As the largest city by population in America, New York has multiple seafood markets and distributors of such products. Established suppliers of wholesale seafood in NYC usually serve businesses across the whole metropolitan area. Seafood restaurants, grocery stores, and retailers like specialty food stores are among the main customers of these vendors. As the consumption of seafood in the US grows annually, there’s a higher demand for quality ingredients for seafood dishes. That’s why various businesses aim to find suppliers that can offer a combination of versatility, high quality, and affordable wholesale prices. In this post, we’ll shed some light on the seafood industry in NYC and we’ll share details about some of the reputable suppliers of wholesale seafood in NYC.
Key takeaway: The seafood industry of New York is not as developed as in Massachusetts or Alaska. However, as the most populous city in the US, the residents of NYC consume a lot of seafood products. The sector of wholesale seafood in NYC is shaped by the multiple seafood restaurants and establishments that focus on different cuisines.
The Seafood Industry in NYC
Although there are commercial fishing businesses in New York, the city and the state are not known for their major seafood sector. Most vendors of wholesale seafood in NYC partner with other seafood distributors in Boston (also check our article on top seafood suppliers from Massachusetts) or businesses from Alaska and the Gulf of Mexico. They distribute a variety of seafood products. Furthermore, a large percentage of the seafood consumed in the US is imported from other regions of the world. That’s especially true for large metropolitan areas like New York, which have diverse restaurant industries. Food service establishments that offer Mediterranean or East Asian cuisine are likely to search for seafood products from these regions. Therefore, when choosing suppliers of wholesale seafood in NYC, businesses look for distributors that can become their one-stop shop for all needed seafood products. Nevertheless, New York still has a well-developed commercial fishing and maritime industry.
The sector of wholesale seafood in NYC has seen a lot of innovations thanks to the multiple high-end restaurants in the area. That includes dozens of Michelin-star restaurants and other fine-dining establishments. The chefs in these restaurants often push the limits of the culinary arts and need ingredients of the highest quality.
The Role of Seafood Markets in NYC
Since the early 19th century, seafood markets have been iconic for the food sector in New York. They allow residents and businesses in the different parts of the metropolitan area to see the fresh catch and choose products for themselves. The Fulton Fish Market is one of the most popular markets for retail and wholesale seafood in NYC. It’s the second-largest fish market in the world. Although it used to be located in Manhattan, the market was moved to the Bronx in 2005. Now it’s part of the largest food distribution center in the world – The Hunts Point Cooperative Market.
Seafood markets are suitable not only for individuals who wish to buy fresh fish but are also visited by business owners and chefs who wish to examine the products themselves and communicate with vendors.
Distributors of Wholesale Seafood in NYC
Some businesses prefer to build relationships with vendors from seafood markets. That allows them to get fresh catch at a competitive price. Other restaurants and retailers partner with seafood distributors that can offer a wide variety of products from different regions of the US and the world. Below are some of the well-known vendors in the seafood niche market.
F. Rozzo & Sons
F. Rozzo & Sons is a fifth-generation wholesale seafood supplier in Manhattan. Although its primary focus is to offer high-quality seafood to some of the best NYC restaurants, the company also serves home cooks and individuals from its retail store. If you’re looking for impeccable quality control, same-day delivery, and reliable consulting in the field of seafood, consider F. Rozzo & Sons as your supplier.
Known for: The company was established in 1900 and offers high-quality seafood products from around the world.
Aqua Best Seafood Market
They have been one of the renowned and innovative seafood distributors in Manhattan for generations. As a family-owned company, Aqua Best Seafood Market helps both fishermen and businesses. The company focuses on both retail and wholesale trade of seafood products. They are also licensed to import and export seafood from and to all regions of the world.
Known for: The wide variety of products from different regions.
Seatide Fish & Lobster
This family-owned and operated supplier has been among the reliable options for seafood restaurants and retailers who need a seafood distributor in Queens. In fact, their success has helped them increase their distribution network to the tri-state area. From portioned salmon steaks to live Dungeness crab, the company aims to offer a variety of products suitable for all kinds of seasonal seafood dishes. Seatide Fish & Lobster also has wholesale sales of specialty food products like caviar.
Known for: Their portioned salmon steaks and live Dungeness crab. One of the renowned seafood distributors in Queens.
Val's Ocean Pacific
The company has been among the leading wholesale seafood vendors in New York. They are a wholesale seafood distributor in the Bronx but they serve other boroughs and communities. Their expertise is in shrimp, lobster tails, king crab, and octopus, but also offer a variety of other frozen and fresh seafood products. Val's Ocean Pacific has been a reliable supplier of seafood products since 1982.
Known for: Shrimp, lobster products, and various crabs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wholesale Seafood in NYC
Whether you’re looking for a reliable solution for B2B sales or wish to find useful tips related to the food and beverage industry, BlueCart is the right choice for you. From information about seafood sustainability standards to profitable seafood business ideas, our content can help you in various ways. Below you will find the answers to commonly asked questions about wholesale seafood distributors in NYC.
What Are the Most Consumed Seafood in New York?
Shrimp is the most popular seafood product in New York and the US. It’s primarily harvested in the Gulf of Mexico (check our article on Texas seafood suppliers). The second most consumed seafood in New York and the US is salmon. The Alaska seafood sector is responsible for the majority of salmon in the US. Here are other popular seafood products in New York and America as a whole.
- Tuna;
- Tilapia;
- Pollock;
- Cod;
- Catfish;
- Crab;
- Scallops, clams, mussels, oysters, and other shellfish products;
- Lobster;
How Big is the US Seafood Industry?
There are thousands of seafood businesses in the US. Some of them are part of the commercial fishing industry while others are focused on secondary processes such as processing and bulk fish sales. According to the market research website Statista, the size of the US fish and seafood industry is over 30 billion USD. That includes fresh, frozen, and processed fish and seafood. However, there are many products that fall under the specialty food category but are also part of the seafood sector. Examples include roe, caviar, seaweed, or fish-based ready-to-eat meals. The US seafood industry is expected to continue its growth due to the many health benefits of seafood.
What is Wholesale Seafood Business Registration in New York?
Businesses that wish to sell wholesale seafood in NYC need to apply for a Wholesale Seafood Business Registration. That doesn’t apply to companies that sell exclusively processed and packaged seafood products. The registration needs to be renewed every 3 years. Suppliers of wholesale seafood in NYC need to keep in mind that there are other regulations related to operating a seafood distribution business. A wholesale license and various health and safety certificates are also required to run a wholesale seafood company.