Handy Seafood Incorporated, headquartered in Salisbury, Maryland, is the oldest seafood processor in the United States and one of the most respected names in the global seafood industry. With a legacy dating back to 1894, Handy has built its reputation on the principles of quality, sustainability, and innovation in seafood processing and value-added product development. The company specializes in premium crab meat, crab cakes, soft shell crabs, shrimp products, oysters, appetizers, and plant-based seafood alternatives.
Core Business
Handy Seafood’s core business is the processing, manufacturing, and distribution of high-quality seafood products, both fresh and frozen. It caters to retail, foodservice, and private label markets across the United States and internationally. The company operates state-of-the-art facilities with a vertically integrated supply chain to ensure freshness, traceability, and consistent quality.
Product and Service Offerings
Handy Seafood’s diverse product portfolio includes:
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Crab Cakes
- Classic Crab Cakes
- Pub Style Crab Cakes
- Gluten-Free Crab Cakes
- Santa Fe Crab Cakes
- Crab Cake Minis
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Crab Meat
- Jumbo Lump
- Lump
- Backfin
- Special
- Claw
-
Soft Shell Crabs
- Fresh
- Frozen
- Tempura-Battered
-
Shrimp Products
- Old Bay Breaded Shrimp
- Shrimp Power Bites
- Shrimp Burgers
- Shrimp Rolls
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Oysters
- Oyster Rockefeller
- Oyster Casino
-
Appetizers
- Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
- Seafood Minis
- Crab Dip
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Plant-Based Products
- Plant-Based Crabless Cakes
-
Healthy Seafood Alternatives
- Salmon Power Burgers
- Salmon Power Bites
These products are distributed nationwide and exported to more than 25 countries.
Specialization and Core USP
Handy Seafood is widely known for its premium crab products, especially its wild-caught, sustainably harvested blue crab meat. The company’s crab cakes are hand-formed and made with minimal fillers, setting the gold standard for quality in the industry. Core differentiators include:
- Over 125 years of seafood expertise
- Commitment to sustainability and traceability
- BRC Global Food Safety Certified processing facilities
- Wide range of ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat items
- Product lines catering to both traditional and modern dietary preferences, including gluten-free and plant-based offerings
Financials and Business Scale
Handy Seafood maintains a strong and consistent presence in the U.S. seafood industry:
- Estimated annual revenue (2024): $50–60 million
- Retail and Foodservice split: 60% Foodservice, 40% Retail
- Private label partnerships: With leading grocery chains and food distributors
- Production capacity: Over 10 million units annually of crab cakes, appetizers, and other processed items
The company has also invested in automation and product innovation to scale output while maintaining artisanal quality.
Shipment and Export Data
Handy Seafood has a well-established logistics and cold chain network:
- Domestic shipping coverage: All 50 U.S. states via major distributors
- International exports: Canada, UK, Japan, Singapore, Australia
- Export volume: Estimated $5–8 million annually
- Shipping channels: Refrigerated containers, third-party logistics (3PL) partnerships
- Top international SKUs: Crab cakes, lump crab meat, soft shell crabs
Target Market
Handy serves a diverse customer base including:
- National and regional grocery chains
- Restaurant groups and hotel foodservice providers
- Cruise lines and institutional foodservice
- Export wholesalers and gourmet retailers
- Health-conscious and flexitarian consumers seeking premium seafood and plant-based alternatives
Capabilities
- Manufacturing: Advanced seafood processing with manual and semi-automated lines
- Cold Storage: In-house refrigerated warehousing
- R&D and Innovation: Dedicated team for product development and sensory analysis
- Certifications: BRC, MSC, SQF, FDA Registered
- Private Label Services: Custom recipes and packaging solutions for partners
Handy also offers digital traceability, allowing customers to track their seafood from sea to plate.
Certifications and Compliance
Handy Seafood operates in compliance with:
- BRC Global Standards (British Retail Consortium)
- MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) Certified Products
- FDA Seafood HACCP Compliance
- Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) for applicable SKUs
- Regular third-party audits and lab testing for safety and quality
Sustainability is embedded in sourcing and production practices, with partnerships supporting responsible fishing and aquaculture.
Customer Testimonials
“Handy Seafood sets the standard in crab cakes. They’re consistent, flavorful, and our customers love them.”
— Executive Chef, National Hotel Group
“We switched to Handy’s plant-based crabless cakes for our vegetarian menu—game changer!”
— Restaurant Manager, East Coast Chain
“Best quality lump crab meat in the market. Handy is always reliable.”
— Seafood Buyer, Midwest Retailer
Major Achievements
- Over 125 years of continuous operation—established in 1894
- Featured in SeafoodSource, Perishable News, and Progressive Grocer
- First seafood processor in the U.S. to offer gluten-free crab cakes nationally
- One of the first to launch plant-based seafood alternatives in mainstream retail
- Maintains a customer satisfaction rating of over 95% across distributors and B2B clients
Handy Seafood continues to lead the seafood industry with a blend of tradition, innovation, and sustainability, offering premium products trusted by chefs, grocers, and consumers worldwide.
