As the second most populous state in the US, Texas has a well-developed seafood niche market. There are multiple distributors of wholesale seafood in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and other large cities in Texas. Furthermore, the large Texas coastline on the Gulf of Mexico has helped the state develop a large commercial seafood industry. Shrimp is the most popular seafood in the US and it’s primarily caught in Texas. Other common species include blue crab, oysters, red snapper, grouper, and red drum fish. Below we’ve shared some of the characteristics of the Texas seafood industry and some of the reliable suppliers of wholesale seafood in Dallas. If you’re interested in finding suppliers for your business, check out other articles like the ones on Dallas meat distributors or Dallas coffee roasters.
Key takeaway: The Lone Star State has a well-developed seafood sector due to its long coastline. The large population of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex is the main reason why there are multiple distributors of wholesale seafood in Dallas.
The Texas Seafood Sector
The most important commercial fishing ports in Texas are Brownsville-Port Isabel, Galveston, Port Arthur, and Palacios. Commercial fishing companies sell their catch either to processors or seafood distributors. Seafood markets also play an important role in B2B and D2C sales of seafood. A lot of small businesses and individuals prefer to buy seafood from these markets. That’s because they can get fresh Gulf-caught fish and support the local economy. Business owners also purchase fish and shellfish from local seafood markets. That way they get the freshest seafood possible.
There are more than 900 species of fish in the Gulf. Let’s examine some of the most important ones for the commercial fishing industry.
- Shrimp. Brown, white, and pink shrimp are harvested across the coast of Texas. Shrimp are not only popular in Texas but all across America.
- Snapper. The vermillion and red snappers are the most popular species in this subcategory.
- Oysters. They are large in size and have a meaty texture. Although most oysters are caught on the east coast of the country, Texans prefer Gulf oysters.
- Blue crab. The warm waters of the Gulf make an ideal environment for the blue crab.
- Red drum. Also known as redfish, it is common across the menus of seafood restaurants.
Distributors of Wholesale Seafood in Dallas
There are hundreds of seafood suppliers across Texas. A large number of companies that specialize in wholesale seafood distribution are in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. In addition to specialized seafood wholesalers, companies also have the option to partner with broadline suppliers who also offer seafood. Allow us to share more information about some of the well-known distributors of wholesale seafood in Dallas and other Texas cities.
Seafood Supply Company
The company specializes in supplying the restaurant industry with high-quality seafood products. The wide variety of fresh, packaged, and frozen products offered makes Seafood Supply Company a preferred choice for businesses that wish to purchase bulk fish at wholesale prices. The company was established in 1974 and its main focus has been to meet the needs of its customers by offering a wide selection of quality seafood. Seafood Supply Company does deliveries of wholesale seafood in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and other locations in Texas. They also ship seafood products to other parts of the country.
Known for: The wide range of products offered and their commitment to freshness and quality.
Ocean Seafood Market
When choosing a distributor of wholesale seafood in Dallas, business owners want to find a company that is trustworthy, offers freshness, and is a sustainable supplier. Luckily, Ocean Seafood Market combines all these characteristics. Although the business specializes in B2C sales, it also offers wholesale seafood in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. Furthermore, the company also manufactures its own sauces and seafood seasonings.
Known for: Sourcing high quality and responsibly-caught seafood.
Meet UR Fish
Based in McKinney, Texas, the company specializes in authentic Indian fish. The goal of the business is to popularize seafood that is traditional for the Indian subcontinent. Although Meet UR Fish specializes in wholesale sales of Indian seafood, they also offer other high-demand products from the seafood category.
Known for: The wide variety of Indian fish and seafood products.
Southwest Seafood
Since its establishment in 1995, the company has been a leader among wholesale seafood vendors in Houston. Southwest Seafood offers a wide selection of live, fresh, and frozen products. Furthermore, the company also specializes in sales of specialty and gourmet seafood goods such as tobiko, caviar, roe, seaweed, and squid ink. Although Southwest Seafood is based in Houston, they also ship products to other areas.
Known for: The wide selection of Gulf-caught and imported seafood products.
Seafood Wholesalers
One of the reasons why many businesses choose Seafood Wholesalers as their wholesale seafood distributor is the company’s commitment to seafood sustainability standards. The company ensures that its partners use eco-friendly farming and fishing practices that guarantee sustainability. The wide selection of seafood and specialty products offered is another reason why companies have partnered with this seafood distribution business.
Known for: The variety of local and international products and being one of the most reliable seafood suppliers in Houston.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wholesale Seafood in Dallas
Whether you’re interested in the most popular seafood dishes or wish to know more about the health benefits of seafood, you’ll find multiple useful tips across BlueCart’s website. Below we’ve answered some common questions regarding seafood businesses and wholesale seafood in Dallas.
Buying Seafood from Broadline VS Specialized Suppliers?
Businesses have the option to purchase wholesale seafood from broadline food distributors or from specialized seafood suppliers. A lot of large businesses choose to partner with large wholesalers that offer products in multiple categories. Seafood restaurants and other smaller businesses typically purchase fresh seafood from local vendors.
The main benefit of purchasing from broadliners is that they might have better terms and prices. On the other hand, specialized seafood suppliers have better flexibility and can offer a wide variety of products.
How to Start a Small Seafood Business?
The easiest way to start a seafood business is to build a small enterprise and scale it. There are many seafood distributors that purchase fresh catch and sell it to local restaurants or fish markets. Another idea for a seafood business is in the food service category. The startup costs for a small fried fish food stand or a food truck that offers seasonal seafood dishes are fairly low.
No matter the type of seafood business you start, keep in mind that companies that deal with perishable food products need to pay extra attention to health standards.
What Other States Have a Big Seafood Industry?
The Alaska seafood sector is the largest in the country in terms of volume. It’s driven by commercial fishing of wild salmon and processing it at shore. The majority of the salmon sold by wholesalers or retailers in America is caught near the shores of Alaska.
Massachusetts also has a well-developed seafood sector. In fact, New Bedford is the country’s largest commercial fishing port in terms of value. That’s because the products caught near the shores of Massachusetts are scallops, lobsters, oysters, and clams. They have a much higher price per pound compared to salmon.
BlueCart: The Reliable Software for Seafood Distributors
Whether you’re interested in increasing your B2B sales or automating various processes, BlueCart can be the right option. Our tools have helped multiple wholesalers find new clients or improve their services. Schedule a free demo and see why BlueCart is the preferred wholesale distribution software for many suppliers.