Exhibiting at Seafood Expo North America 2025

Thistle Seafoods Limited, based in Peterhead, Scotland, is a leading independent manufacturer and exporter of value-added seafood products in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1976, the company has developed into a vertically integrated seafood processing business with a reputation for high-quality, innovative seafood offerings tailored for both retail and foodservice markets across Europe and beyond.

Core Business

Thistle Seafoods specializes in the production of chilled, frozen, and ready-to-cook seafood products using responsibly sourced fish from both local and international fisheries. The company operates from its BRC AA Grade accredited facility in Peterhead—one of Europe’s major fishing ports—allowing direct access to freshly landed catch and streamlined logistics.

Their business encompasses:

• Primary seafood processing
• Value addition through culinary innovation
• Export and private label manufacturing

Product & Service Offerings

The company's portfolio includes a wide range of coated and prepared seafood products:

Chilled Seafood

• Battered Fish Fillets
• Breaded Fish Portions
• Dusted Fish Goujons

Frozen Seafood

• Coated Fish Cakes
• Traditional and Premium Fish Fingers
• Seafood Platters

Value-Added Seafood

• Ready-to-Cook Meals
• Fish in Sauce Dishes
• Oven-Ready Frozen Entrees

Thistle Seafoods also develops bespoke recipes and packaging for major UK retailers and international private label clients.

Specialization and Core USP

The company’s core strength lies in its culinary-led product development and deep processing expertise. With a dedicated NPD (New Product Development) team and in-house chefs, Thistle Seafoods creates customized seafood solutions for evolving consumer tastes and dietary trends.

Unique selling points:

• Vertically integrated supply chain for quality and traceability
• Capability to deliver across chilled, frozen, and ambient formats
• Focus on sustainable, responsibly sourced seafood
• Extensive experience in private label manufacturing

Financial Performance

While Thistle Seafoods is a privately held company and does not publish detailed financials, industry sources and export records estimate its annual turnover in the range of £50–70 million. The company consistently ranks among the top Scottish seafood manufacturers in terms of processing volume and retail presence.

The firm has longstanding supply relationships with leading UK supermarkets, foodservice distributors, and international retailers.

Shipment and Export Records

According to export data and market intelligence from UK Food & Drink Exporters Association and Scottish Seafood Association:

• Thistle Seafoods exports to over 20 countries, including France, Germany, Ireland, Spain, and the United States
• Focused on private label and premium frozen ranges for European and North American retailers
• Regular containerized shipments from Aberdeen and Grangemouth Ports
• Export volumes estimated at 8,000–10,000 metric tons annually

Products meet rigorous EU and U.S. import regulations, with full compliance on labeling, allergen control, and traceability.

Target Market

Thistle Seafoods caters to a diverse customer base:

• Retail supermarkets (UK and EU private labels)
• Foodservice distributors
• Frozen food retailers
• Health-conscious consumers via gluten-free and high-protein ranges

They also offer co-manufacturing services for branded companies and health food startups.

Operational Capabilities

• BRC AA Grade certified production facility
• Multi-format packaging: skin pack, MAP, vacuum, and flow wrap
• High-volume battering, breading, and portioning lines
• In-house NPD lab and culinary kitchen
• Dedicated QA and regulatory teams for international compliance

The plant operates on lean manufacturing principles with real-time production tracking and waste reduction systems.

Certifications & Compliance

Thistle Seafoods maintains a strong focus on food safety and sustainability:

• BRC AA Grade Certification
• MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) Chain of Custody Certification
• Sedex Membership for ethical trade compliance
• Responsible sourcing program with full supply chain audits

They work closely with fishery improvement projects and traceability programs to meet global sustainability goals.

Customer Testimonials

"Thistle Seafoods is an innovative and reliable partner. Their quality and consistency help us deliver great value to our customers."
— Category Manager, UK Supermarket Chain

"Their ability to create bespoke products for our brand made them the ideal co-manufacturing partner."
— European Frozen Food Brand, via industry trade portal

Recognitions & Achievements

• Named one of Scotland's Top 100 Food & Drink Companies
• Featured in the Scotland Food & Drink Exporter Directory
• Regular exhibitor at Seafood Expo Global and IFE London
• Developed award-winning gluten-free seafood range for private label clients

With nearly five decades of experience, world-class processing infrastructure, and a commitment to culinary excellence, Thistle Seafoods Limited continues to be a trusted seafood innovator, supplying premium-quality value-added fish products to markets around the globe.