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, traceability and certification actually work across a global supply network built 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, traceability and certification actually work across a global supply network built since 1970.
How does Epic source its frozen seafood?
Epic does not operate its own fishing fleet or aquaculture farms. It buys from a worldwide network of fishermen and farmers and imports and distributes the catch into Europe, a role it has held since 1970. The assortment covers more than 350 products across 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. Sourcing happens through a global network of independent fishermen and aquaculture farmers, many of them long-term partners for decades, rather than through vessels or farms Epic owns itself.
How does Epic keep track of where a product comes from?
Traceability comes from staying closely connected to the same supply partners over time rather than switching sources for price. Working with long-term partners, often for decades, lets Epic verify origin, monitor quality and hold suppliers to consistent standards from harvest or catch through to delivery.
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, private label and OEM 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.