The vibrant colors and the unique taste of fish roe have made it a popular ingredient in various seasonal seafood dishes and appetizers. A lot of people also like to eat it on its own in order to enjoy the full flavor profile. The increased popularity of caviar and roe has led to increased sales in the sector. The scarcity of some types of roe combined with the difficult storage and transportation conditions have led to very high prices for certain high-end caviar varieties. That’s why various companies purchase roe wholesale as they aim to get a better price per pound. But what businesses purchase roe and caviar wholesale? And where exactly to purchase these products? We will answer these questions in the following paragraphs. If you’re interested in the roe and caviar niche market, check out our posts on what is caviar and how to start a caviar business.
Key takeaway: Restaurants, sushi bars, cruise lines, and various other businesses purchase roe wholesale. Specialty food suppliers and seafood distributors are the main types of wholesalers that offer various types of roe and caviar in bulk.
Businesses That Purchase Roe Wholesale
Although caviar and roe are not considered to be high-demand products, they are used extensively by some businesses. That’s why these companies purchase roe wholesale from seafood suppliers or specialty food distributors. Here are a few examples of businesses that buy fish roe in bulk.
- Cruise lines. These businesses aim to offer a luxurious experience to their customers. Thus, they often include caviar and other types of fish roe as part of their menu.
- Airlines. In their efforts to compete with low-cost airlines, premium air transportation services strive to offer high value for their customers. That’s why they purchase roe wholesale and serve it to customers in their first-class and business-class seats.
- Specialty food retailers. Ethnic and gourmet food stores often purchase various types of roe wholesale. These products are popular in multiple cuisines around the world.
- Restaurants. Although roe and caviar are associated primarily with fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants, they are not the only food service businesses that buy fish roe wholesale. Sushi bars, seafood restaurant businesses, and restaurants that specialize in Japanese cuisine also order large quantities of fish roe.
- Catering companies. With its vibrant colors and distinctive flavor, one of the best applications of fish roe is for appetizers. That’s why caterers partner with seafood distributors and purchase large quantities of roe wholesale. The product is used when preparing catering for special occasions and corporate events.
- Manufacturers. Companies that produce spreads, dips, or ready-to-eat sushi also use bulk quantities of fish roe. These companies either find suppliers or work directly with manufacturers and processors of fish roe.
Where to Buy Roe Wholesale
When it comes to purchasing caviar or roe at wholesale prices, business owners and managers have a few options. If they require very large quantities of roe wholesale, they can partner directly with manufacturers. This guarantees that they get the best possible price by skipping intermediaries. Restaurant managers often choose to work with distributors. That’s because they can offer various other products from the seafood industry or other sectors. Seafood suppliers, broadliners, and specialty food distributors are the main types of wholesalers that offer wholesale caviar and roe for the restaurant industry.
The easiest way to compare prices and find the right suppliers is to use solutions like BlueCart. Our software allows you to see the eCommerce catalogs of multiple suppliers and compare their prices. Alternatively, businesses can visit seafood markets or search for distributors online.
How to Grow by Selling Roe Wholesale
The roe and caviar market is expected to grow in the near future. There are multiple factors behind this growth. One of them is that in the past these goods were considered luxury food products. Now they are more affordable and can elevate a dish to become high-end. The multiple health benefits of eating seafood also help the sector expand. Here are ways businesses can benefit from selling roe wholesale.
- Help food service establishments use roe and caviar as part of their restaurant’s marketing;
- Create a lot of useful content regarding the differences between roe vs caviar, recipes with fish roe, the benefits of roe, and various other topics;
- Increase your product offerings by selling additional specialty food and seafood products;
- Offer flexibility in terms of deliveries and minimum order quantities. The short shelf life of roe and the high price of caviar can pose difficulties for smaller businesses;
If you wish to read more about how to run a wholesale business, check out our resources on wholesale inventory management and how to become a wholesaler.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sales of Roe Wholesale
Throughout the years, BlueCart has helped many entrepreneurs with valuable information and resources. From tips on how to get a wholesale license to advice on how to do marketing for a wholesale business, there are multiple guides and free resources on BlueCart’s website. Below we’ve gathered and answered some of the most common questions regarding the roe wholesale market.
How Is Roe Stored?
Roe has a fairly short shelf life. That’s why it’s important not only to store it properly but also to use it quickly after opening. Caviar and roe should be kept at low temperatures (between 28-32°F) at all times. It’s possible to freeze fish roe but it’s not recommended as the freezing and unfreezing process will alter both the texture and the flavor of the product. In addition to the cool temperatures, roe should also be kept in a sealed container such as a glass jar. Generally speaking, it is best to use the product within 2 or 3 days after opening in order to guarantee its freshness.
What Are the Disadvantages of Buying Roe Wholesale?
The main reason why a lot of businesses prefer to purchase small quantities of fish roe is the fact that it’s an extremely perishable product. That’s why purchasing roe wholesale and not using it in a few days can lead to increased food waste costs. Another reason not to purchase roe in bulk is the high price of some roe varieties. That’s true for different types of caviar, which are among the most expensive food products on the market. Buying them in bulk can be a large expense, especially if the minimum order quantity (MOQ) of the supplier is high.
What Are the Main Types of Roe Sold in Bulk?
Salmon roe is the main fish roe variety that is sold in large quantities. It’s the most popular type of roe and is widely used by different businesses. Capelin and flying fish roe are also used in a variety of seafood dishes, especially in sushi. Thus, they are also purchased in bulk by seafood restaurants, sushi bars, and other food service establishments that have various roe and caviar recipes on their menu. Cod and trout roe are also popular among catering businesses and restaurants. Thus, B2B sales are common for these roe varieties.
BlueCart: The Reliable Solution for Wholesale Sales
Whether you’re looking for a place to buy roe wholesale or you wish to find new clients as a wholesale food distributor, BlueCart is the right option. Our SaaS solutions help distributors meet new customers and help businesses choose between different suppliers. Schedule a free demo and see how our wholesale ordering software can help your business.