East Coast Seafood Group (ECSG), established in 1981, has built an unrivaled reputation as a global leader in the seafood industry with its signature products—North American lobster and scallops. ECSG includes subsidiaries like East Coast Seafood, one of the largest providers of North American lobster products, and Seatrade International, a major distributor of scallops and finfish.

Today, ECSG operates worldwide, fulfilling diverse customer needs through a vertically integrated supply chain that offers logistical advantages from shore to door. Their seafood portfolio includes fresh and frozen products, available year-round across the United States, Europe, and Asia. The company is committed to high standards and holds certifications such as MSC Chain of Custody and BRC.

Since 2004, East Coast Seafood has actively participated in Food Export–Northeast’s Branded Program. Over the past 20 years, the program has supported the company’s efforts to grow export markets, boost sales, and build global brand recognition.

In 2022, the company used Branded Program funds to strengthen brand visibility in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Mexico. The support helped offset costs related to packaging modifications and product sample shipments. These efforts led to a $461,000 increase in sales to Mexico from the previous year.

“So many things that we do are made possible through utilization of this program,” shared Corey Mullen, Creative Services Manager.

In 2024, East Coast Seafood achieved continued success in Mexico, launching two new value-added products: lobster claws and arms and crab cake mini bites. The company is now preparing to begin translation work to support further market growth. Additional success has been seen in Iceland, Korea, and the United Kingdom, where the Branded Program has also played a pivotal role.

Mullen emphasized the importance of Food Export’s support in navigating international markets, “The relationship with Food Export has made us feel we are not alone in these new markets.”

Funding from the Branded Program has enabled East Coast Seafood to comply with international packaging regulations, maintain strong relationships with foreign buyers, and conduct product demonstrations throughout Mexico.

“The program funds have helped us not only comply with regulations but also perform demonstrations throughout Mexico. It continues to have a massive impact on our success in international markets,” said Mullen.

Food Export uses funding from the Market Access Program (MAP) to help America’s small businesses increase their exports of food and agricultural products. As these exports increase, these small businesses are creating jobs and improving the strength and stability of our agricultural economy. Food Export-Midwest and Food Export-Northeast are non-profit organizations that work in collaboration with their member state departments of agriculture and the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. They offer a wide range of programs and services that help boost America’s agricultural exports.