SIC 5146 Fish and Seafoods

SIC 5146

Establishments classified in this industry are engaged in the wholesale distribution of fresh, cured, or frozen (but not canned or packaged frozen) fish and seafood products.

Establishments engaged in the preparation of fresh or frozen fish and other seafood, and the shucking and packing of fresh oysters in non sealed containers, are classified in SIC 2092: Prepared Fresh or Frozen Fish and Seafoods. Establishments primarily engaged in the wholesale distribution of canned seafood are classified in SIC 5149: Groceries and Related Products, Not Elsewhere Classified, and those distributing packaged frozen foods are classified in SIC 5142: Packaged Frozen Foods.

NAICS CODE(S)

422460

Fish and Seafood Wholesalers

INDUSTRY SNAPSHOT

In 2001 there were 2,980 wholesale plants in this industry, down slightly from the 2,992 plants operating in 2000. Employment stood at 28,405. California, Louisiana, New York, Massachusetts, Louisiana, and Florida had the highest number of operations, with 2,275 establishments employing 22,199 in 2003. Per capita U.S. consumption stood at 15.6 pounds per person in 2002. Of the 15.6 pounds that were consumed fresh, frozen, or shellfish represented 11.0 pounds. The total for cured products stood at 0.3 pounds. That same year, frozen fishery products in cold storage stood at a high of 379,464 thousand pounds in January, reaching a low of 311,485 pounds in June.

According to statistics compiled by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), consumers spent some $55.1 billion for fishery products in 2002. Food service establishments accounted for $38.4 billion; retail sales for individual consumption was $16.4 billion; and $283.1 million was spent for the manufacturing of fish products. This in turn contributed $28.4 billion towards the U.S. Gross National Product. The U.S. Department of Commerce, in conjunction with the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, reported that the U.S. was the world's third largest consumer of fishery products. By the end of 2004, according to the Food Institute, fish consumption was expected to increase two to three percent. This projected forecast is the direct result of the mandatory country of origin labeling rules.

One of the major issues facing seafood distributors during the 1990's was product safety. Some consumer groups were calling for increased FDA oversight of fish...