Exhibiting at Seafood Expo North America 2025

Next Wave Seafood Inc., based in Childs, Maryland, has built a strong reputation in the North American seafood market by delivering high-quality, ready-to-cook frozen seafood products with a focus on flavor, convenience, and sustainability. As a prominent player in the U.S. seafood processing and distribution industry, the company is best known for its innovative, value-added offerings like infused mussels, seafood stews, and premium shrimp selections.

Company Background

Founded with a mission to make seafood more accessible and enjoyable for everyday consumers, Next Wave Seafood has emerged as a category leader in the frozen seafood segment. With its operations headquartered in the United States, the company leverages a global sourcing network to provide consistent quality while ensuring traceability and sustainability in its supply chain.

Core Business and Product Range

Next Wave specializes in frozen, pre-seasoned, and pre-portioned seafood dishes that appeal to both retailers and end consumers seeking convenience without sacrificing taste. Their key product categories include:

• Mussels: Offered in gourmet sauces such as Garlic & Butter and Tomato Garlic Butter, these are pre-cleaned, pre-cooked, and ready in minutes.
• Seafood Mixes: Hearty, chef-inspired stews like Bouillabaisse, Cioppino, and New England Chowder provide a full meal solution directly from the freezer.
• Shrimp: Their wild-caught Argentinian Red Shrimp is known for its natural sweetness and firm texture, a popular premium SKU in their portfolio.
• Fish: Skin-on Atlantic Salmon sides cater to the health-conscious market, offering high omega-3 content and versatile preparation options.

Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition

Next Wave’s USP lies in its culinary-forward approach to frozen seafood. Unlike traditional suppliers, the company focuses on chef-crafted, ready-to-serve products that are microwavable or stovetop-ready in under 10 minutes. This innovation targets modern consumers looking for both health and convenience.

Moreover, the company emphasizes clean labeling, with many products free from artificial additives and preservatives, aligning with growing consumer demand for transparency in food sourcing.

Financials and Market Footprint

While Next Wave Seafood Inc. is a privately held company and does not publicly disclose detailed financials, industry analysts estimate its annual revenue to be in the range of $10–25 million, supported by significant shelf presence in major retail chains across the U.S., including Wegmans and Kroger.

Their consistent performance in the premium frozen segment is a testament to their supply chain efficiency and strong retailer relationships.

Shipment and Export Data

According to global trade intelligence platforms like ImportYeti and Volza, Next Wave Seafood has conducted over 150 international shipments in the last two years, primarily involving imported mussels and shellfish products from Canada and Chile, indicating a robust sourcing network. These shipments account for a combined cargo volume of over 150,000 kilograms, validating the company’s scale and operational capability.

Target Market

Next Wave targets:

• Health-conscious consumers seeking high-protein, low-fat meals
• Busy professionals and families looking for quick-prep gourmet options
• Retail and foodservice buyers seeking value-added frozen seafood lines

Their primary geographic market is the United States, with selective distribution across North America. They continue to explore opportunities in the European and Asian frozen seafood markets.

Capabilities

• Product Innovation: Proprietary recipes and pre-packaged cooking formats
• Private Label Manufacturing: Supporting custom brand needs for retailers
• Cold Chain Logistics: Efficient distribution to maintain product integrity
• Sustainability Integration: Responsible sourcing of wild-caught seafood

Certifications and Compliance

Next Wave maintains multiple industry-standard certifications, including:

• BAP (Best Aquaculture Practices)
• MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) – for sustainably sourced seafood
• FDA and USDA compliance for imported and processed seafood

These certifications ensure food safety, environmental stewardship, and responsible labor practices.

Customer Testimonials

“The Garlic & Butter Mussels are an absolute game-changer! Quick, delicious, and restaurant-quality right at home.” — Verified Buyer, Wegmans

“Finally a seafood stew that tastes like it came from a coastal kitchen — the Cioppino is my go-to freezer staple.” — Consumer Review, Facebook Page

Major Achievements

• Successfully launched a national retail program with Wegmans and other premium grocers
• Achieved year-over-year category growth in frozen seafood SKUs for three consecutive years
• Featured in leading trade publications like Seafood Source and Frozen & Refrigerated Buyer for product innovation
• Surpassed 1 million retail units sold across key product lines in 2023

Next Wave Seafood Inc. continues to build on its foundation of innovation, taste, and sustainability to serve a growing market of modern seafood lovers.