Product Offerings
Products:
Seafood Products: Scallops, North Atlantic Lobster, Ahi-Tuna, Mahi-Mahi, Crawfish, Alligator, Clams
Northern Wind, LLC is a premium seafood processing and distribution company based in New Bedford, Massachusetts, United States. Established in 1987, the company has grown to become one of the leading U.S. processors of wild-caught scallops and other premium seafood products sourced from the North Atlantic and beyond. With a legacy rooted in New England’s rich fishing heritage, Northern Wind is recognized for its quality, traceability, sustainability, and innovation in seafood handling and packaging.
Company Overview and History
Headquartered in the historic Port of New Bedford—the largest commercial fishing port in the United States by dollar value—Northern Wind, LLC has strategically positioned itself at the center of the American scallop industry. The company processes millions of pounds of seafood annually in its SQF Level 3-certified facility, serving a global client base across retail, foodservice, and wholesale sectors.
Product Portfolio
Northern Wind specializes in a range of high-quality seafood products, with a strong emphasis on wild-caught species. The product lineup includes:
- Sea Scallops (Placopecten magellanicus) – Offered in various formats: dry, frozen, individually quick frozen (IQF), and value-added
- North Atlantic Lobster – Processed tails, claws, and knuckles
- Ahi Tuna (Yellowfin) – Fresh and frozen cuts
- Mahi-Mahi – Sourced globally, fillets and steaks
- Crawfish and Clams – Sold whole and processed
- Alligator Meat – Specialty product available through select channels
Proprietary Brands
Northern Wind markets its products under several trusted in-house brands:
- Five Star Premium – Top-tier scallops with guaranteed size, dryness, and traceability
- Captain’s Call – A premium foodservice line offering hand-selected products
- Mariner’s Choice – A versatile product line tailored for cost-conscious buyers without compromising quality
Each brand is designed to meet different market needs while upholding the company’s commitment to transparency and premium quality.
Facilities and Capabilities
The company operates a 90,000 sq. ft. facility in New Bedford, which includes:
- Advanced seafood processing lines with automation for portion control
- Cold storage with blast freezing capabilities
- Packaging lines for vacuum sealing, IQF, and MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging)
- In-house quality control and traceability tracking systems
Northern Wind is Safe Quality Food (SQF) Level 3-certified, meeting the highest benchmark for global food safety and quality. It is also certified for Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) sustainability standards, enabling the company to offer certified sustainable seafood to international markets.
Sustainability and Traceability
Northern Wind is deeply committed to sustainable fishing and responsible sourcing practices. The company:
- Sources scallops exclusively from vessels that adhere to NOAA and Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management regulations
- Offers 100% traceable scallops, from harvest to packaging
- Participates in sustainable fishery programs and partners with NGOs to promote marine conservation
All raw material is procured under strict quota-based fishing methods, ensuring long-term viability of fish stocks and compliance with U.S. and international sustainability guidelines.
Markets and Distribution
Northern Wind services both domestic and international markets, supplying to:
- National and regional retailers
- Foodservice distributors
- Online seafood platforms
- Export partners in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East
Their logistics team ensures consistent year-round supply through refrigerated trucking, sea freight, and air freight solutions.
- Primary markets: United States, Canada, Japan, United Arab Emirates, and European Union countries
- Export formats: Bulk, vacuum-packed, individually portioned, retail-ready packaging
- Estimated annual processing volume: Over 15 million pounds of scallops (based on industry benchmarks and trade data)
Certifications and Compliance
Northern Wind holds multiple certifications that reinforce its leadership in quality and sustainability:
- SQF Level 3 – Highest level of certification in the SQF program
- MSC Certified – For sustainably harvested scallops
- FDA Registered and HACCP-Compliant
- BRC and EU Export Facility Approval – For European retail partners
These certifications make the company a reliable partner for high-compliance markets requiring rigorous quality control.
Industry Reputation and Recognition
Northern Wind has earned a strong industry reputation through:
- Innovative packaging technology (such as IQF and MAP solutions)
- Consistent product grading and sizing
- Transparent operations with full product traceability
- Strong relationships with fishing fleets and retailers
The company is often cited in seafood industry reports and export statistics for its leadership in the scallop category and continues to be a key supplier in premium white-tablecloth and retail seafood markets.
With over three decades of seafood processing excellence, Northern Wind, LLC remains a trusted name in sustainable, high-quality seafood across the globe.