Founded in 1956, Phillips Foods, Inc. has evolved into one of the United States’ most recognized names in premium seafood manufacturing and restaurant operations. Headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, the company traces its roots back to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, where founder Brice Phillips opened the first Phillips Crab House. From humble beginnings, the brand has grown into a global seafood powerhouse with an extensive portfolio in both the retail and foodservice sectors.
Core Business and Product Portfolio
Phillips Foods is best known for its specialization in blue swimming crab and a wide range of value-added seafood products. The company operates two core business divisions: seafood manufacturing and hospitality (via its chain of Phillips Seafood Restaurants). Their manufacturing unit supplies premium seafood to grocery retailers, wholesalers, and foodservice distributors across the U.S. and internationally.
Key Product Categories Include:
- Crab Meat: Jumbo Lump Crab, Super Lump Crab, Backfin, and Claw meat.
- Crab & Seafood Cakes: Including the signature “Shirley’s Original Crab Cakes”.
- Appetizers: Sriracha Shrimp Flatbread, Shrimp Potstickers, Crab Rangoon.
- Soups & Pastas: Seafood Marinara, Cream of Crab Soup, Lobster Bisque.
- Sauces & Seasonings: Original Seafood Seasoning, Cocktail Sauce, Tartar Sauce.
Specialization and Unique Value Proposition
Phillips Foods holds a leadership position in the U.S. crab meat category. They are one of the largest importers of blue swimming crab in the United States and have pioneered sustainable crab harvesting practices in Southeast Asia. Their vertically integrated supply chain, with production facilities in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam, enables them to control quality from ocean to plate.
Phillips is also one of the few seafood manufacturers offering both private label and branded retail options, helping retailers tailor offerings to consumer demands.
Financials and Global Footprint
While specific revenue figures are privately held, estimates from industry sources place Phillips Foods' annual revenues in the range of $100M–$250M, driven primarily by strong retail and foodservice sales in North America and Asia-Pacific.
Phillips has established a strong export history. According to ImportYeti and Volza, the company has consistently shipped thousands of units of seafood products annually to U.S. ports, particularly to major retailers and foodservice distributors.
Example shipment record:
- Over 300 international shipments in the last 12 months (as per Volza)
- Frequent imports from Phillips’ processing plants in the Philippines and Indonesia
- Top products: Crab meat, ready-to-eat appetizers, and frozen seafood entrees
Target Market
Phillips serves a broad customer base including:
- National grocery retailers (e.g., Walmart, Costco, Safeway)
- Independent and chain restaurants
- Hospitality and hotel chains
- International distributors, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Europe
The brand also appeals to health-conscious consumers seeking clean-label, sustainable seafood options.
Capabilities
- Global Supply Chain: Fully integrated production plants in Asia ensure year-round supply of high-quality seafood.
- Innovation Labs: In-house culinary development team for R&D and custom product formulation.
- Scalable Manufacturing: High-volume production capacity with strict quality assurance systems in place.
Certifications and Compliance
Phillips Foods maintains compliance with international food safety and sustainability standards:
- BRC Global Standard for Food Safety
- HACCP Certified
- FDA Registered
- Member of National Fisheries Institute (NFI) Crab Council, promoting sustainability and crab population preservation
- Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) partners for sustainable sourcing
Customer Testimonials
"Phillips Foods has been a dependable supplier of premium seafood products for over a decade. Their quality, consistency, and innovation set them apart."
— Corporate Buyer, National Retail Chain
"Their crab meat is unmatched in taste and quality. It’s the reason we feature their brand in our seafood section."
— Executive Chef, U.S.-based Hotel Chain
Major Achievements
- Pioneered crab sustainability programs in Southeast Asia, influencing government policies in the Philippines and Indonesia.
- Regularly featured in food industry publications such as SeafoodSource and Perishable News.
- Recognized as a Top Seafood Supplier by foodservice industry buyers for multiple years.
- Expanded operations to direct-to-consumer online retailing, adapting to post-COVID market trends.
Phillips Foods, Inc. remains a leader in premium seafood, continuously innovating while maintaining its heritage of quality, sustainability, and trust.