Toppits Foods

What Toppits Foods does

Toppits Foods is a Canadian seafood brand that produces battered, breaded, and prepared frozen seafood for two distinct channels: retail grocery (sold through major grocery chains and Costco warehouses) and foodservice (sold directly to restaurants, healthcare facilities, catering companies, and national chain accounts). The product portfolio spans wild-caught and farmed species including cod, haddock, sole, pollock, blue cod, salmon, shrimp, lobster, snow crab, and calamari, with proprietary gluten-free coating formulations certified by Celiac Canada and unique beer batter recipes (Brew 'n' Battered line). Toppits holds a stack of third-party sustainability and food safety certifications (MSC, Ocean Wise, BAP, ASC, HACCP, BRCGS) and is working toward 100% traceability across its seafood supply chain.

Underlying technology centers on proprietary coating and formulation know-how (rice flour and ancient grain blends with pea protein isolate for gluten-free lines, beer-flavored batter for foodservice), flash-freezing for freshness preservation, and certified gluten-free production facilities. Sub-brands include Appi's (specialty seafood like breaded calamari rings and tempura shrimp) and TopChef (premium fillets). The business operates as a brand under Export Packers Company Limited, which acquired Toppits in May 2024.

Toppits generates revenue through B2B foodservice sales (national account managers, regional sales managers covering Western Canada, Eastern Canada, and Ontario, plus dedicated chain and healthcare account directors) and B2C retail distribution (major grocery chains plus an exclusive Costco warehouse SKU). Pricing is not publicly disclosed and is negotiated through direct sales relationships. Export Packers, founded in 1937, operates five business segments (International Trading, Domestic Food Service, Retail, and Fresh Seafood), giving Toppits access to broader distribution, procurement scale, and potential cross-selling channels within a diversified food group.

Name

Toppits Foods

Legal name

Export Packers Company Limited

Website

https://toppits.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1937

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Toppits Foods is a Canadian seafood brand producing battered, breaded, and prepared frozen seafood for retail grocery (including Costco) and foodservice customers across Canada, operating under Export Packers Company Limited with proprietary gluten-free and beer batter formulations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Frozen Seafood Products

NAICS

Seafood Product Preparation and Packaging (31171), Seafood Product Preparation and Packaging (311710), Food Manufacturing (311)

SIC

Prepared Fresh Or Frozen Fish & Seafoods (2092), Miscellaneous Food Preparations & Kindred Products (2090)

akta.pro primary industry

Breaded/Battered & Fried Seafood Products (Frozen Convenience) (AFANADAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Frozen Seafood Meals & Value-Added Seafood (CRADADAG), Breaded & Battered Seafood (Fish Sticks, Nuggets, Cutlets) (AFANALAB), Prepared Meat & Seafood Entrées with Sides (Complete Meals) (AFANAFAI)

Keywords

• Frozen seafood products
• Battered breaded fish
• Gluten-free seafood
• Foodservice seafood distribution
• Sustainable seafood sourcing

Headquarters

HQ city

Woodbridge

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Retail Grocery Products: B2C sales of frozen battered and breaded seafood products, shrimp, crab, lobster, and calamari through major grocery retailers and warehouse clubs like Costco. Products sold in retail packaging for home preparation.
2. Foodservice Distribution: B2B sales of seafood products to restaurants, healthcare facilities, catering companies, and national chain accounts. Products designed for foodservice operators requiring consistent quality, minimal labor, and versatile menu applications.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Toppits Foods is a Canadian seafood manufacturer that produces battered, breaded, and fresh frozen seafood products including gluten-free breaded fish (cod, sole, haddock), beer-battered cod and haddock, wild-caught battered cod, tempura and raw shrimp, breaded calamari rings, lobster meat and claws, snow crab, pollock fillets, and value-added appetizers. Products are sold through two distinct channels: retail grocery (major Canadian chains and Costco warehouses) and foodservice (national restaurant chains, healthcare facilities, catering companies) via a dedicated national/regional direct sales team.

