The large coastal wine of Virginia is the main reason why seafood is very common in the local cuisine. Furthermore, the diversity of seafood available near the Chesapeake Bay is among the major reasons why the state has a well-developed seafood industry. Most suppliers and seafood processors are located in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake. Some distributors also deliver products in Richmond and other cities in nearby states. In the following paragraphs, we’ll share information about some of the best distributors of wholesale seafood in Virginia Beach and Richmond. We’ll also shed some light on Virginia’s seafood sector as a whole. If you’re interested in Virginia wholesalers and wish to find suppliers for your business, check out our posts on Virginia and Richmond coffee roasters and Richmond wholesale meat vendors.
Key takeaway: Virginia has a well-developed seafood sector. Commercial fishing companies harvest oysters, scallops, clams, and popular fish species in the waters of Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Most suppliers in the seafood niche market offer local products and other seafood such as shrimp, tuna, and salmon.
The Seafood Sector in Virginia
The primary fishing areas of the state include the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. The diversity of marine products has made Virginia one of the top states in terms of seafood production. With well-developed commercial fishing and processing sectors, the seafood sector is a major contributor to the state’s economy. A large percentage of the catch is bought by local businesses in the restaurant industry, grocery chains, and hotels. Some distributors also ship fresh and frozen seafood products to other parts of the country.
Sustainability plays an important role in the local fishing industry. In order to preserve the rich aquatic life in the bay and the ocean, reputable seafood businesses strictly follow the practices established by world-renowned seafood sustainability standards.
Popular Seafood in Virginia
The main reason for the success of the Virginia seafood sector is the high value of the seafood caught. Here are some of the main species found in Virginia’s waters.
- Oysters;
- Blue crab;
- Sea scallops;
- Clams;
- Menhaden;
- Summer flounder;
- Striped and black sea bass.
Naturally, businesses that purchase goods from suppliers of wholesale seafood in Virginia Beach and Richmond also look for other high-demand products from the seafood sector. Wholesalers in this industry offer shrimp, salmon, tuna, tilapia, lobsters, and imported seafood products from Asia and Europe.
Distributors of Wholesale Seafood near Virginia Beach
There are many companies that specialize in wholesale sales of seafood products. Furthermore, some seafood markets work with businesses and individuals alike. Some seafood restaurants and other companies also choose to order wholesale seafood in Virginia Beach from large food distributors like Sysco and US Foods. Check out some of the well-known local suppliers of wholesale seafood in Virginia Beach and other nearby towns.
Sam Rust Seafood
Ever since its establishment in 1938, the company has been a reliable partner for restaurants that offer seafood dishes, grocery stores, and other businesses that wish to offer quality fish and shellfish products. In addition to quality seafood, business owners can also count on the company for deliveries of condiments, spices, sushi items, specialty meats, and other goods.
Known for: Being a sustainable supplier with a focus on quality, safety, and the local community.
Mobjack Bay Seafood
With more than 3.5 million oysters harvested a year, Mobjack Bay Seafood is among the major companies in this industry. Their family-run and operated business specializes in oysters and clams. Although they are based near Gloucester, Virginia, they offer deliveries to the Hampton Roads metropolitan area and to other cities within the state and the country.
Known for: Their fresh oysters and clams. Mobjack Bay Seafood is one of the biggest harvesters and distributors of oysters in the country.
Amory Seafood
Based in Hampton, Virginia, this seafood vendor offers various types of products at wholesale prices. Although they specialize in B2B sales, they are also open to the general public. Thus, individuals and households that wish to buy bulk fish can benefit from their diverse selection of products. The story of Amory Seafood began in 1917. This makes them one of the oldest and most well-known distributors of wholesale seafood in Virginia Beach and the Hampton Roads metropolitan area.
Known for: Being a wholesaler open to the public and their selection of local and imported seafood products.
Great Wall Seafood
Although the headquarters of the company are located in California, it has facilities in Virginia, Ohio, Texas, and Illinois. With over 1000 seafood and meat products offered, Great Wall Seafood is among the major wholesale seafood distributors across the country. Their Richmond facility has a total square footage of 44,000 sqft.
Known for: Their large distribution network and the wide variety of seafood products offered.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wholesale Seafood in Virginia Beach and Richmond
BlueCart aims to help B2B and D2C businesses not only with its solutions but also with valuable tips. Whether you wish to know about the health benefits of seafood or examples of seasonal seafood dishes, you’ll find plenty of advice across our website. Below are some common questions regarding wholesale seafood in Virginia Beach and their answers.
What Products Do Wholesale Seafood Vendors Offer?
Suppliers of wholesale seafood in Virginia Beach, Richmond, or other cities across the state offer a wide selection of fish and shellfish products. Some distributors focus on the most popular seafood products like shrimp, salmon, tuna, and scallops. Others aim for diversity and sell imported products as well. It’s common for seafood suppliers to also sell products from the specialty food category such as caviar, roe, and edible seaweed. Freshness plays a big role in this category. That’s why some vendors partner with local commercial fishing companies and distribute their daily catch of fish, crab, or oysters.
Broadline Suppliers or Specialized Seafood Distributors?
Instead of partnering with a distributor of wholesale seafood in Virginia Beach, some seafood restaurants or grocery stores choose to work with broadline food distributors. The main benefit of this is that these suppliers offer products in all categories which can save time and money. Another advantage of working with broadline wholesalers is that they often have well-established processes and technologies that make it easy for their customers.
Partnering with specialized distributors of wholesale seafood in Virginia Beach also has its pros. One of them is the diversity of products offered by specialized wholesalers. In addition, these suppliers also focus on freshness and quality.
What Is the Role of Seafood Markets in Virginia?
Seafood markets play an important role in the life of coastal communities. These places allow individuals to purchase fresh seafood caught by local fishermen. It’s not uncommon for businesses to purchase products from seafood markets as well. This gives them the opportunity to examine the fresh catch and communicate with vendors. Most stalls in these markets offer local products. Luckily, the Chesapeake Bay has a wide diversity of seafood. Some vendors also offer seafood products from other parts of the country such as Gulf of Mexico shrimp or Alaskan wild salmon.
BlueCart: The Best Catch for Wholesale Seafood Suppliers
Hundreds of distributors of seafood across the country have benefited from BlueCart’s solutions. Thanks to our tools, wholesalers can create eCommerce catalogs, easily manage prices, and find new customers. Schedule your free demo today and see for yourself why BlueCart is the right software for your seafood distribution business.