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Grit-Free Clams
Cherrystone Aqua-Farms is a renowned shellfish aquaculture farm and seafood distributor located in Cape Charles, Virginia. With over 120 years of heritage in shellfish farming, the company has built a legacy of producing premium-quality clams and oysters for national distribution. Nestled along the pristine waters of the lower Chesapeake Bay, Cherrystone Aqua-Farms combines tradition with technology to sustainably harvest some of the finest shellfish on the East Coast of the United States.
Company Overview
Founded in the early 1900s, Cherrystone Aqua-Farms has grown from a local operation into one of the largest shellfish aquaculture producers in the U.S. The company cultivates its shellfish on over 2,000 acres of leased ocean-bottom beds, using scientifically informed, environmentally responsible aquaculture practices. It maintains full control over its seed-to-harvest process, ensuring consistent quality, size, and flavor of its products.
Core Product Offerings
Cherrystone specializes in live hard-shell clams and oysters, offered in multiple sizes and packaging formats:
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Clams
- Littlenecks
- Topnecks
- Cherrystones
- Chowders
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Oysters
- Cherrystone Oysters (briny, full-bodied flavor)
- Premium single oysters for half-shell presentation
Products are packed and shipped live, primarily for foodservice distributors, restaurants, and seafood retailers across the U.S.
Specialization and Strengths
The company’s unique location on the Chesapeake Bay provides optimal salinity and nutrient levels for shellfish development. Key strengths include:
- Complete Vertical Integration: From hatchery to harvest, packing to distribution.
- In-house Hatchery and Nursery: Allows production of genetically selected seed for consistency.
- Advanced Biosecurity Measures: Minimize disease and maximize shellfish survival rates.
- Real-Time Water Quality Monitoring: Ensures optimal growing conditions year-round.
- Live Haul Infrastructure: Preserves product freshness through cold chain logistics.
Target Markets
Cherrystone Aqua-Farms supplies shellfish to a broad array of customers including:
- National and Regional Seafood Distributors
- High-End Restaurants and Oyster Bars
- Supermarkets and Specialty Seafood Retailers
- Wholesale Markets in Major Cities (New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington D.C.)
Its products are especially favored by chefs and seafood buyers who prioritize consistent quality, traceability, and fresh-from-farm flavor.
Aquaculture Capacity and Supply Chain
Based on industry sources and operational scale:
- Over 100 million clams harvested annually
- Tens of millions of oysters produced per year
- 2,000+ acres of productive grow-out leases
- Continuous year-round harvesting and shipping operations
Cherrystone operates with a strong focus on freshness, with same-day harvest and shipping to major distribution hubs along the East Coast.
Certifications and Sustainability Practices
Cherrystone Aqua-Farms adheres to industry-leading sustainability and food safety practices. While specific certifications are not publicly listed, the company follows:
- Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP)
- US FDA Shellfish Sanitation Program Guidelines
- Virginia Shellfish Aquaculture Management Standards
- Chesapeake Bay Preservation and Restoration Initiatives
Its aquaculture methods enhance water quality by promoting natural filtration through clam and oyster feeding, contributing positively to local ecosystems.
Infrastructure and Operations
The company's vertically integrated facilities include:
- Hatchery: Produces millions of seed annually for in-house grow-out.
- Nurseries: Utilize floating upweller systems (FLUPSYs) for juvenile shellfish.
- Grow-Out Beds: Subtidal leases offering optimal salinity and tidal flow.
- Processing and Packing House: Equipped for grading, cleaning, packing, and cold storage.
- Live Shipping Network: Timed to deliver shellfish within 24–48 hours of harvest to key markets.
Business Scale and Distribution
Cherrystone distributes to all major metropolitan seafood markets in the U.S. through its network of logistics partners. Based on capacity and distribution footprint:
- Estimated Annual Revenue: USD 20–40 million
- Distribution Reach: 35+ states
- Repeat Client Base: National distributors, regional chains, and independent seafood buyers
The company’s reliability and scale have positioned it as a cornerstone of the East Coast shellfish market.
Market Reputation and Customer Feedback
Cherrystone Aqua-Farms is widely respected for:
- Premium, consistent shellfish quality
- Deep brine flavor and strong shell integrity
- Responsiveness to wholesale and foodservice buyer needs
- Support for sustainable local aquaculture
Its products are featured in many fine dining menus and seafood festivals, with chefs frequently highlighting the freshness and terroir of Cherrystone oysters and clams.
Strategic Outlook
Looking ahead, Cherrystone Aqua-Farms is focused on:
- Expanding retail-ready packaging options
- Investing in climate-resilient shellfish strains
- Enhancing digital traceability tools for transparency
- Scaling production to meet growing domestic and international demand
With its heritage, expertise, and sustainability leadership, Cherrystone remains a premier source for responsibly farmed shellfish in the United States.