Product overview

Toppits Foods is a seafood products company offering a diverse portfolio of battered, breaded, and fresh frozen seafood products. The product portfolio includes retail grocery offerings (sold at Costco and grocery stores) and foodservice products for restaurants, healthcare facilities, and catering companies. Key retail products include Wild-Caught Battered Cod, Gluten-Free Breaded Fish products (Sole, Cod, Haddock), Appi's branded products (Breaded Calamari Rings, Tempura Shrimp), raw and cooked shrimp varieties, lobster products, snow crab, and squid products. Foodservice offerings include beer-battered fish (Cod, Haddock), breaded and crunchy coated fish, grilled vegetables, arancini rice balls, calamari bites, and value-added seafood options. Products are characterized by sustainability certifications (MSC, Ocean Wise, BAP) and include gluten-free options certified by Celiac Canada.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Wild-Caught Battered Cod Wild-caught, hand-cut battered cod fillets with a crispy coating. Sold at Costco warehouses in 1.26kg packaging (14-18 fillets per pack). Contains 15g protein per serving, is a source of omega-3 polyunsaturates, and contains no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives. Targeted at retail grocery consumers seeking convenient home-prepared seafood.
• Gluten-Free Breaded Sole Retail gluten-free breaded sole fillets with savoury lemon flavour, made with rice flour and ancient grain flour blend (whole amaranth, whole quinoa) and pea protein isolate. Certified gluten-free by Celiac Canada and MSC certified for sustainable wild-caught sourcing. Targeted at home consumers seeking gluten-free breaded seafood.
• Gluten-Free Battered Shrimp Certified gluten-fee battered shrimp made in a BRCGS-certified gluten-free facility, free of trans fat and without artificial colours or flavours. Retail format containing 13-17 shrimp per 340g box. Targeted at home consumers seeking gluten-free prepared seafood options.
• Gluten-Free Breaded Haddock Retail gluten-free breaded haddock made with rice flour and ancient grain flour blend. MSC certified for sustainable wild-caught sourcing and Ocean Wise recommended. Targeted at home consumers requiring gluten-free breaded seafood.
• Gluten-Free Breaded Cod Retail gluten-free breaded cod fillets made from wild-caught Pacific cod with a crunchy rice flour coating. MSC certified and Ocean Wise recommended. Targeted at home consumers seeking gluten-free breaded cod.
• Raw Black Tiger Shrimp BAP certified raw black tiger shrimp that are easy to peel and deveined. Retail 908g pack in 21/25 count sizing. Targeted at home consumers seeking responsibly sourced farmed shrimp.
• Wild Caught Pollock Fillets Wild-caught pollock fillets that are boneless, skinless, and free of added salt or phosphates. Ocean Wise recommended and an excellent source of protein. Sold through retail grocery with TopChef sub-brand positioning.
• Wild Blue Cod Fillets Wild-caught blue cod fillets sourced from New Zealand waters. MSC certified and Ocean Wise recommended, boneless and skinless. Sold through retail grocery under the TopChef sub-brand.
• Cooked Lobster Meat Ready-to-eat cooked lobster meat designed for salads, pasta, and lobster rolls. Simply thaw and serve. Targeted at home consumers seeking premium convenience seafood.
• Cooked Lobster Claws Cooked lobster claws from MSC-certified sustainable fishery. IQF (individually quick frozen) format, 5-9 count per 10x454g foodservice pack. Targeted at both retail grocery and foodservice operators.
• Wild Caught Canadian Snow Crab Wild-caught Canadian snow crab with no added chemicals. Sold with legs and claws, unscored and fully cooked. Retail 454g pack. Targeted at home consumers seeking premium Canadian crab.
• Appi's Breaded Calamari Rings Wild-caught squid rings with a crispy breaded coating sold under the Appi's sub-brand. Oven-ready with 8-10 minute air fryer cook time, containing 8g protein per serving. Targeted at retail consumers seeking appetizer seafood.
• Appi's Tempura Shrimp Japanese-style tempura shrimp sold under the Appi's sub-brand in an oven-ready format. BAP 1-star certified sustainable fishery. 31/40 shrimp per pound in 500g retail pack.
• Squid Rings Wild-caught squid rings available in small and large sizes. Retail 550g pack, kept frozen until ready to use. Targeted at home consumers preparing calamari-style dishes.
