Product Offerings
Products:
Freshwater Farmed Rainbow Trout: Whole Fish, Fillets, Portions
Steelhead Trout: Whole Fish, Fillets, Portions
Product Gallery:
Premium Fresh Steelhead Trout
Cole-Munro Foods Group Inc., based in St. Thomas, Ontario, is a leading Canadian aquaculture and seafood processing company specializing in premium freshwater farmed Rainbow Trout and Steelhead Trout. With a history rooted in sustainable aquaculture and vertical integration, Cole-Munro has positioned itself as a trusted supplier to both retail and foodservice markets across North America.
Core Business and Product Portfolio
Cole-Munro focuses on the production, processing, and distribution of high-quality freshwater trout products, specifically:
- Steelhead Trout: Offered as whole fish, fillets, or portions, known for its firm texture and rich flavor.
- Rainbow Trout: Available in whole, fillet, and portioned formats, prized for its mild taste and versatility.
These products are farmed in pristine spring-fed waters across Ontario and processed at their federally inspected HACCP-certified facility to ensure consistent freshness and quality.
Specialization and Competitive Advantage
The company's core strengths include:
- Vertical Integration: Cole-Munro owns and manages all stages of production—from hatchery to harvest, processing, and distribution.
- Sustainable Aquaculture: Fish are raised in cold, spring-fed water systems without the use of antibiotics or growth hormones, ensuring a natural and eco-friendly product.
- Processing Capabilities: State-of-the-art processing lines capable of filleting, pin-boning, portioning, and vacuum packing, enabling quick turnaround and customized client orders.
- Food Safety Standards: The facility is CFIA-approved (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) and adheres to stringent HACCP protocols.
This level of integration and control allows Cole-Munro to meet the highest standards of traceability, sustainability, and product consistency.
Financial and Shipment Insights
Cole-Munro is one of Canada’s primary suppliers of farmed trout. Based on trade data from ImportYeti and Trademo, the company has a growing export footprint:
- Over 300 documented international shipments in the past 3 years.
- Key export markets include the United States, particularly northeastern states and high-end seafood distributors.
- Estimated export value over USD 20 million in recent years, driven by bulk sales to foodservice and gourmet retail channels.
Their domestic distribution also spans major grocery chains, seafood wholesalers, and institutional food buyers throughout Canada.
Target Market
Cole-Munro targets:
- Retail Chains: Grocery stores offering fresh, pre-packaged, and value-added trout products.
- Foodservice: Restaurants, caterers, hotels, and institutional kitchens seeking reliable, high-grade seafood.
- Distributors: Specialty seafood and frozen goods distributors across North America.
- Private Label Buyers: Offering co-branded and unbranded products based on client needs.
Their consistent quality and ability to meet customized specifications make them a preferred vendor in premium segments.
Manufacturing and Processing Capabilities
The company's processing plant in St. Thomas is equipped with:
- Automated filleting and pin-boning machinery
- Skin-on and skinless processing lines
- Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) and vacuum packaging systems
- In-house cold storage and logistics systems
The facility ensures a short processing time from harvest to final packaging, supporting both fresh and frozen product lines.
Certifications and Compliance
Cole-Munro maintains full regulatory compliance with Canadian and U.S. food safety standards, including:
- HACCP Certification
- CFIA Plant Approval
- FDA Compliance for U.S. Exports
- Sustainable Aquaculture Practices, with ongoing monitoring of water quality and fish health
The company also supports eco-certification initiatives and works closely with aquaculture regulators to uphold environmental stewardship.
Customer Testimonials and Reputation
Cole-Munro has been recognized by industry partners and customers for:
- Dependable supply and consistent product sizing
- Excellent shelf-life and freshness
- Strong customer service and responsiveness
Distributors and chefs alike appreciate the company’s commitment to sustainability and the superior quality of its Steelhead Trout.
Major Achievements
- One of the largest freshwater trout processors in Canada.
- Expanded export reach to the United States with steady year-over-year growth.
- Developed long-term partnerships with regional farms to ensure fish health and supply chain resilience.
- Invested in continuous improvement of processing technologies and cold chain logistics.
Cole-Munro Foods Group Inc. exemplifies high standards in Canadian aquaculture, offering premium Steelhead and Rainbow Trout products with a firm commitment to sustainability, food safety, and traceability. Their fully integrated approach and market adaptability make them a key player in the North American seafood industry.