KLT Global, operating through its premium brand Wholey Seafood and in partnership with Lipari Foods, is a leading importer and distributor of high-quality frozen seafood products in North America. Headquartered in Warren, Michigan, the company serves a wide range of retail and foodservice clients with an emphasis on quality, convenience, and culinary innovation.
Core Business and Product Offerings
KLT Global’s core business is centered around sourcing, importing, and distributing ready-to-cook and value-added seafood products. Through its Wholey Seafood brand, the company offers an extensive line of frozen seafood designed to meet the evolving demands of consumers and foodservice operators.
Key Product Lines
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Seafood Mix
- A versatile blend including shrimp, squid, mussels, and surimi (imitation crab), ideal for pasta, stir-fry, and soups. Packaged for convenience with IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) technology to preserve freshness.
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Boom Boom Shrimp
- Whole tail-on shrimp coated in a gluten-free breading and paired with a tangy-sweet chili sauce. Designed for fast preparation, this product is positioned for both retail and foodservice segments.
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Butterflied Marinated Garlic Herb Shrimp
- Premium Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), butterflied and marinated in a garlic-herb blend. This product offers elevated flavor profiles with minimal prep time for chefs and consumers.
These products are distributed under the Wholey Seafood brand and are available in major supermarket chains, independent grocers, and foodservice distributors across the United States.
Distribution Network and Reach
Through its strategic relationship with Lipari Foods, a major specialty food distributor, KLT Global’s reach spans over 20,000 retail locations and foodservice accounts across 32 U.S. states. Lipari’s cold chain logistics infrastructure ensures the integrity of frozen seafood shipments from port to plate.
The company works with international seafood producers from regions such as:
- Vietnam
- Thailand
- India
- Indonesia
- South America
KLT Global ensures its imported products meet FDA, USDA, and HACCP requirements, with regular third-party audits for compliance and food safety.
Market Segments
- Retail Frozen Seafood
- Products placed in supermarket freezer aisles, often in branded or private-label formats.
- Foodservice
- Packaged in bulk for use in commercial kitchens, restaurants, and hospitality sectors.
- Club Stores and E-commerce
- Value-pack seafood SKUs offered through membership-based and online channels.
Capabilities and Infrastructure
- Import & Customs Management
- Extensive experience managing seafood logistics and documentation for seamless import to U.S. ports.
- Cold Chain Distribution
- Integrated with Lipari’s refrigerated warehousing and delivery systems, ensuring temperature integrity.
- Product Development
- Culinary team focused on developing consumer-ready recipes with bold flavors and global appeal.
Certifications and Compliance
- Products processed under HACCP-compliant facilities.
- Regular quality assurance audits performed by FDA and USDA inspectors.
- Commitment to sustainable sourcing where possible, in alignment with best practices promoted by organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
Financial and Operational Insights
While KLT Global operates as a private entity and does not disclose full financials, it is estimated (via industry publications and import records) that the company handles over 10 million pounds of frozen seafood annually across its distribution network. This positions KLT as a mid-to-large tier player in the U.S. frozen seafood import market.
According to U.S. customs import data platforms, KLT Global is listed as a consistent importer with over 250 customs entries per year, indicating a robust and consistent flow of seafood inventory into the U.S. market.
Major Achievements
- The Wholey Seafood brand is now carried by leading retail chains such as Kroger, Meijer, and Food Lion.
- Successfully introduced a gluten-free line of shrimp products, tapping into the health-conscious and allergen-aware consumer segment.
- Achieved rapid growth in the marinated shrimp segment, with strong retail performance in the Northeast and Midwest U.S. regions.
- Recognized by Lipari Foods as a Top 10 seafood partner by volume in their 2023 supplier rankings.
With a focus on quality, compliance, and consumer appeal, KLT Global and its Wholey Seafood line are well-positioned to continue expanding their footprint in the highly competitive frozen seafood market. The company's integrated model—from global sourcing to domestic distribution—ensures consistent supply, innovation, and value for its customers across retail and foodservice sectors.