Silver Sea Seafoods makes a splash in global markets
Headquartered in the home of the sought-after Mooloolaba prawn, Silver Sea Seafoods is more than just a seafood supplier; it's a story of passion, dedication and a company who celebrate the Eastern King Prawn caught in the pristine waters of the Sunshine Coast.
A humble beginning with big ambitions.
Founded by Allan and Jacky Cartwright, this family-run business has grown from a small operation into a local success story with international reach. Specialising in Eastern King prawns, which are wild-caught and snap-frozen at sea, Silver Sea Seafoods has set sail on a journey to bring their high-quality products to tables worldwide.
Allan’s journey from deckhand to skipper to business owner is a testament to the passion and talent that underpin Silver Sea Seafoods. In 2014, Allan and Jacky took a leap of faith and purchased their first vessel (after 16 years in the industry), F.V Silver Sea, which later inspired the name of their business. By 2020, the duo expanded their operations with the acquisition of a second boat, the F.V Kelana, and officially launched their business just as COVID-19 reshaped the world.
The pandemic presented an opportunity to diversify their market. While their prawns were already popular within Australia, they set their sights on international shores, offering a direct connection from “ocean to plate” at a time when the importance of food provenance became more pronounced.
The Sunshine Coast’s export advantage.
Operating from Mooloolaba, a location renowned for its picturesque, clean waters and sustainable seafood practices, Silver Sea Seafoods enjoys the best of both worlds. The Sunshine Coast offers a strategic advantage for exporters, with seamless access to major transport hubs like Brisbane Airport, opening doors to Asia and beyond.
The region has developed a reputation as a launchpad for innovative primary producers. “Sunshine Coast Council has fantastic people in their Trade and Economic Growth and International Relations teams,” shares Jacky Cartwright, Operations Manager and Business Director at Silver Sea Seafoods.
“The support we received from Council and from organisations like Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) and the Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN) has been instrumental in our company’s export success.” These partnerships have helped Silver Sea Seafoods navigate market entry, participate in global trade shows, meet buyers, and explore new markets.
Provenance and process.
In a world where consumers are more conscious than ever about the origin of their food, Silver Sea Seafoods is proud of their product’s provenance and the rigorous processes that their crew and Allan go to in order to deliver Eastern King prawns from the ocean to the plate.
The prawns are caught and immediately snap-frozen at -40°C, preserving the natural flavour and freshness that have made them a favourite in fine dining establishments in Australia and abroad.
Cold storage systems and freight transport connecting the Sunshine Coast to Australia and the world ensure the finest product reaches restaurants, retailers, and consumers directly.
Rulers of the seafood scene.
Available year-round, Eastern King prawns boast a rich flavour and luxurious texture, making them the perfect hero ingredient for restaurant menus or home cooking. Whether grilled, sautéed, or baked, these prawns bring a taste of the Sunshine Coast to plates worldwide.
“Our prawns are perfect whether you’re grabbing a quick post-workout snack or celebrating a special occasion,” says Jacky. “Plus, they’re high in protein and Omega-3s and have less fat than many other protein sources.” Her favourite way to enjoy them is in a fresh salad with a splash of creamy dressing.
Expanding horizons.
Silver Sea Seafoods’ export journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Already experiencing strong success in markets like Singapore and Hong Kong, they are now aiming to expand further into ASEAN nations, Japan, and the Middle East. Their focus is on high-end dining and retail, where the quality of their product and its sustainability story resonate most.
Looking ahead, Silver Sea Seafoods plans to launch into the retail space with prawn stock, perfect for both consumers and food service providers . Additionally, there are also plans to release a lighter pack of prawns available within the retail space for consumers, both domestically and internationally. Following circular economy principles, they are working on finding solutions for further repurposing and diversifying into added value products.
Full steam ahead.
As Silver Sea Seafoods continues to explore new export markets, their success is deeply tied to the values that have guided them from day one: a love for the ocean , their profession, a commitment to innovation and a desire to share the premium qualities of the Eastern King prawn with the world.. Whether you’re a local restaurant or a high-end dining venue overseas, their product delivers the best of the Sunshine Coast in every bite.
As a finalist in the 2024 Sunshine Coast Business Awards in two categories, Food & Agribusiness and Export, it’s clear Silver Sea Seafoods is charting a course for continued success.
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