Product Offerings
Products:
Oysters: Fresh, live oysters harvested from Alabama's Gulf waters
Murder Point Oyster Company, located in Bayou La Batre, Alabama, is a family-run aquaculture business renowned for producing premium Gulf oysters with an unmistakable buttery finish. Named after the historically notorious Murder Point along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, the company has become a benchmark for quality in the U.S. oyster farming industry. With a commitment to sustainable aquaculture and artisanal harvesting, Murder Point Oysters are favored by top chefs and seafood connoisseurs nationwide.
Core Business and Product Offering
Murder Point specializes in the farming, harvesting, and distribution of:
- Premium, Live Gulf Oysters
Hand-farmed and delivered live, these oysters are cultivated in off-bottom cages in the pristine waters of Portersville Bay, Alabama. The oysters are celebrated for their:- Clean, briny profile with a rich buttery finish
- Deep cups and consistent shell quality
- Sashimi-grade freshness, making them ideal for raw consumption
The oysters are distributed to high-end restaurants, seafood distributors, and boutique seafood retailers across the U.S.
Specialization and Unique Strengths
- Flavor Profile Development: Through careful site selection, salinity control, and meticulous farm management, Murder Point achieves a signature buttery flavor that distinguishes its oysters from other Gulf offerings.
- Family-Owned Excellence: Founded and operated by the Croxton family, the company emphasizes hands-on quality control and community-based growth.
- Sustainable Off-Bottom Farming: Utilizing floating cages minimizes environmental disruption and improves shell cleanliness, resulting in a higher-quality oyster.
Market Reach and Distribution
- Primary Markets: Gulf Coast, Southeast, Northeast, and West Coast regions of the U.S.
- Distribution Channels: Direct to chef and restaurant partnerships, boutique oyster bars, and national seafood distributors
- Featured At: James Beard House dinners, international culinary events, and oyster festivals such as the New York Oyster Week
Despite being a boutique operation, Murder Point ships thousands of oysters weekly, with seasonal peaks during fall and winter months when oyster demand is highest.
Target Market
Murder Point serves a premium and discerning clientele:
- Fine dining restaurants and raw bars
- Luxury hotel kitchens
- Gourmet seafood distributors
- Event caterers and high-end seafood retailers
Their oysters are positioned as a luxury product, appealing to chefs and buyers focused on provenance, sustainability, and flavor.
Operational Capabilities
- Farm Location: Portersville Bay, Alabama, benefiting from ideal salinity and clean water inflows from the Gulf of Mexico
- Harvesting Technique: Cage-based, off-bottom farming using flip bags and tumblers to strengthen shells and improve cup depth
- Daily Handling: Oysters are harvested and shipped live to maintain peak freshness
- Production Volume: Estimated 3 to 5 million oysters annually, based on seasonal demand and farming cycle
Certifications and Compliance
- Alabama Department of Public Health Certified
- HACCP-Compliant Operations for shellfish handling and processing
- Participates in National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP)
- Advocates for restorative aquaculture practices that enhance water quality and habitat
Customer Testimonials and Chef Endorsements
“There’s something incredibly clean and refined about a Murder Point oyster. It’s like the Gulf Coast’s answer to a Grand Cru.”
– Executive Chef, Michelin-Starred Restaurant, New York City
“These oysters are consistently perfect: deep-cupped, flavorful, and always fresh. They fly off the menu.”
– Oyster Bar Owner, Charleston, SC
Industry Recognition and Community Impact
- Featured in Forbes, Southern Living, Garden & Gun, and Bon Appétit for its innovation in Gulf aquaculture
- Honored by the Southern Foodways Alliance for contributions to sustainable Southern food traditions
- Key participant in the Alabama Oyster Shell Recycling Program, helping rebuild natural reefs
- Hosts educational farm tours and culinary collaborations with seafood sustainability initiatives
Murder Point Oyster Company combines tradition, family values, and a passion for flavor to offer one of the most distinctive oyster experiences on the U.S. market. With a focus on sustainability, craftsmanship, and regional pride, it continues to set a gold standard for Gulf Coast aquaculture.