Exhibiting at Seafood Expo North America 2025

American Unagi, LLC, located in Waldoboro, Maine, is the first and only land-based eel aquaculture company in the United States specializing in the complete lifecycle farming, processing, and distribution of the American eel (Anguilla rostrata). By integrating sustainable aquaculture practices with a regional supply chain, American Unagi is redefining how eel is sourced, raised, and consumed in the North American market.

Core Business and Product Portfolio

American Unagi’s business model is centered around sustainable, local aquaculture and the premium processing of eel products. The company offers:

• Smoked Eel: Hot-smoked using a blend of oak and alder wood, with a firm texture and rich umami flavor.
• Butterflied Eel: Raw, frozen fillets prepared for chefs, sushi applications, and home cooks.
• Tinned Smoked Eel: Hand-packed smoked eel preserved in California virgin olive oil, ready-to-eat and shelf-stable.

These products are distributed to gourmet retailers, high-end restaurants, and consumers across the U.S., filling a gap traditionally dominated by imports from Asia and Europe.

Specialization and Sustainability Focus

American Unagi stands apart due to its commitment to sustainability, regionalism, and full-traceability:

• Closed-Loop RAS Farming: Operates a state-of-the-art Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) to raise eels in a controlled, land-based environment, reducing environmental impact.
• Locally Sourced Glass Eels: Procures juvenile glass eels from licensed Maine fishermen, helping sustain a local, regulated fishery and prevent the export of wild seedstock.
• Zero Antibiotic Use: Eels are raised without antibiotics or hormones, ensuring clean, natural growth cycles.
• Fully Traceable Supply Chain: From hatchling to packaged product, every eel is traceable—supporting both regulatory compliance and consumer confidence.

These methods position American Unagi as a model of ethical, traceable aquaculture within the U.S. seafood industry.

Market Reach and Distribution

American Unagi primarily serves:

• High-end restaurants and chefs
• Specialty seafood distributors
• Online gourmet and direct-to-consumer markets
• Sustainable seafood retailers

The company has gained national recognition, with customers across major metropolitan markets including New York City, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Its smoked and tinned eel products are featured by acclaimed chefs and on curated e-commerce platforms.

Production and Capacity

According to company statements and public data:

• The Waldoboro facility spans 27,000 square feet and is capable of housing up to 300,000 eels at various life stages.
• Annual processing capacity is targeted at 60 to 75 metric tons, with expansion plans underway to double production by 2025.
• As of 2023, American Unagi processes several thousand pounds per month of finished eel products.

The company maintains on-site processing capabilities for smoking, filleting, freezing, and canning, ensuring full control over quality and consistency.

Certifications and Compliance

American Unagi complies with all local, state, and federal regulations, including:

• Maine Department of Marine Resources licensing for eel acquisition and aquaculture.
• U.S. FDA seafood processing regulations for safety and hygiene.
• Eco-conscious aquaculture guidelines, with minimal water usage and waste discharge.

While not yet certified by third-party sustainability programs like ASC or BAP, the company’s internal practices align with many of their standards and have received positive coverage in sustainability media.

Leadership and Recognition

Founded and led by Sara Rademaker, American Unagi has received widespread industry and media recognition:

• Featured in publications such as Forbes, NPR, The New York Times, and SeafoodSource for its pioneering model in eel aquaculture.
• Highlighted at Seafood Expo North America and other sustainability-focused food innovation events.
• A recipient of state and federal aquaculture development grants supporting innovation and infrastructure expansion.

Sara Rademaker’s leadership has been instrumental in building a vertically integrated, mission-driven enterprise that contributes to local economies and addresses a growing demand for traceable seafood alternatives.

Innovation and Community Engagement

• Collaborates with universities and environmental groups to research eel biology and aquaculture efficiency.
• Supports working waterfront communities by sourcing exclusively from licensed Maine elver fishermen.
• Actively educates chefs and consumers about sustainable eel options through demos, tastings, and storytelling.

American Unagi, LLC is more than a seafood company—it's a case study in how local, transparent, and responsible aquaculture can succeed in a competitive, import-dominated market. With growing demand for ethical and regional protein, the company is poised to lead the evolution of American eel as a premium, sustainable seafood product.