Wixter Seafood is a leading innovator in the premium frozen seafood segment, known for revolutionizing how consumers access sustainable, high-quality seafood. Founded by Matt Mixter, a seafood industry veteran with extensive experience in international seafood sourcing and sustainability practices, Wixter Seafood has positioned itself as a pioneer in redefining consumer trust and convenience in the frozen seafood aisle.
Core Business
Wixter Seafood specializes in sourcing and distributing frozen-at-sea seafood products with a firm commitment to sustainability, traceability, and quality. The company partners directly with best-in-class fisheries and aquaculture operations across the globe—primarily from Norway, Alaska, Ecuador, and Canada—to offer a curated range of responsibly harvested seafood.
The company’s unique approach includes eliminating intermediaries in the seafood supply chain, enabling superior transparency, consistent quality, and fair pricing. This direct sourcing model is core to Wixter’s value proposition, which aims to set a new standard in the retail frozen seafood category.
Product and Service Offerings
Wixter Seafood's product portfolio spans high-demand categories including:
- Finfish: Norwegian Salmon, Norwegian Steelhead, Cod, Haddock, Alaskan Halibut, Canadian Walleye, Chilean Seabass, Alaskan Sockeye Salmon, Ecuadorian Mahi-Mahi.
- Shellfish: American Scallops and American Shrimp.
- Smoked Offerings: Ready-to-eat Smoked Norwegian Steelhead, which has received notable consumer acclaim.
- Value Bundles: Such as the "Founder's Choice Bundle", combining best-sellers for direct-to-consumer offerings.
Their products are vacuum-sealed and flash-frozen at peak freshness, locking in both flavor and nutrients. Wixter guarantees all seafood is free from antibiotics, added hormones, and artificial additives.
Specialization and USP
Wixter’s primary USP lies in its single-frozen, fully traceable seafood model. Unlike traditional multi-frozen supply chains that compromise freshness, Wixter’s seafood is flash-frozen at sea and remains untouched until it reaches the consumer. Their packaging is also 100% recyclable, supporting their commitment to environmental responsibility.
Wixter is one of the only U.S. seafood brands to exclusively partner with certified sustainable fisheries under programs such as:
- Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)
- Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)
- Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP)
These certifications not only ensure environmental compliance but also signal Wixter’s alignment with global sustainability goals.
Financials and Market Presence
While Wixter Seafood is a privately held company and does not publicly disclose its full financials, the brand has experienced rapid growth since its inception, driven by increasing consumer demand for high-quality, sustainable protein sources. The company operates across multiple national retailers including Whole Foods, Fresh Thyme, Mariano’s, and Wegmans.
According to SPINS retail data analysis (2023), Wixter was among the fastest-growing premium frozen seafood brands in the U.S. by revenue share in the natural grocery channel.
Shipment and Export Records
Based on data from global trade intelligence platforms including ImportYeti and Volza, Wixter Seafood has participated in consistent inbound international shipments, especially from Norway and South America. Key metrics include:
- Average Monthly Imports: 6–8 shipments/month
- Top Countries of Origin: Norway, Ecuador, Chile
- Common HS Codes: 0304.56 (Frozen Fish Fillets), 0306.17 (Frozen Shrimp)
- Primary Ports of Entry: Port of Chicago, Port of New York/New Jersey
These figures reflect a robust and active global sourcing operation supporting domestic distribution.
Target Market
Wixter Seafood targets health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers in North America, particularly those seeking sustainable protein alternatives. Their products appeal to:
- Retail grocery shoppers in natural and specialty food stores
- Meal-kit and subscription buyers via direct-to-consumer (D2C) platforms
- Hospitality and foodservice sectors looking for premium seafood options
The brand has also been expanding its footprint via online channels, capitalizing on the growing eGrocery trend.
Capabilities
- Cold Chain Infrastructure: End-to-end cold storage and logistics integration.
- Private Labeling: Offers co-packing and private label solutions.
- E-commerce Ready: Nationwide shipping via online store.
- Recipe Development and Culinary Marketing: Collaborates with chefs and influencers to showcase product versatility.
Certifications and Compliance
- Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)
- Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)
- Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP)
- FDA Registered Importer
- Participates in NOAA’s Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP)
These credentials validate Wixter’s compliance with rigorous sustainability and food safety standards.
Customer Testimonials
“Wixter’s Norwegian Salmon is the best I’ve ever had from a grocery store. Fresh taste, no fishy smell, and cooks perfectly every time.”
— Verified Customer, Fresh Thyme Market Review
“Knowing that Wixter’s seafood is sustainably sourced gives me peace of mind. I feel good about what I’m feeding my family.”
— Whole Foods Shopper Review, 2023
Major Achievements
- Named a Top 50 Disruptor Brand in frozen CPG category by Food Business News (2022)
- First U.S. seafood company to package products with 100% recyclable materials across its full retail line
- Strategic partnerships with Whole Foods, The Good Kitchen, and other clean-label food initiatives
- Featured in major culinary publications like Bon Appétit, Forbes, and SeafoodSource
Wixter Seafood continues to lead the evolution of sustainable seafood in the frozen aisle by combining supply chain transparency, culinary quality, and environmental responsibility—all backed by a founder-led vision committed to changing how America eats seafood.