ABOUT US

What We Do:

Wildwaters is a modern, innovation‑led seafood company built on decades of industry expertise. Today, we operate as a fully integrated supply partner to retailers, foodservice operators and manufacturers across the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States providing fresh frozen, value added and specification led fish.

We specialise in the sourcing, development and production of high‑quality seafood products — combining responsible procurement, advanced processing capabilities and a commitment to continuous investment. Our facilities, partnerships and people enable us to deliver consistency, value and reliability at scale.

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Our Heritage

From a South Shields fishmonger to a global seafood business - The Wildwaters story
2026
Wildwaters achieves BRCGS Grade AA, adds GLOBALG.A.P. and becomes a member of Sedex and the Global Seafood Alliance.
2025
Wildwaters gains MSC and ASC accreditations.
2024
Wildwaters becomes the largest importer of frozen sea bass fillets into the US.
2024
Alex Vassallo acquires full ownership of Wildwaters.
2023
Industry veteran Mike Hodds joins as Head of Procurement.
2022
Wildwaters becomes a confederate of Save Our Oceans.
2020
Wildwaters secures its first major US retail customer.
2019
Alex Vassallo co-founds Wildwaters Seafood Ltd.
2016–2019
Alex Vassallo serves as Director of West Lakes Fine Foods.
2012
Peter Vassallo retires from the industry.
2011
CSF sold to Young's.
2010
Sainsbury's onboarded as a customer.
2010
Additional £1M invested in the Westlakes Centre of Excellence.
2009
CSF wins the Energy Saving Trust's Best Private Sector Fleet (Under 250 Vehicles) Award.
2009
Group turnover surpasses £150M.
2009
Sale of Grants Smoked Foods.
2008
ASDA and Co-Op join as customers.
2008
Smoked Fish and Counter Fish Centre of Excellence opens at Westlakes.
2008
Production consolidates from Maryport to Seaham.
2008
Acquisition of Fox Cover 9 (130,000 sq ft) for dry storage and offices.
2007
Acquisition of Fox Cover 7/8 (130,000 sq ft); £25M invested in fit-out, recognised as the UK's leading chilled meat and fish facility.
2005
CSF acquires Border Laird from PV; group turnover exceeds £100M.
2004
Acquisition of Cumbrian Coldstorage; £2M invested and rebranded as Westlakes.
2003
Acquisition of Border Laird, a leading langoustine processor.
2002
Group turnover surpasses £50M.
2001
Acquisition of Grants.
1997
Morrisons and Tesco come on board as customers.
1997
Cumbrian Seafood Ltd founded; a 70,000 sq ft facility opens in Maryport.
1995
Peter Vassallo steps down as MD of Albert Fisher Seafood to pursue new ventures.
1991
Peter Vassallo receives the Financial Times Businessman of the Year award.
1991
Vassallo Seafood is sold to Albert Fisher; Peter Vassallo becomes Managing Director of the Seafood Division.
1991
First company in the industry to achieve the BS570 QA Standard.
1987–1991
Major UK retailers join the customer base, including Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Co-operative, M&S and Waitrose.
1987
Vassallo Seafood Ltd is founded; operations move to a 20,000 sq ft site.
1980s
Continued growth leads to a 2,500 sq ft facility.
1977
Expansion into a 1,000 sq ft unit and the start of supplying local grocery retailers.
1968
Peter Vassallo takes over and begins shaping the business for the modern era.
1947
Jon Vassallo opens a small fishmongers' shop in South Shields, establishing the roots of a family tradition.

MEET THE TEAM

United Kingdom

MIKE HODDS

PROCUREMENT DIRECTOR

North America

BENJAMIN TREFTZ

ALEXANDER VASSALLO 

FOUNDER & CEO

KAYLEIGH TROUPE

HEAD OF CUSTOMER ACCOUNTS

ANDREW ELY

TINA HINDS

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

JOE IBBOTSON

COMPANY OVERVIEW

  • Wildwaters Seafood is a global seafood supplier specialising in premium smoked fish, frozen fish, frozen seafood and bespoke value‑added seafood products. As an internationally recognised seafood partner, we support retailers, manufacturers and foodservice operators with high‑quality, responsibly sourced seafood solutions.

  • Wildwaters Seafood operates with full commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and internationally recognised food safety standards. We proudly hold and align with leading global accreditations that define excellence in seafood production and supply chain integrity:

    • Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) – Certification for responsible aquaculture, ensuring traceable, environmentally conscious seafood farming.

    • Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) – The global benchmark for wild‑caught sustainable seafood, guaranteeing certified sustainable fisheries.

    • GLOBALG.A.P. – The internationally accepted standard for safe, sustainable agricultural and aquaculture production.

    • BRCGS Food Safety Certification – Recognised worldwide for rigorous food safety, quality management, and compliance across processing facilities.

    • Global Seafood Alliance (GSA) – Membership demonstrating adherence to best practices in responsible seafood sourcing, processing, and trade.

    • Sedex (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange) – Commitment to ethical business practices, transparency, and responsible supply chain management.

    Wildwaters integrates these certifications into every stage of our operations - from sourcing and processing to packaging and distribution. Our sustainability framework ensures that all smoked fish, frozen seafood, and bespoke value‑added products meet the highest standards of traceability, environmental responsibility, and global compliance.

  • Our new product development team specialises in bespoke recipe frozen fish meals, custom frozen seafood dishes, private‑label seafood ranges and innovative value‑added fish products. We collaborate closely with retailers and brands to create tailored seafood solutions that meet evolving consumer demand and category trends.

  • Our new product development team specialises in bespoke recipe frozen fish meals, custom frozen seafood dishes, private‑label seafood ranges and innovative value‑added fish products. We collaborate closely with retailers and brands to create tailored seafood solutions that meet evolving consumer demand and category trends.

  • As a British, third‑generation family business, Wildwaters combines heritage craftsmanship with modern seafood innovation. Our legacy in smoked fish, frozen seafood and bespoke product development underpins our reputation as a reliable, internationally recognised seafood supplier.

  • We operate a global seafood supply chain, sourcing responsibly from leading fisheries and processors across Europe, Asia and North America. Our international reach allows us to deliver consistent quality, competitive pricing and reliable year‑round availability across frozen fish, smoked fish and bespoke seafood products.