Bornstein Seafoods Inc. is a family-owned seafood processor and distributor based in Bellingham, Washington, with operations stretching across the Pacific Northwest. Established in 1934, the company has become one of the region’s most respected names in sustainable, wild-caught seafood. With a legacy spanning over 90 years, Bornstein Seafoods is deeply rooted in the coastal fishing communities of Washington and Oregon, sourcing from local fleets and offering premium-quality seafood to domestic and international markets.
Company Overview
Founded by Sam Bornstein in Astoria, Oregon, Bornstein Seafoods has grown into a vertically integrated seafood operation with processing plants in Bellingham, WA; Astoria, OR; and Newport, OR. The company is currently led by third-generation family members and maintains a commitment to responsible sourcing, local partnerships, and value-added processing innovation. Bornstein’s robust distribution network and decades-long industry presence have made it a trusted partner to wholesalers, retailers, foodservice operators, and government agencies.
Core Business
Bornstein Seafoods focuses on the processing, packaging, and distribution of a diverse range of wild-caught seafood species from the cold, pristine waters of the North Pacific Ocean. Their core operations include:
- Primary seafood processing (whole fish, fillets, portions)
- Value-added production (ready-to-eat, cooked, smoked)
- Cold storage and logistics
- Custom packaging and private labeling
- Export support and compliance
The company serves clients across the United States, Asia, and Europe through both branded and private-label seafood products.
Product & Service Offerings
Key Seafood Products
-
Dungeness Crab
- Whole cooked Dungeness crab
- Premium hand-picked crab meat
-
Cold Water Shrimp
- IQF whole raw shrimp
- Cooked & peeled shrimp (250/350, 300/400, 350/500, 500+)
-
Salmon
- Wild Pacific salmon (Chinook, Sockeye, Coho)
- Fillets, portions, steaks
-
Albacore Tuna
- Troll-caught, sashimi-grade loins and steaks
-
Groundfish
- Pacific cod, lingcod, rockfish, sole
-
Pacific Whiting
- Whole, headed and gutted, filleted
-
Halibut & Sablefish
- Fresh and frozen Pacific halibut
- Black cod (Sablefish) fillets
These products are available in multiple formats including fresh, frozen, vacuum-packed, and individually quick frozen (IQF), catering to a variety of commercial applications.
Specialization & Core USP
Bornstein Seafoods’ core value lies in its local sourcing model, multi-generational expertise, and traceable wild-caught supply chain. The company has earned a strong reputation for:
- Partnering directly with independent fishermen and tribal fleets
- Operating full-service waterfront processing plants
- Delivering high-volume production while maintaining small-lot craftsmanship
- Offering custom and private-label solutions for retail and foodservice customers
The vertically integrated model allows full control over quality, traceability, and processing standards, ensuring consistency and customer confidence.
Financial Performance
Although Bornstein Seafoods is a privately held company and does not publicly disclose detailed financial data, available estimates and trade sources suggest:
- Annual revenues between $75–100 million
- Handling over 50 million pounds of seafood annually
- Growth of 6–8% CAGR over the last five years, driven by rising demand for traceable, wild-caught seafood and sustainable sourcing
The company has benefitted from strategic contracts with retailers and federal procurement programs.
Shipment Records
Trade and import-export databases such as ImportYeti and Volza indicate Bornstein Seafoods maintains a strong export presence, particularly in:
- Japan
- South Korea
- China
- Canada
- European Union (Germany, France, Spain)
Key logistics data includes:
- Over 200 reefer containers shipped annually
- Export volumes mainly consist of Dungeness crab, albacore tuna, and shrimp
- U.S. ports of exit include Seattle and Portland
Bornstein products are certified to meet import requirements for key global seafood markets.
Target Market
Bornstein Seafoods serves a broad customer base including:
- U.S. foodservice and restaurant distributors
- Retail chains and independent seafood retailers
- Exporters and overseas seafood buyers
- Meal kit companies and private-label brands
The company is a preferred supplier to clients seeking premium, sustainable wild seafood with transparent sourcing and dependable quality.
Capabilities
Bornstein Seafoods operates three HACCP-certified production facilities strategically located near active fisheries. Capabilities include:
- High-speed filleting and portioning lines
- Live crab and shrimp holding systems
- IQF tunnels and blast freezers
- Vacuum packaging and MAP packing
- In-house labeling and private branding
- On-site cold storage and shipping logistics
Their scale and technology enable them to deliver large volumes while maintaining traceability and quality assurance.
Certifications & Compliance
Bornstein Seafoods complies with major industry and regulatory standards, including:
- HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point)
- FDA and USDA food safety compliance
- NOAA Seafood Inspection Program
- MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certifications for selected species
- BRC and SQF certification readiness for private-label clients
The company works closely with state and federal regulators to ensure sustainability and food safety compliance.
Customer Testimonials
“Bornstein Seafoods has been our go-to supplier for West Coast Dungeness crab. Their reliability and product consistency are unmatched.”
— Seafood Category Manager, National Food Distributor
“We've worked with Bornstein for over a decade and they continue to deliver on quality, traceability, and customer service.”
— Executive Chef, High-End Seafood Chain
Major Achievements
- Over 90 years of continuous operation as a family-owned seafood business
- Among the first in the Pacific Northwest to implement full-chain traceability
- Expanded to support tribal and community fishing fleets with infrastructure and market access
- Regular exhibitor at Seafood Expo North America, Japan Seafood Show, and China Fisheries Expo
- Featured in Undercurrent News and SeafoodSource for leadership in sustainability and community engagement
Bornstein Seafoods Inc. continues to lead with integrity, tradition, and a deep connection to the waters of the Pacific Northwest, delivering premium wild seafood that meets the demands of a global marketplace.