Exhibiting at Seafood Expo North America 2025

Route66 International Inc., headquartered in Hackensack, New Jersey, is a leading U.S.-based manufacturer and distributor specializing in premium roasted seaweed products. Established with the vision to deliver high-quality nori to both domestic and global markets, Route66 Int has built a robust reputation for its vertically integrated operations, commitment to freshness, and consistency in product quality.

Core Business and Offerings

The core business of Route66 International centers around the processing, packaging, and distribution of premium-grade roasted seaweed, primarily used in sushi preparation, foodservice, and retail channels. The company's product portfolio includes:

• Roasted Seaweed (Nori): Daily roasted from A-grade raw seaweed imported from South Korea.
• YM Roasted Seaweed: A signature brand developed in 2018 targeting sushi chefs and restaurants with uniform quality and consistent taste.
• Seaweed Sheets: Offered in formats such as full sheets, half sheets, and hand roll sizes to meet varied culinary applications.
• Shredded Seaweed: Ideal for garnishing rice bowls, soups, and fusion dishes.

These products are distributed under the YM Seaweed brand, recognized for its crisp texture, authentic umami flavor, and premium packaging.

Specialization and USP

Route66’s key differentiator lies in its “roasted daily” model, which ensures superior freshness and maintains the nori’s crisp texture. Unlike mass processors, Route66 performs small-batch roasting and immediate packaging, delivering optimal flavor retention.

Another unique strength is its focus on sushi-grade quality. The YM Seaweed brand is tailored specifically for sushi chefs, offering consistency in sheet thickness, color, and elasticity—critical factors for professional sushi preparation.

Financials and Market Presence

Although Route66 International is a privately held entity and does not publicly disclose its full financials, industry estimates and import records suggest the company has an annual turnover exceeding USD $5 million. It has seen year-over-year growth, driven by the rising popularity of sushi in North America and increased demand for high-grade nori in global markets.

International Shipment and Export Records

Based on data from trade databases such as ImportYeti and Volza, Route66 International has demonstrated consistent export activity, including:

• Over 150 recorded shipments of roasted seaweed products from South Korea to the U.S. between 2020–2023, reflecting its high raw material import volume.
• Regular monthly imports valued between $30,000 and $80,000, primarily for raw seaweed used in its U.S. production facility.
• The company distributes its finished products across North America, Latin America, and select European and Asian markets, primarily to wholesalers and foodservice providers.

Target Market

Route66 targets a broad and growing client base that includes:

• Japanese and Korean restaurants in the U.S. and Canada
• Sushi franchises and chains
• Foodservice distributors and ethnic food wholesalers
• Retailers including Asian grocery chains and specialty stores
• Private label clients seeking U.S.-processed roasted nori for resale

Its YM Seaweed brand is especially popular among sushi chefs, due to its consistent sheet quality and excellent flavor profile.

Capabilities

Route66 operates a fully integrated facility in Hackensack, NJ, featuring:

• Modern roasting ovens for precise heat control
• Automated cutting and packaging lines for hygiene and speed
• Cold storage to maintain raw seaweed freshness
• Quality inspection systems ensuring consistent grading

The facility follows a batch-based roasting system, which enables the company to supply daily roasted seaweed with traceable freshness.

Certifications and Compliance

Route66 International maintains rigorous compliance with U.S. and international food safety standards. Key certifications include:

• FDA Registered Facility
• HACCP-Compliant Processing
• Kosher Certification
• Use of Non-GMO Ingredients
• Products tested for heavy metals and radiation in line with U.S. import safety standards

These certifications reinforce its reliability as a supplier in highly regulated markets.

Customer Testimonials

“YM Seaweed has been our go-to brand for years. The consistency and quality are what keep our sushi bar customers coming back.”
– Head Chef, Sushi Ginza, New York

“We've sourced seaweed from multiple suppliers, but Route66’s freshness is on another level. Their delivery turnaround and service are excellent.”
– Procurement Manager, Asian Foods Distributor, California

Major Achievements

• Launched YM Seaweed Brand in 2018, now recognized by sushi chefs across the U.S.
• Expanded operations from regional to national scale within 5 years.
• Recognized as a top importer of South Korean seaweed in multiple trade databases.
• Built a strong LinkedIn B2B network and consistent foodservice partnerships.

Route66 International continues to innovate in the seaweed processing sector by focusing on chef-grade quality, daily freshness, and responsive customer service. With its high-performance facility and strong sourcing partnerships, the company is well-positioned to support the growing global demand for premium nori products.