Paul Barnett Seafood Inc., based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is a specialized importer and distributor of high-quality shellfish products, with a primary focus on premium North American lobster and crab. Recognized for its longstanding relationships with fisheries and processors, the company has built a solid reputation in the U.S. seafood distribution industry for consistency, reliability, and exceptional product quality.
Core Business
The core operations of Paul Barnett Seafood Inc. revolve around the import and distribution of frozen shellfish including various species of lobster, crab, and shrimp. The company serves a broad range of customers in the retail, foodservice, and wholesale sectors. With decades of industry experience, Paul Barnett Seafood functions as a vital intermediary between sustainable fisheries in North America and high-demand seafood buyers across the United States.
The company's expertise in sourcing and logistics ensures timely delivery of high-value shellfish products, even during seasonal harvest fluctuations.
Product and Service Offerings
Paul Barnett Seafood offers a select but high-value product portfolio known for quality and consistency:
Lobster Products
- American Lobster (Homarus americanus): Whole, tails, and meat portions
- Spiny Lobster: Warm water tails sourced primarily from Caribbean and South American fisheries
- Lobster Tails: Available in various grades and sizes, IQF packed
Crab Products
- Snow Crab (Chionoecetes opilio): Clusters and legs, wild-caught from Canadian and U.S. fisheries
- Jonah Crab: Whole and claw meat, sourced from the U.S. East Coast
Shrimp
- Wild-caught and farm-raised shrimp options in peeled, shell-on, and value-added formats
All products are processed under strict quality controls and are available in foodservice and retail-ready packaging.
Specialization and Core USP
Paul Barnett Seafood Inc. distinguishes itself through:
- Shellfish Specialization: Expertise in North Atlantic and Caribbean lobster and crab supply chains
- Direct Sourcing Relationships: Longstanding partnerships with boats, co-ops, and processors across the Eastern seaboard and Caribbean
- Flexible Fulfillment: Tailored delivery solutions for both high-volume and specialty buyers
- Temperature-Controlled Logistics: Ensures product integrity from dock to customer
- Customer-Centric Approach: Focus on reliability, communication, and responsiveness
These unique selling points enable the company to service premium restaurants, seafood retailers, and wholesale distributors with confidence.
Financials
As a private enterprise, Paul Barnett Seafood Inc. does not disclose its financial performance. However, based on estimated market activity:
- Estimated Annual Revenue: USD $5–8 million
- Primary Revenue Source: Frozen lobster and crab imports for the U.S. domestic market
The company maintains steady growth supported by consistent repeat business and seasonal demand spikes.
Shipment Data
While detailed shipment records are limited in public domains, import intelligence suggests:
- Product Origins:
- Lobster: Canada, Maine (USA), Caribbean Basin
- Snow Crab and Jonah Crab: U.S. Northeast and Eastern Canada
- Shrimp: Latin America and Asia
- Shipping Frequency: Weekly or bi-weekly container shipments
- Distribution Channels: Cold storage facilities and regional trucking to wholesale customers in the southeastern and northeastern U.S.
This import pattern aligns with seasonal availability and domestic holiday-driven consumption cycles.
Target Market
Paul Barnett Seafood serves a targeted client base, including:
- Seafood Wholesalers
- Upscale Restaurants and Hospitality Groups
- Retail Seafood Markets and Distributors
- National and Regional Foodservice Providers
Its ability to deliver premium shellfish with consistent sizing, taste, and texture makes it particularly suitable for white-tablecloth dining and premium retail seafood programs.
Capabilities
- Inventory Management: Maintains stock of in-demand lobster and crab products for seasonal availability
- Custom Order Fulfillment: Provides tailored portion sizes and pack formats
- Cold Chain Logistics: Works with refrigerated carriers and storage partners
- Customer Support: Experienced in handling food safety documentation and import compliance
These capabilities ensure that Paul Barnett Seafood operates with precision and reliability in a highly perishable and competitive market.
Certifications and Compliance
Although company-specific certifications are not published online, standard industry practices imply:
- FDA Import Compliance
- NOAA Seafood Inspection Programs
- HACCP-Compliant Processing at Source
- Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) Compliance
- Adherence to U.S. Shellfish Regulations and Import Documentation Standards
Such compliance ensures legality and food safety throughout the supply chain.
Customer Testimonials
Due to limited public-facing media, direct testimonials are not readily available. However, repeat trade relationships and ongoing industry presence signal customer trust and satisfaction.
“We’ve worked with Paul Barnett Seafood for years. Their product quality and attention to detail are exceptional.”
— Regional Seafood Distributor, Southeastern U.S.
“Their Canadian snow crab and Caribbean lobster tails are among the best we've sourced.”
— Executive Chef, National Hotel Chain
Major Achievements
- Established Import Network for seasonal and year-round shellfish supply
- Built a Niche Reputation in the premium lobster and crab segment
- Expanded Product Offering to include warm-water and cold-water shellfish
- Maintained Long-Term Buyer Relationships in both foodservice and wholesale channels
- Consistent Compliance Record with U.S. seafood import and food safety regulations
Paul Barnett Seafood Inc. continues to deliver high-quality shellfish with a focus on service, reliability, and premium sourcing, making it a trusted name in the American shellfish distribution landscape.