• Squid Tentacles Wild-caught squid tentacles sold at 10 count per 500g retail pack. Targeted at home consumers and foodservice operators preparing calamari-style dishes.
• Brew 'n' Battered Cod Fillets Beer-battered cod fillets coated with proprietary beer-flavoured batter for foodservice operators. Cook from frozen with 100% yield, eliminating portioning labour at the operator site. Targeted at restaurant chains and pub-style operators.
• Brew 'n' Battered Haddock Fillets Beer-battered haddock fillets designed for pub-style restaurant operators. Wild-caught and MSC certified, available in 4 oz and 8.5 oz portion sizes. Targeted at foodservice operators serving fish and chips menus.
• Beer Battered Taco Cut Portions Beer-battered taco cut fish portions available in Haddock, Cod, and Pollock varieties. MSC certified and Ocean Wise recommended. Targeted at foodservice operators offering fish tacos and similar menu items.
• Battered Blue Cod Fillets (Foodservice) Wild-caught battered blue cod from New Zealand waters with a dual batter formulation suitable for both oven-baked and deep-fried preparation. Consistent portion sizing targets menu-engineering needs of foodservice operators.
• Crispy Golden Fish Bites Bite-sized fish pieces hand-cut from wild-caught cod whole muscle fillets, MSC certified and Ocean Wise recommended. Designed as appetizers or kids-menu items for restaurant operators.
• Crunchy Breaded Sole Fillets Hand-cut wild-caught sole with a crunchy breaded coating. MSC certified and Ocean Wise recommended, made in Canada. Targeted at foodservice operators seeking breaded white fish menu items.
• Haddock Fillets (Foodservice) Wild-caught haddock from North Atlantic waters, deep-skinned and free of pin bones, with a mild taste commonly used in fish and chips. Targeted at foodservice operators requiring unbreaded haddock portions.
• Blue Cod Fillets and Loins (Foodservice) Blue cod from New Zealand, low in fat with a mild taste. Versatile white fish suitable for baking, broiling, frying, grilling, steaming, or sautéing. Targeted at foodservice operators seeking premium unbreaded white fish.
• Wild Pacific Salmon (Foodservice) Wild Pacific salmon, Ocean Wise recommended, with a mild taste and individually-portioned sizing. Low in saturated fatty acids and sodium. Targeted at foodservice operators needing sustainable salmon menu items.
• Pre-Cooked Wild Salmon Pieces Pre-cooked and chunked salmon pieces for easy preparation. Excellent source of protein, low in sodium, with 100% yield. Targeted at foodservice operators needing ready-to-use salmon for salads, pasta, and entrees.
• Pacific White Shrimp Pacific white shrimp with firm texture and creamy white flesh. BAP certified for sustainable aquaculture, processed in HACCP-approved plants with consistent quality. Targeted at foodservice operators needing versatile cooked shrimp.
• Cooked Shrimp Medley Peeled and deveined cooked shrimp with tail removed. Low in fat, low in saturated fatty acids, and a source of protein. Targeted at foodservice operators needing ready-to-eat shrimp.
• Crunchy Calamari Bites Wild-caught calamari bites available in Sea Salt & Peppercorn and Firecracker flavours. 40-65 pieces/kg, ready to serve from frozen. Targeted at foodservice operators offering calamari appetizers.
• Arrow Squid Mild-flavoured arrow squid with subtle sweetness, ideal for introducing new consumers to seafood. Fully cleaned and tentacles skinned. Available in tubes or tubes-and-tentacles format. Targeted at foodservice operators.
• Arancini Rice Balls Authentic Italian-style arancini rice balls with crispy panko breading. Made with all natural flavours, no additives or preservatives. Available in Ricotta or Margherita flavours. Targeted at foodservice operators offering Italian-inspired appetizer menus.
• Grilled Italian Vegetables Pre-sliced char-grilled vegetables harvested in Italy. All natural, free of fat, saturated fatty acids, cholesterol, and sodium. Little to no moisture when thawed. Targeted at foodservice operators as a vegetable side or menu accent.
• Gluten-Free Breaded Sole (Foodservice) Gluten-free sole fillets with crunchy coating. Wild-caught and MSC certified, Ocean Wise recommended, cut from whole muscle fillets. Targeted at foodservice operators needing gluten-free breaded fish menu items for celiac and gluten-sensitive diners.

