Bristol Seafood, LLC is a leading U.S.-based seafood processor and distributor located in Portland, Maine. Renowned for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation, the company offers premium frozen and fresh seafood products to both retail and foodservice markets. Bristol Seafood has carved out a niche in the North American seafood landscape through a blend of responsible sourcing, advanced processing technology, and value-added product development.
Company Overview
Founded in 1992, Bristol Seafood has become a recognized force in the New England seafood industry. With access to both local and global fisheries, the company maintains a robust supply chain and specializes in U.S. wild-caught and responsibly farmed species. Bristol is known for its branded product lines and rigorous standards, which aim to restore trust and transparency in the seafood supply chain.
Headquartered on the working waterfront of Portland, Maine, the company operates a state-of-the-art processing facility that is certified to the highest international food safety standards.
Core Business
Bristol Seafood focuses on:
- Sourcing and processing sustainably harvested seafood
- Supplying high-quality, traceable seafood to retailers, distributors, and restaurants
- Developing branded consumer seafood products
- Innovating with vacuum-packaging, freezing, and portioning technology
Its core strengths lie in blending traditional New England seafood expertise with modern food manufacturing and branding strategies.
Product & Service Offerings
Scallops
- Fresh & Frozen Scallops (U.S. Atlantic Sea Scallops)
- Dry-packed, untreated, chemical-free
- Sourced directly from day boats and larger trawlers
- Available in retail packs and foodservice formats
Cod
- Fresh Cod Fillets
- Frozen Cod Fillets (IQF)
- North Atlantic wild-caught
- Skinless/boneless options, portion-controlled formats
Haddock
- Fresh and Frozen Haddock Fillets
- Clean label, sustainably harvested
- New England staple for retail and foodservice
Salmon
- Fresh Atlantic Salmon Fillets
- Frozen Atlantic Salmon Portions
- Responsibly sourced from certified aquaculture operations
Shrimp
- Frozen Raw and Cooked Shrimp
- Peeled, deveined, tail-on/off options
- Sustainable sources with full traceability
Branded Product Lines
My Fish Dish™
- Ready-to-cook seafood entrees with gourmet seasonings and sauces
- Designed for convenience-focused consumers
- Available in major U.S. grocery retailers
Seafood Singles™
- Individually portioned, vacuum-sealed seafood
- Allows for reduced food waste and improved shelf life
- Ideal for retail freezer sections and e-commerce fulfillment
Grab & Go™
- Refrigerated, pre-seasoned seafood products
- Designed for deli counters and convenience formats
These brands reflect Bristol's commitment to innovation, consumer health, and sustainability while catering to the growing demand for easy, high-quality seafood meals at home.
Specialization & Core USP
Bristol Seafood stands out through:
- Certified B Corp status, demonstrating social and environmental responsibility
- SQF (Safe Quality Food) Level 3 certification, a globally recognized food safety standard
- Chemical-free processing of scallops and whitefish
- Cold chain excellence — from dock to delivery
- Consumer-centric branding for the retail market
The company is one of the few processors in the U.S. handling dry scallops on a commercial scale with rigorous quality controls.
Financial Performance
While financials are not publicly disclosed, industry sources and company data suggest:
- Estimated $20–40 million in annual revenue
- Rapid growth in branded retail product sales
- Distribution through hundreds of retail outlets across North America
- Expansion into e-commerce and meal-kit supply channels
The company has received capital investment for facility upgrades and product line expansion, supporting its growth trajectory.
Shipment Records
Bristol Seafood ships extensively across:
- United States and Canada
- Distribution to national grocery chains, foodservice distributors, and institutional buyers
- Handles both LTL (Less Than Truckload) and full reefer loads
- Partners with 3PL cold chain logistics providers for efficient fulfillment
The Portland location provides direct access to North Atlantic fisheries and international freight lanes.
Target Market
Bristol Seafood targets:
- Retail grocery chains and specialty markets
- Meal kit companies and online seafood retailers
- High-end restaurants and foodservice operators
- Institutional food buyers (universities, hospitals, etc.)
Their consumer-facing brands are designed for health-conscious, convenience-driven, and environmentally aware shoppers.
Capabilities
- SQF-certified production facility with automated portioning and vacuum sealing
- Custom packaging capabilities: MAP, skin pack, vacuum sealed
- In-house culinary and R&D teams for product innovation
- Scalability for private label and co-packing agreements
- Traceability systems to monitor product origin and chain of custody
The facility operates with strict temperature and sanitation controls, meeting global export and domestic compliance requirements.
Certifications & Compliance
- B Corp Certified
- Safe Quality Food (SQF) Level 3
- FDA Registered
- NOAA and MSC Compliant sourcing (for certified species)
- Fair Trade Certified sourcing available
- Adheres to FDA’s Seafood HACCP regulations
These credentials reinforce the company’s commitment to food safety, ethical sourcing, and sustainable business practices.
Customer Testimonials
“Bristol is one of the few companies delivering true, dry scallops at scale. Their consistency and integrity are unmatched.”
— Procurement Director, Northeast Restaurant Group
“The My Fish Dish line is exactly what our customers were looking for: easy, clean, and delicious seafood they can trust.”
— Regional Grocery Category Manager
Major Achievements
- First U.S. seafood processor to achieve both B Corp and SQF Level 3 certification
- Recognized in SeafoodSource and Undercurrent News for innovation in packaged seafood
- Expanded retail presence to major chains across the Northeast, Midwest, and West Coast
- Invested in new equipment and packaging lines to triple processing capacity
- Developed sustainable partnerships with North Atlantic fisheries and certified aquaculture farms
Bristol Seafood, LLC exemplifies the future of responsible seafood processing in North America—blending traditional fishing values with modern innovation to deliver products that meet the needs of today's conscious consumer.
