How Epic Sources Frozen Seafood: A Global Network Built Since 1970
Epic does not operate its own fishing fleet or farms. Here is how sourcing and certification work at an importer and distributor active since 1970.
How Epic Sources Frozen Seafood: A Global Network Built Since 1970
Epic does not operate its own fishing fleet or farms. Here is how sourcing and certification work at an importer and distributor active since 1970.
How does Epic source its frozen seafood?
Epic does not operate its own fishing fleet or aquaculture farms. It imports frozen seafood from a global network of reliable suppliers and distributes it into Europe, a role it has held since 1970. The assortment covers shrimp, fish, cephalopods, shellfish and crustaceans, frog legs, surimi and finger foods, all handled through Epic's own distribution centre in Kontich, Belgium.
Does Epic own boats or farms?
No. Epic is an importer and distributor, not a producer. Epic works with a global network of reliable suppliers, some of them known to the company for decades. Epic imports and distributes frozen seafood, with MSC and ASC labels on the specific references that carry them.
How does Epic keep track of where a product comes from?
Epic thoroughly screens its seafood suppliers on their own quality systems. Detailed communications with those suppliers let Epic closely monitor and guarantee consistent quality, and monitoring takes place from the very start, whether the product is wild caught or farmed.
Which certifications cover Epic's sourcing and cold chain?
IFS Logistics and IFS Broker apply company-wide, covering storage and distribution and the trading activity itself, audited annually. AEO covers cross-border customs security. MSC (wild catch from sustainably managed fisheries) and ASC (responsible aquaculture) apply to specific references only, such as certain cod loins under MSC and certain vannamei shrimp and tilapia fillets under ASC, not the full assortment. A buyer who needs an MSC or ASC label for their own packaging should check certification per reference rather than assume it applies company-wide.
How has Epic's sourcing and distribution network grown since 1970?
Pierre Hottlet founded the company out of Antwerp in 1970. The Kontich distribution centre opened in 1991, and the family joined the business over the following decades: Olivier and Benoît Hottlet in 1986, Filip in 1996 alongside the first warehouse extension, and a second extension in 2005 brought the facility to its current 4,500-pallet capacity for continuous frozen storage. Louis Hottlet, the third generation, joined in 2023.
Does Epic sell direct or only through distributors?
Epic supplies horeca businesses, foodservice distributors, retailers and food processing companies directly, across Belgium and the rest of Europe, either through the webshop or by direct quote request.
Where can I read more about how Epic works?
The importer and distributor page covers bulk and private label supply. The certificates page lists every certificate and what it applies to, IFS Broker vs IFS Logistics explains the two company-wide IFS certificates, and inside the Kontich distribution centre covers the cold chain.