Summer means two things for the Whole Foods Market® Seafood team – warmer weather and the departure of our friends Keith and Anthony for Alaska.Our Own Port Buyers
Keith and Anthony are the Alaskan port buyers for Whole Foods Market, and each May they pack their bags in Seattle and head north. For Keith, who grew up in Alaska, it’s a chance to see old friends (including the fish). For Anthony, it’s a chance to hone his skills buying fresh halibut from MSC-certified fisheries and wild salmon for our stores across the country; this is his third year learning the ropes.
No other national market has skilled buyers like Keith and Anthony on site hand-selecting fish. That means no middleman, and more importantly it means fish direct from the icy rivers and bays of Alaska right to our stores, often within 48 hours.
Building Relationships
Our buyers are busy guys! They travel to each of the major ports Whole Foods Market sources from. They know it’s not just putting their eyes on the best fish that matters, it’s also the relationships they build along the way. These relationships with fishermen and producers allow Whole Foods Market to procure the freshest fish even when availability isn’t peak. We know our fishermen and they know us; this bond means you see fresh, wild salmon direct from the source all summer long.
In Stores Now
First stop on the Alaskan tour is Copper River. Look for Copper River Salmon at your local Whole Foods Market; the openers have been strong, although weather as tricky as ever. Copper River will be running upstream for at least the next month. You can find wild salmon in our stores all season long – right through September. We focus on Sockeye, Coho, King and Keta, and bring each species in as their season peaks.
Next time you buy a fresh piece of wild salmon, remember Keith and Anthony – they’ll be busy at another opener buying more fresh fish and sending it along each and every day.
