Joe Lasprogata of Samuels and Son Seafood shares the history of the company and its evolution into a top seafood distributor. He discusses his background in marine biology and the challenges of sourcing and distributing tuna. Joe also talks about the importance of food safety and the upcoming regulations for traceability in the seafood industry and highlights the benefits of aquaculture and the need for responsible harvesting practices. Ian and Joe discuss the importance of educating customers about sustainability and the need for accurate labeling before products reach the facility and the role of technology in facilitating this process. Joe shares insights on the future of aquaculture and the challenges of managing a team in different states.
The upcoming regulations for traceability in the seafood industry will require full traceability from the beach to the plate and back again.
Aquaculture is an important solution for providing high-quality seafood while reducing the impact on wild stocks.
Educating customers about responsible harvesting practices and making informed choices is crucial for sustainability in the seafood industry. Traceability and accurate labeling are crucial in the seafood industry to ensure efficient operations and data recording.
The seafood industry has seen changes in the level of personal interaction between chefs and fishmongers, with a shift towards profit-focused approaches.
Partnerships between vendors and distributors should prioritize quality and consistent availability of products.
Aquaculture is the future of the industry, with an increasing variety of species being raised in controlled environments.
Managing a team in different states and time zones presents challenges, but having a passionate and knowledgeable team is essential.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Company Background
09:13 Challenges of Tuna Sourcing and Customer Expectations
27:55 Educating Customers for Sustainability
34:16 Changes in the Seafood Industry
41:39 Expanding Distribution and Managing a Team
48:54 The Future of the Seafood Industry