Heartland Catfish Company is one of the largest vertically integrated producers of U.S. farm-raised catfish, headquartered in Itta Bena, Mississippi. Founded with a commitment to quality, consistency, and customer satisfaction, the company is recognized as an industry leader in catfish farming, processing, and distribution. Heartland Catfish supplies a wide range of retail and foodservice clients across the United States and internationally.
Core Business and Specialization
Heartland Catfish specializes in the production, processing, and distribution of premium farm-raised catfish. With full control over the supply chain—from fingerling to finished product—Heartland ensures that every catfish meets the highest standards for flavor, texture, and safety. The company is known for its consistency, quality assurance, and product versatility.
Product and Service Offerings
Heartland Catfish offers an extensive selection of catfish products, tailored to meet the demands of both retail and foodservice markets:
- Fresh Catfish Fillets: Skinless, boneless fillets packed for retail and wholesale use
- Frozen Catfish Fillets: IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) to preserve freshness and reduce waste
- Breaded Catfish Products: Ready-to-cook items for foodservice and institutional kitchens
- Catfish Nuggets: Popular in value segments and family meal offerings
Products are available in various cuts, sizes, and packaging formats to suit customer needs.
Unique Selling Proposition
- Vertical Integration: Full control from hatchery and feed to processing and logistics
- State-of-the-Art Processing Facility: Equipped for filleting, portioning, freezing, and packaging at scale
- Food Safety Leadership: Maintains robust safety systems and third-party certifications
- Southern Heritage: Proudly produces U.S. farm-raised catfish in the Mississippi Delta, a historic aquaculture hub
Financial Strength
While Heartland Catfish Company is a privately held business and does not disclose financials, it is considered a top-tier catfish processor in the U.S., processing tens of millions of pounds annually. Its operations support a vast network of foodservice distributors and retail buyers.
- Recognized among the top 3 catfish processors in the U.S.
- Partners with leading national grocery chains and restaurant distributors
Shipment and Export Records
- Distributes products nationwide through major foodservice distributors and retail chains
- Participates in international seafood exhibitions to promote U.S. catfish abroad
- Supplies products to institutional markets, including schools, healthcare, and military contracts
Target Markets
Heartland Catfish serves a diverse client base:
- Retail Chains and Grocery Stores
- Restaurant Chains and Independent Operators
- Foodservice Distributors and Institutional Buyers
- Exporters of U.S. catfish to international markets
Operational Capabilities
- Processing Plant in Itta Bena, Mississippi: Among the most modern in the catfish industry
- Advanced Cold Chain Infrastructure: Supports fresh and frozen product delivery
- Custom Processing Options: Offers private label, portion-controlled cuts, and value-added processing
- Sustainable Farming: Uses environmentally responsible aquaculture practices and locally sourced feed
Certifications and Compliance
Heartland Catfish upholds high standards of safety, sustainability, and compliance, including:
- HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)
- USDA and FDA Inspection and Approval
- BRC (British Retail Consortium) Certification
- Certified U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish Label
These certifications allow Heartland to access regulated markets and large-scale institutional buyers.
Customer Testimonials
While direct testimonials are not publicly displayed, Heartland Catfish has maintained long-standing relationships with major grocery and foodservice clients. Their reliability, consistent quality, and supply chain integrity have made them a preferred supplier in the seafood procurement space.
Major Achievements
- Operates one of the largest catfish processing facilities in the United States
- Processes millions of pounds of catfish annually for national distribution
- Recognized for innovation in value-added catfish products for foodservice and retail
- A key contributor to Mississippi’s economy and U.S. aquaculture leadership
Heartland Catfish Company continues to lead the way in U.S. aquaculture with a deep-rooted commitment to quality, innovation, and service, supporting the growth of American farm-raised seafood across domestic and global markets.