Southstream Seafoods introduces Cobia as new product

By Cliff White, Editor – Seafoodsource.2016
Published on Tuesday October 4th, 2017

Rhode Island, U.S.A.-based seafood importer Southstream Seafoods has announced the introduction of a new product to its lineup – farmed cobia from Ecuador.

Southstream is now importing and distributing frozen cobia grown by Ecuadorian firm Ocean Fish S.A. in ocean farms off the coast of Manta, Ecuador.

“This fish is a very versatile fillet that is wonderful grilled, blackened, or fried,” Southstream said in a press release. “Cobia’s moist, white, flaky texture and sweet mild flavor is sure to be a hit across the spectrum of seafood diners. Not only is cobia tasty, it is a very healthy fish, with six times the omega as an Atlantic salmon.”

Ocean Fish launched its cobia farm and hatchery in 2015. The first of its hatchlings were moved its cages, located nine miles offshore, earlier this year, where they were grown to marketable size – about 6 lbs. each. The company said the fish are harvested and then graded, filleted and frozen at the company’s nearby processing facility “within hours of harvest.” The company sells fillets in three sizes: 5/7 oz., 7/9 oz. and 9/12 oz.

“For several years the seafood world has been looking for the next ‘Great Fish’ – it appears that wait is coming to an end. Southstream Seafood is excited to become a driving force bringing cobia to the U.S. market,” the company said.

Shrimp, mahi procurer joins leading frozen seafood importer’s veteran sales team

By Madelyn Kearns, Associate Editor – Seafoodsource.com
Published on Tuesday, August 2nd, 2016

Longtime seafood procurer Jonathan Philbrick has been added to Southstream Seafoods’ sales team, the Rhode Island-based company recently announced.

Philbrick, who got his start in the industry on the decks of fishing vessels in the North Atlantic and Caribbean, will enhance Southstream’s strategy when it comes to the company’s approach to its supply of wild-caught, sustainable whitefish, the company said.

“The expansion into this global line of high quality sustainable products allows Southstream to better serve its customers,” the company said.

In his new role, Philbrick is expected to put his expertise – which includes some 30 years spent in the procurement and sales of shrimp and mahi for both foodservice and retail segments – to position some of Southstream’s trademark brands including Frostmark, Thorfish and I&J, for success.

Southstream Seafoods has been in business since 1989, and specializes in frozen seafood imports.

Captain D’s names its ‘Supplier of the Year’, reports successful Q2

By Madelyn Kearns, Associate Editor – Seafoodsource.com
Published on Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Fast-casual seafood restaurant chain Captain D’s has reported another quarter of growth, with a 3.1 percent system-wide hike in store sales, making this the 19th consecutive quarter that the company has seen positive gains.

The restaurant chain has also noted a surge in developing franchises, with new restaurants likely to bring more opportunity and success for the foodservice enterprise, the company said.

“Our talented franchisees and company operators are the backbone of Captain D’s, and their dedication to our passionate guest-centric culture has been a driving force behind our company’s year-after-year compounding success,” said Phil Greifeld, chief executive officer and president of Captain D’s, in a prepared statement. “We are also highly enthused about the strong success that our new restaurants openings are experiencing. At D’s, our success is driven by our team’s dedication to innovation and continually evolving our brand, while staying true to our guest-centric roots. We are thrilled by the consistent growth we’ve experienced as a result.”

Captain D’s also attributes its success to its seafood suppliers, with the chain awarding one supplier, Southstream Seafoods, with the ‘Supplier of the Year’ during the restaurant’s biennial convention in Florida. “Southstream Seafoods, founded in 1989, delivers consistent label, top quality and superior raw materials,” said the company.

Southstream, which is based in Rhode Island, has been supplying species such as pollock and flounder to Captain D’s and its 514 storefronts for over 15 years.

Promotions of new limited-time offer (LTO) items such as the D’s jumbo coconut shrimp and fried green tomatoes and fried pickles fared well for Captain D’s during Q2, as did a new television campaign, “Who was Captain D?”, which details the history of the brand. In addition, a new beach-themed restaurant design has been applied to 50 percent of storefronts, with another 50 slated to be redesigned by the end of the year, has also been positive for the chain, it said.