Product Offerings
Products:
Seafood: Snow Crab, Rock Crab, Lobster
Founded in 1952, E. Gagnon et Fils Ltée is one of Canada’s most prominent and long-established seafood processors and exporters, located in Sainte-Thérèse-de-Gaspé, Quebec. Operating under the well-known brand Gaspeshore, the company is renowned globally for its premium snow crab, rock crab, and lobster products. As a vertically integrated operation, E. Gagnon controls every stage of its supply chain—from harvest to processing and global distribution—ensuring consistent quality and full traceability.
Core Business and Offerings
E. Gagnon et Fils Ltée specializes in sustainably sourced, high-quality seafood products from the cold, pristine waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Its core offerings include:
-
Snow Crab (Chionoecetes opilio)
Caught in the early spring, this is the flagship product of the company. The meat is known for its sweet, delicate flavor and is processed fresh daily during peak seasons. -
Rock Crab (Cancer irroratus)
A secondary but significant species, rock crab is processed for both domestic and export markets, primarily as frozen clusters and meat. -
Lobster (Homarus americanus)
Offered as live, cooked, or frozen, E. Gagnon’s lobster products are distributed to global markets with meticulous attention to handling and freshness.
All products are harvested in accordance with Canadian sustainable fishing regulations and processed in CFIA-approved facilities.
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
The company’s USP lies in its vertical integration and coastal proximity, which allows for same-day processing to maintain maximum freshness. Its operations also adhere to eco-certifications and traceability standards, offering buyers confidence in product origin and sustainability.
E. Gagnon is among the few processors in Eastern Canada that owns its own fleet of vessels and maintains direct relationships with over 150 independent fishermen—ensuring consistent supply and quality control.
Financials and Scale
While E. Gagnon et Fils Ltée is a privately held company and does not publicly disclose detailed financials, industry estimates and trade data suggest:
- Annual Processing Capacity: Over 5,000 metric tonnes of snow crab
- Estimated Revenue: Over CAD $100 million/year
- Exports: Shipments to over 20 countries, including the USA, Japan, China, and Europe
The company is recognized as one of the top 5 snow crab exporters in Canada, a sector that contributes over CAD $1 billion annually to the national economy.
Shipment and Export Data
According to trade data sources such as Volza and ImportYeti:
- E. Gagnon has exported over 10,000 international seafood shipments over the past five years.
- Primary export destinations include United States, Japan, China, South Korea, France, and Spain.
- Its products are frequently featured at major seafood trade shows, including Seafood Expo North America (Boston) and Seafood Expo Global (Barcelona).
Target Markets
E. Gagnon targets:
- Distributors and wholesalers in North America, Asia, and Europe
- Retail chains and supermarkets
- Foodservice and hospitality industry
- High-end seafood importers and niche seafood markets
The company’s flexible packaging formats and strict compliance with international food safety standards make it a preferred supplier for both large-scale and specialty buyers.
Capabilities and Infrastructure
- Processing Plants: Two modern, CFIA-approved seafood processing facilities in Sainte-Thérèse-de-Gaspé
- Fleet Access: Partnered with a robust fleet of over 150 fishing vessels
- Cold Storage and Logistics: On-site freezing capacity and logistics network for air and sea freight
- In-house Quality Control Team: Ensures compliance with HACCP, BRC, and MSC standards
These assets allow E. Gagnon to maintain year-round operational efficiency and respond quickly to market demand.
Certifications and Compliance
E. Gagnon operates under strict food safety and sustainability regulations, with key certifications including:
- HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)
- MSC Certified (Marine Stewardship Council) for sustainable fisheries
- BRC Global Standards for food safety
- CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) compliant facilities
- FDA Registered for U.S. exports
These certifications validate its commitment to safe, ethical, and responsible seafood production.
Customer Testimonials
“E. Gagnon’s snow crab is some of the best we've sourced globally. Their consistency, quality, and traceability make them a preferred supplier.”
— Seafood Import Manager, U.S. Distributor
“We’ve worked with Gaspeshore for over a decade. Their ability to deliver fresh product at scale, season after season, is unmatched.”
— Asian Market Seafood Retailer, Tokyo
Major Achievements
- Over 70 years of continuous operations
- Exported to 20+ countries worldwide
- Featured consistently at international seafood exhibitions
- Among the top exporters of snow crab from Eastern Canada
- Maintains one of the largest coldwater crab processing capacities in the Gaspé Peninsula
With a legacy of excellence and a future focused on sustainability and innovation, E. Gagnon et Fils Ltée continues to be a cornerstone of Canada’s seafood export industry.