood in Baltimore also sell shrimp, lobster, salmon, and other popular seafood products that are in high demand.

The Baltimore Seafood Industry

Baltimore is the home to iconic sights like Fort McHenry, the National Aquarium, and the Inner Harbor, one of America's oldest seaports. As such, the city attracts millions of visitors each year. Most of them wish to try some of the iconic seafood dishes that Maryland has to offer. From crispy crab cakes to delicious oysters, there’s a high demand for various types of seafood. That’s why this is one of the main categories offered by Baltimore broadline food distributors as well. Commercial fishing and shellfish harvesting in the Chesapeake Bay are the cornerstone of the local seafood industry. These companies partner with suppliers of wholesale seafood in Baltimore who act as middlemen between them and the restaurant industry.

Seafood Markets in Baltimore

There are multiple vendors of wholesale seafood in Baltimore that showcase their products on the markets in Waterside Fells Point or other areas near the harbor. Some chefs prefer to visit these markets personally in order to examine the fresh catch. They also observe the products offered by distributors of wholesale meat in Baltimore and other suppliers. Baltimore’s seafood markets focus primarily on D2C sales. However, it’s not uncommon for B2B sales to also take place at seafood markets.

Distributors of Wholesale Seafood in Baltimore

Although Maryland is known for its blue crabs and oysters, distributors of wholesale seafood in Baltimore also sell other popular seafood products like shrimp, lobster, and salmon. Furthermore, some wholesale seafood vendors aim to become the one-stop shop for business owners in the restaurant sector or other companies. As such, they offer a diverse selection of high-demand products like meat, dairy, and produce. Allow us to share additional details about some of the top suppliers of wholesale seafood in Baltimore.

Mister Fish

In addition to selling high-quality seafood, the company can also deliver dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and more. With over 30 years of experience, Mister Fish is a preferred option for businesses that wish to find suppliers of quality seafood.

Known for: Their commitment to food safety and the variety of products offered besides seafood.

NAFCO

NAFCO is a subsidiary of Stanley Pearlman Enterprises, Inc. The main focus of the business is seafood processing. NAFCO also offers white-label services for businesses that wish to distribute products under their own brand. The company follows the latest seafood sustainability standards and also has other brands – North Atlantic Fish Company, Baltimore Crab Company, Baltimore Clam & Oyster Company.

Known for: Their white-labeling services and their impeccable quality in terms of fish processing.

J.J. McDonnell & Co.

Founded in 1945, the company specializes in wholesale sales of various seafood products. They also offer specialty products such as caviar and a variety of smoked fish. In addition to serving Baltimore, J.J. McDonnell & Co. also works as a wholesale seafood distributor in Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia.

Known for: The wide variety of both local and imported products and their history as a reliable supplier of wholesale seafood in Baltimore.

Cameron’s Seafood

Their eCommerce website gives businesses and individuals the opportunity to easily order quality seafood products. Cameron’s Seafood specializes in crab products from different regions of America. They also have multiple brick-and-mortar physical locations across Maryland.

Known for: The variety of crab products from all across the country.

Mattes Seafood

Their 25,000-square-foot facility near Baltimore makes Mattes Seafood one of the major distributors of wholesale seafood in Baltimore and the nearby communities. They specialize in processed and packaged seafood products and have decades of experience in the sector.

Known for: Being a fourth-generation seafood business that makes no compromise with the quality of their seafood products.

Frequently Asked Questions about Wholesale Seafood in Baltimore

From the latest trends in the food and beverage industry to details about the health benefits of seafood, you’ll find valuable resources in different niche markets on our website. Below are the answers to popular questions regarding wholesale seafood in Baltimore.

What Are the Most Popular Seafood Dishes in Baltimore?

As a coastal state, Maryland is known for its seafood dishes. That’s why there are numerous seafood restaurants in Baltimore that offer some of the iconic local seafood dishes. Here are a few examples.

Steamed crabs. Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay are renowned for their blue crabs. That’s why it’s no surprise that Maryland-style steamed crabs are a local dish many enjoy.
Crab cakes. They can either be served on a bun or with sides. This dish is often called Baltimore crab cakes.
Oysters. Traditionally served on a half shell, but they can also be steamed, fried, or char-grilled. One of Baltimore’s old nicknames is Oyster City.

What Other States Are Known for Their Seafood Sectors?

Alaska is the leading state in the US in terms of volume caught. The Alaska seafood industry is known for its wild-caught salmon. There are also multiple seafood suppliers from Massachusetts and distributors of wholesale seafood in NYC. In fact, the port of New Bedford, Massachusetts is a leader in terms of the value of the caught seafood. On the other hand, the Fulton Fish Market in New York is the second biggest seafood market in the world. Texas is also responsible for a wide proportion of the shrimp sector. Other coastal states that have a well-developed seafood industry include Florida, South Carolina, and Louisiana.

How Big Is the Maryland Seafood Industry?

The Chesapeake Bay region produces more than 500 million pounds of seafood annually. As the largest estuary in the country, it supports thousands of jobs in the commercial fishing sector. Maryland is also known for its recreational fishing industry. Blue crabs, oysters, and striped bass are the main species that are caught in the region. Soft clams, flounder, and catfish also play an important role in the Maryland aquaculture sector. Most distributors of wholesale seafood in Baltimore offer locally caught fresh seafood and frozen products imported from other states and countries.

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