Exhibiting at Seafood Expo North America 2025

Aqua Star, headquartered in Seattle, Washington, is one of the largest independently owned seafood companies in North America. Since its founding in 1990, the company has established itself as a leading global supplier of premium frozen seafood, delivering a wide range of responsibly sourced products to retail, club, foodservice, and private label customers. With a robust international supply chain, strategic partnerships, and a strong commitment to sustainability, Aqua Star continues to shape the future of frozen seafood across global markets.

Core Business and Offerings

Aqua Star specializes in frozen seafood products, offering one of the most comprehensive portfolios in the industry. Its product categories include:

• Shrimp:

  • Breaded and Battered
  • Cocktail Platters
  • Cooked and Raw
  • Marinated and Frozen Entrees

• Fish:

  • Fillets and Portions (Cod, Pollock, Salmon)
  • Marinated Fish
  • Breaded and Battered
  • Burgers

• Crab:

  • In-Shell Crab
  • Crab Meat

• Specialty Seafood:

  • Calamari
  • Lobster
  • Scallops
  • Seafood Medleys

• Convenience Meals:

  • Smart Seafood Sautés™
  • MicroSteam® Meals

The company’s portfolio is built to meet evolving consumer preferences with options that are high in protein, low in fat, easy to prepare, and environmentally responsible.

Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition

Aqua Star’s unique value proposition lies in its vertically integrated supply chain, global sourcing expertise, and customer-first product development model. Key differentiators include:

• Seafood Forever™ Sustainability Program: Ensures all seafood is responsibly sourced, certified (MSC, ASC, BAP), and supports environmental conservation.
• Innovative Product Formats: Proprietary products like Smart Seafood Sautés™ and MicroSteam® Meals meet the demand for quick, nutritious, and flavorful seafood options.
• Private Label Expertise: Trusted by major retailers to develop, supply, and manage turnkey private label seafood programs.

Financial and Operational Insights

While Aqua Star is privately held and does not release full financial statements, it is widely recognized as a major player in the frozen seafood industry. According to market intelligence and import-export trade data:

• Annual Revenue Estimates: $300M–$500M USD
• Import Volumes: Over 1,500 containers annually (U.S. customs data)
• Sourcing Regions: Southeast Asia, Latin America, North Atlantic, and Alaska
• Manufacturing: Partners with certified plants across Thailand, Vietnam, India, China, and the U.S.

Shipment and Export Records

Aqua Star operates a vast logistics and distribution network designed for efficiency, safety, and freshness:

• Ports of Entry: Seattle, Los Angeles, New York, Houston
• Distribution Reach: All 50 U.S. states and over 20 countries globally
• Warehouse & Cold Storage: Strategically located to support just-in-time delivery and minimize lead times

Target Market

Aqua Star services a wide array of customers including:

• Retail Chains & Supermarkets (branded and private label)
• Club Stores
• Foodservice Distributors
• Hospitality Groups and Cruise Lines
• Online Grocery and Meal Kit Platforms

Their broad product range supports both premium and value-oriented market segments.

Capabilities

Aqua Star’s global capabilities extend across sourcing, production, logistics, quality control, and customer support:

• Quality Assurance Teams in every sourcing country
• Fully integrated ERP and traceability systems
• R&D and Culinary Innovation Labs to develop new product formats
• Regulatory Compliance Staff that ensures FDA, USDA, and international market approvals

Certifications and Compliance

Aqua Star adheres to the highest standards of food safety and environmental compliance:

• Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)
• Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)
• Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP)
• HACCP-certified processing
• FDA & USDA Approved Imports

The company maintains third-party audits and transparent sourcing practices through its Seafood Forever™ initiative.

Customer Testimonials

• “Aqua Star delivers premium quality seafood with consistent reliability. Their shrimp and fish lines are among the best-performing SKUs in our frozen category.” – National Grocery Chain Buyer
• “Their product innovation and private label service have helped us grow double digits year-over-year in the seafood category.” – Director of Procurement, Club Retailer

Major Achievements

• Developed proprietary brands including Contessa and Aqua Star® recognized for premium quality and innovation
• Pioneered MicroSteam® technology for seafood entrees — a patented solution for microwave cooking that retains moisture and flavor
• Established one of the industry’s most advanced sustainability programs through the Seafood Forever™ platform
• Ranked among top 10 seafood importers in the U.S. by container volume and product diversity (based on import records and industry rankings)

With decades of industry leadership, a commitment to responsible sourcing, and unmatched product innovation, Aqua Star continues to set new standards for quality, convenience, and sustainability in the global seafood sector.