Ocean Blue Products, Inc. is a California-based seafood import and distribution company specializing in premium Japanese and Asian-style seafood products tailored for foodservice, retail, and sushi industry clients across North America. Headquartered in El Monte, California, the company has built a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and specialization in Asian cuisine seafood categories.
Core Business and Product Portfolio
Ocean Blue Products serves as a trusted partner for sushi bars, Japanese restaurants, wholesalers, and grocery chains by offering an extensive portfolio of high-demand seafood products. The company’s offerings are categorized into the following key segments:
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Appetizers and Side Dishes:
- Edamame (young soybeans)
- Kani Kama (imitation crab sticks)
- Spring rolls and other traditional Japanese-style starters
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Fish:
- BBQ Eel (Unagi) – A premium, ready-to-eat eel product popular in Japanese cuisine
- Hamachi (Yellowtail), Tuna, and Smoked Salmon for sushi and sashimi applications
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Seasoned Products:
- Wakame – Seaweed salad seasoned in sesame and vinegar
- Ika Sansai – Seasoned squid and vegetable salad
- Chuka Iidako – Baby octopus seasoned in traditional Japanese marinade
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Fish Roe:
- Masago (capelin roe), Tobiko (flying fish roe), and select premium caviars
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Squid and Octopus:
- Mongo Ika – Raw squid
- Madako – Cooked octopus
- Raw and seasoned octopus options for sushi preparations
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Shrimp Products:
- HLSO (Headless Shell-On) shrimp
- Sushi Ebi (butterflied shrimp for nigiri sushi)
- Nobashi Ebi (stretched shrimp), Panko and Tempura shrimp for frying
The product line is designed specifically for Asian food applications and supports the full spectrum of sushi and Japanese cuisine preparations.
Brands
Ocean Blue Products markets and distributes under its proprietary and partner brands:
- Kobe – Recognized for consistent quality in sushi-grade seafood
- Marusei – A respected brand associated with premium eel and seasoned seafood items
These brands are widely used by chefs and foodservice distributors and are associated with high standards in Asian culinary circles.
Market and Customer Segments
Ocean Blue Products serves a well-defined customer base that includes:
- Japanese and Asian restaurants
- Sushi bars and sushi delivery chains
- Wholesalers and seafood distributors
- Retailers with Asian food sections
- Institutional buyers in hospitality and catering sectors
The company’s geographic market includes the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with a strong emphasis on California and the West Coast’s dense Asian food markets.
Import and Supply Chain Capabilities
Ocean Blue Products maintains a strong international sourcing network, importing directly from key seafood-producing regions:
- Japan
- Vietnam
- China
- Thailand
- Indonesia
This enables the company to offer year-round availability, competitive pricing, and compliance with import standards. They operate out of cold storage and logistics hubs in California, facilitating quick distribution throughout North America.
Food Safety and Compliance
While specific certifications are not listed publicly, the company adheres to:
- FDA food safety regulations for imported seafood
- USDA guidelines for processing and distribution
- Supplier partnerships that are HACCP and GMP compliant
Ocean Blue Products emphasizes quality assurance through temperature-controlled logistics and product traceability.
Industry Position and Trade Insights
Ocean Blue Products is known as a mid-sized but highly specialized player in the U.S. Asian seafood import segment. According to data from import databases (Volza, ImportYeti):
- The company manages over 250 import shipments annually
- Primary imports include eel, shrimp, seaweed salad, and tobiko, with an estimated import value of $10–15 million USD per year
- Major suppliers include seafood processors in Japan, Vietnam, and China
Digital Presence and Marketing
Ocean Blue Products operates a B2B-focused website at oceanblue.us, providing access to product catalogs and contact channels for distributors and wholesalers. Although limited in social media activity, the company maintains visibility through participation in industry trade shows and regional food expos, particularly those centered on Asian cuisine and sushi innovation.
Ocean Blue Products, Inc. continues to strengthen its foothold in the premium seafood distribution space by focusing on authenticity, consistent supply, and specialization in Japanese and Asian cuisine products. Its dedication to quality, variety, and import logistics makes it a reliable supplier for the North American sushi and Asian foodservice market.