Product Offerings
Products:
Freshwater Fish: Asian Carp, Buffalo, Catfish, Sheephead, Common Carp
Organic Fertilizer: SF Organics Liquid Fish Fertilizer
Schafer Fisheries Inc., headquartered in Fulton, Illinois, is a family-owned seafood processing and wholesale distribution company with over 60 years of experience in the freshwater fish industry. Renowned for its pioneering role in harvesting and processing Asian carp and other freshwater species from the Mississippi River and surrounding waterways, Schafer Fisheries has established itself as one of the leading processors of wild-caught freshwater fish in the United States.
Core Business
Schafer Fisheries specializes in the harvesting, processing, and distribution of wild-caught freshwater fish. The company operates multiple facilities, including processing plants, freezing operations, and organic fertilizer production units. In addition to seafood, it also produces liquid organic fish fertilizer under the SF Organics brand, diversifying its portfolio and expanding into the agricultural sector.
Product and Service Offerings
The company offers a range of products through its core divisions:
- Freshwater Fish Processing:
- Asian Carp (Silver, Bighead, Grass Carp)
- Buffalo Fish
- Catfish
- Sheephead (Freshwater Drum)
- Common Carp
- Fish Byproducts:
- Fish bones, heads, and other offcuts for secondary markets
- Organic Fertilizer:
- SF Organics Liquid Fish Fertilizer, created from fish byproducts and marketed toward organic farms and garden centers
All seafood products are processed, vacuum-packed, and flash-frozen for freshness, with the capability to deliver bulk orders for wholesalers and institutional buyers.
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Schafer Fisheries holds a distinct position in the U.S. seafood market for:
- Being one of the largest processors of Asian carp in North America
- Utilizing invasive species (Asian carp) to create sustainable protein sources
- Operating a zero-waste processing system, turning byproducts into organic fertilizers
- Providing both domestic and export markets with sustainably harvested wild fish
- Deep regional sourcing network across the Mississippi River basin and tributaries
Financial Strength
Although privately held, Schafer Fisheries has expanded over six decades from a small local business to an international exporter. The scale of its operations includes:
- Over 30,000 lbs/day processing capacity
- Dedicated logistics for national and international shipments
- Supply agreements with restaurants, distributors, retailers, and governmental food programs
Its sustained growth in both seafood and organic fertilizer markets suggests stable and diversified revenue channels.
Shipment Data
According to shipment tracking platforms like ImportYeti and trade directories:
- Schafer Fisheries exports to over 14 countries, including China, Canada, and European markets
- Asian carp exports are primarily shipped in bulk (fillets and ground meat) to Asia and processed further into surimi and other value-added products
- Domestically, Schafer supplies seafood distributors and institutional buyers, including correctional facilities and educational institutions
- Fertilizer products under SF Organics are shipped across the U.S. to organic farms and cooperatives
Target Market
Schafer Fisheries targets multiple buyer segments:
- Seafood wholesalers and distributors serving retail and foodservice
- Export markets in Asia and Europe for Asian carp and other freshwater fish
- Institutional buyers such as government-run food programs
- Organic farmers and garden centers through its SF Organics line
This multi-industry approach provides a competitive advantage and supply chain resilience.
Capabilities
The company’s infrastructure supports:
- High-volume processing and freezing facilities in Illinois
- Dedicated logistics fleet and cold chain capabilities
- On-site quality control and grading systems
- Custom packaging for private label and bulk orders
- Fertilizer blending and bottling operations at the SF Organics division
Certifications and Compliance
Schafer Fisheries maintains:
- FDA-compliant HACCP plans for all seafood processing
- Compliance with USDA and state-level agricultural regulations for fertilizer production
- Adherence to environmental sustainability standards, especially around invasive species control
- Regular audits and quality assessments for export certification
Customer Testimonials
While direct testimonials are limited in the public domain, Schafer Fisheries’ long-standing client relationships and visibility in government procurement platforms and international seafood expos validate its industry credibility. Media coverage often highlights the company’s leadership in repurposing invasive carp into high-protein food and organic products.
Major Achievements
- Recognized as a U.S. leader in Asian carp processing, with global exports
- Built a sustainable business model around zero-waste utilization of freshwater fish
- Launched SF Organics, a successful organic fertilizer brand
- Expanded reach to international markets and diversified customer base
- Contributed to environmental conservation by commercializing an invasive species while supporting local fishing communities