OBI Seafoods, LLC is a prominent seafood processing and marketing company based in Alaska, United States. Formed in 2020 through the merger of Ocean Beauty Seafoods’ Alaska operations and Icicle Seafoods, OBI Seafoods has quickly established itself as a major force in the global seafood industry. The company is headquartered in Petersburg, Alaska, and operates an expansive network of processing facilities across coastal Alaska, specializing in the production of sustainably harvested wild seafood.
Core Business and Specialization
OBI Seafoods focuses exclusively on wild-caught Alaskan seafood, offering a broad portfolio of high-quality, responsibly harvested marine products. The company processes and markets:
- Wild Alaska Salmon: Including all five species—Sockeye, Pink, Chum, Coho, and King—offered fresh, frozen, and canned under multiple legacy and premium brands.
- Alaska Pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus): One of the world’s most abundant and sustainable whitefish species.
- Pacific Cod (Gadus macrocephalus): Sold in fresh and frozen formats to international and domestic markets.
- Rockfish (Sebastes spp.): A versatile and abundant species harvested along the Alaska coast.
- Sablefish (Anaplopoma fimbria): Also known as black cod, valued for its rich flavor and high oil content.
- Flatfish: Including yellowfin sole and rock sole, ideal for high-volume processing.
- Halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis): A premium species highly sought in both retail and foodservice channels.
- Crab: Including Dungeness and other seasonal Alaska crab varieties.
- Roe Products: Including salmon roe and pollock roe, popular in Asian markets.
Facilities and Operational Footprint
OBI Seafoods operates 10 shore-based processing plants across Alaska, including major facilities in Petersburg, Cordova, Kodiak, and Egegik. These plants are strategically located to receive and process catches quickly, preserving product quality.
- Mobile processing vessels and seasonal tender fleets allow OBI to handle large volumes efficiently during Alaska’s short but intense fishing seasons.
- The company employs over 1,200 seasonal and full-time workers during peak operations.
Sustainability and Compliance
A cornerstone of OBI Seafoods' operations is its unwavering commitment to sustainable fisheries management. The company sources from:
- Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified fisheries
- Alaska Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) programs
- State and federal quota-regulated fisheries, ensuring long-term viability of marine stocks
OBI maintains strict HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) programs across all facilities, ensuring food safety and traceability.
Brands
OBI Seafoods manages a portfolio of well-established and trusted seafood brands, including:
- Pillar Rock
- Icy Point
- Honey Boy
- Black Top
These brands are widely distributed in North America and international markets and are recognized for their high-quality canned and frozen seafood products.
Global Market Reach and Shipment Insights
OBI Seafoods exports to more than 20 countries, with major markets including:
- Japan
- South Korea
- China
- Germany
- United States (domestic and wholesale foodservice)
According to international trade data (sources: Volza, Panjiva):
- The company handles over 2,000 shipments annually.
- Export volumes surpass $200 million USD per year, largely attributed to salmon and pollock exports.
- Major buyers include distributors, retailers, and food processors across Asia and Europe.
Financial and Ownership Structure
OBI Seafoods is jointly owned by Ocean Beauty Seafoods and Cooke Seafood USA, part of the global Cooke family of companies. The combined expertise and financial backing of these entities position OBI as one of the top vertically integrated seafood processors in North America.
- The estimated revenue footprint exceeds $400 million USD annually, driven by robust exports and brand-driven domestic sales.
- With global supply chain challenges, OBI has maintained stable profitability and expansion, investing in modernizing processing infrastructure across Alaska.
Target Market and Distribution
OBI Seafoods serves a wide spectrum of clients including:
- Retail grocery chains through private-label and branded canned seafood
- Foodservice operators seeking fresh and frozen wild Alaska seafood
- International wholesalers and importers in Asia and Europe
- Value-added processors requiring raw inputs like roe or frozen fillets
Industry Participation and Recognition
- Active participant in trade shows such as Seafood Expo North America and Seafood Expo Global
- Collaborates with Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) to promote Alaskan seafood globally
- Recognized in the industry for its commitment to community development, employing large numbers of seasonal workers from Alaskan villages and investing in local economies
OBI Seafoods stands as a leader in delivering wild, sustainable, and premium Alaska seafood to the global marketplace. With strong operational infrastructure, recognized brands, and deep expertise in seafood processing, the company continues to shape the future of Alaska’s fisheries economy.
