Eastern Fisheries, Inc., based in New Bedford, Massachusetts, is one of the world’s largest and most vertically integrated suppliers of wild-caught sea scallops and a leading harvester, processor, and global distributor of North Atlantic seafood. Since its founding in 1978, the company has grown into a vertically integrated enterprise with direct access to harvesting vessels, modern processing facilities, and a broad international distribution network.
Core Business and Offerings
Eastern Fisheries operates across the full seafood value chain—from harvesting and processing to global distribution. Its fleet of modern fishing vessels and advanced land-based processing plants ensure complete product control and supply chain traceability.
Primary Product Categories:
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Scallops:
- Wild North Atlantic Sea Scallops (U10, 10/20, 20/30)
- Bay Scallops
- IQF Scallops (Individually Quick Frozen)
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Flatfish:
- Yellowtail Flounder
- Grey Sole
- Witch Flounder
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Cod:
- Pacific Cod Fillets and Portions
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Pollock:
-
Monkfish:
- Whole Monkfish and Fillets
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Dogfish and Skate:
- North Atlantic Dogfish and Skate Wings
Each product is processed to the highest food safety and quality standards and is available in multiple cuts and pack sizes for foodservice and retail markets.
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Eastern Fisheries is recognized globally for its leadership in wild-caught scallops, accounting for a significant share of U.S. scallop exports. Its vertically integrated model provides:
- Ownership of over 25 scallop vessels in the North Atlantic
- Daily landings with dockside processing to preserve freshness
- Export-grade quality control systems across all facilities
- Full traceability from ocean to distribution
This allows for unmatched consistency, sustainability, and reliability in fulfilling large-scale orders for global seafood buyers.
Financials and Market Reach
Although Eastern Fisheries is privately held and does not disclose financials, industry benchmarks and volume data indicate:
- Estimated Annual Revenue: Exceeds USD $250 million
- Annual Scallop Processing Volume: Over 25 million pounds of sea scallops
- Export Markets: More than 30 countries, including Japan, China, Italy, France, Spain, and South Korea
- Retail and Foodservice Clients: National grocery chains, cruise lines, restaurant groups, and institutional foodservice providers
Eastern Fisheries is among the top exporters of sea scallops globally, with a dominant presence in both fresh and frozen product categories.
Shipment and Export Data
According to export records and third-party trade data:
- Eastern Fisheries exports thousands of metric tons of scallops and finfish annually via both air and ocean freight
- Main export hubs include Port of New York/New Jersey, Boston, and Los Angeles
- Major importing partners include Japan (for sashimi-grade scallops) and European seafood wholesalers
Their scallops are shipped under strict cold chain management, maintaining -18°C or lower throughout transit for quality assurance.
Target Markets
Eastern Fisheries serves a diversified portfolio of buyers:
- Retail Chains (private label and branded seafood)
- National and Regional Foodservice Distributors
- Wholesale Seafood Importers
- Cruise Lines and Airlines
- Hospitality and Institutional Food Programs
Their ability to offer consistent volumes and high-quality seafood has earned them long-term contracts with many leading foodservice brands.
Capabilities and Infrastructure
- Fleet: Over 25 company-owned scallop vessels operating from the Port of New Bedford
- Processing Plants: FDA-registered and HACCP-certified facilities in Massachusetts
- Cold Storage: On-site freezing and cold storage infrastructure with over 10,000 pallet positions
- Quality Assurance: In-house lab testing, product grading, and packaging customization
This robust infrastructure supports both high-volume commodity seafood programs and specialty value-added processing.
Certifications and Compliance
Eastern Fisheries is deeply committed to sustainability and food safety:
- HACCP Certified Facilities
- FDA and USDC Compliant
- Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Certification for U.S. Atlantic sea scallops
- NOAA Fisheries Compliance
- Traceability Systems with full lot tracking
These standards position the company as a trusted supplier for markets with rigorous regulatory environments.
Customer Testimonials
“We’ve been sourcing sea scallops from Eastern Fisheries for over 10 years. Their quality and consistency are second to none.”
— Procurement Director, European Seafood Importer
“Eastern’s traceability and certification programs give us confidence in both product safety and sustainability.”
— Sustainability Manager, U.S. Retail Chain
Major Achievements
- Recognized as the largest sea scallop supplier in the United States
- Over 40 years of continuous operation with a global reputation
- Exported to 30+ countries with premium market positioning
- Operates one of the largest scallop fleets in North America
- Featured in sustainability reports and seafood expos for best practices
Eastern Fisheries, Inc. continues to lead the seafood industry with a commitment to quality, sustainability, and operational excellence, serving as a trusted source of premium North Atlantic seafood on a global scale.