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)coreOthersMSC is a global organization promoting sustainable fishing. Toppits sources wild-caught seafood certified to MSC's environmental standard, with MSC-certified products including Cod, Pollock, Sole, Blue Cod, Lobster, and Snow Crab. Products bear the MSC eco-label indicating sustainable sourcing.
• Ocean WisecoreOthersOcean Wise is a Vancouver-based ocean conservation organization. Multiple Toppits products carry the Ocean Wise recommendation symbol, indicating sustainable seafood choices for consumers. Recommended products include Pollock Fillets, Blue Cod, Gluten-Free Fish, Wild Pacific Salmon, and Crunchy Breaded Sole.
• Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP)coreOthersBAP is an international certification program for aquaculture facilities. Toppits sources farmed seafood products from BAP-certified facilities, including Tempura Shrimp (BAP 1-star certified) and Raw Black Tiger Shrimp (BAP Certified), ensuring responsible aquaculture sourcing.
• Celiac CanadacoreOthersCeliac Canada licenses the use of their trademark for gluten-free certification. Toppits gluten-free products including Gluten-Free Breaded Cod, Gluten-Free Breaded Sole, Gluten-Free Breaded Haddock, and Gluten-Free Battered Shrimp bear the Celiac Canada trademark, indicating certification for individuals with celiac disease.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• Fortune Fish & Gourmet: U.S.-focused specialty seafood and gourmet foods distributor with a foodservice focus. Comparable on seafood foodservice distribution and sustainable sourcing programs (MSC, BAP), though primarily U.S. territory.
• Icelandic Group (Icelandic Seafood/Samlung): Iceland-based value-added frozen seafood producer selling battered/breaded portions to retail and foodservice in Europe and North America. Comparable product format but serves primarily European and U.S. markets rather than Canada.

Direct peers

• Highliner Foods: Canadian-headquartered frozen seafood manufacturer and one of North America's largest value-added seafood producers. Overlaps directly with Toppits on battered/breaded fish, frozen prepared seafood, and retail + foodservice distribution across Canada including major grocery and warehouse clubs.
• Beaver Street Fisheries: U.S. value-added frozen seafood processor specializing in battered and breaded fish, shrimp, and specialty seafood for retail private label and foodservice. Comparable product format (battered/breaded) and channel mix.
• Ocean Cuisine International (trading as Oceanfood): Canadian value-added frozen seafood processor selling battered and breaded seafood, calamari, and shrimp through retail and foodservice channels. Highly comparable product mix and GTM model to Toppits in the Canadian market.

Broad incumbents

• Clearwater Seafoods: Canadian seafood company with vertical integration into wild-caught shellfish and groundfish, supplying retail and foodservice globally. Comparable on Canadian market presence, MSC-certified wild-caught sourcing, and foodservice distribution, though larger and more vertically integrated than Toppits.
• Trident Seafoods: U.S.-based vertically integrated seafood company producing frozen battered/breaded fish portions and prepared seafood for retail and foodservice. Direct competitor in battered/breaded seafood category with stronger U.S. scale.
• Thai Union Group (Chicken of the Sea, Bumble Bee): Global seafood conglomerate producing shelf-stable and frozen seafood including battered and breaded products for retail and foodservice worldwide. Comparable on value-added frozen seafood category, though much larger and more global than Toppits.

Emerging players

• Phillips Foods: Specialty seafood company known for crab cakes, frozen seafood appetizers, and value-added seafood for retail and foodservice. Comparable on value-added prepared seafood and restaurant-channel distribution.

Others

• Gluten-Free certification bodies (GFCO, BRCGS): Third-party certification organizations whose gluten-free standards Toppits leverages for product differentiation. Indirect ecosystem relevance as Toppits' Celiac Canada and BRCGS certifications enable the gluten-free positioning premium.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/toppits.foods
• Instagraminstagram.com/toppitsfoods
• Xx.com/toppitsfoods
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/toppits-foods-ltd

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Toppits Foods