In the heart of Calgary, nestled far from the rugged coastlines of Newfoundland, Joe Hewitt and his wife, Briana, found themselves at a crossroads. Accustomed to the East Coast’s rich aquatic bounties, their quest to find and enjoy quality seafood was met with disappointment. This void paved the way for a bold venture that bridged the gap between their new inland home and the seafood-rich waters of the East Coast and transformed their yearning into a thriving business.
Coldwater Harvest Ltd. was established during the pandemic, allowing the Hewitts to revisit their roots and channel their expertise into an entrepreneurial dream. The couple leveraged their connections within Newfoundland’s seafood industry to envisage a business model that would satisfy the unmet demand for premium seafood.
With this, Coldwater Harvest secured its first inaugural Cold Storage Logistics center in the heart of Calgary. The debut of Coldwater Harvest was marked in November 2021 with their first shipment of various seafood offerings, spanning across several pallets, delighting the local Calgary market. With operations running smoothly, it wasn’t long before Coldwater Harvest expanded its reach, servicing grocery stores, restaurants, and other businesses eager to elevate their seafood offerings. It went on to quickly expand their weekly home deliveries of seafood boxes to Edmonton as well as seasonally to Greater Vancouver and across Saskatchewan.
By December 2023, the company had grown significantly, adding a new Cold Storage Logistics center - allowing them to reach into the bustling hubs of Quebec and Ontario where their business is continuously growing in an exciting and rapid fashion.
Innovation was essential, not just in their product but also in their process. The couple kept overheads low by developing the website and operational systems in-house and ensured their pricing remained competitive. This technological edge also guaranteed delivery consistency and reliability, a cornerstone of the trust they built with their customers.
Coldwater Harvest’s direct-to-consumer model is straightforward yet impactful. Each seafood box is a testament to freshness and quality, reflecting the Hewitts’ commitment to bringing the best of the Atlantic to their customers. The company began leveraging efficient logistics to locally deliver Canadian-caught seafood directly to consumers’ doorsteps while ensuring its affordability.
“To date we have provided top quality Atlantic seafood boxes to residents in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan,” says Hewitt, owner. Every box delivered by the company encapsulates the founders’ vision, bringing a slice of Canada’s marine wealth to families and food enthusiasts across the nation.
To date we have provided top quality Atlantic seafood boxes to residents in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan
But the company’s story goes beyond just business—it embodies the maritime spirit of its founders. The Hewitts have built more than a seafood company; they have crafted a tribute to their coastal heritage, weaving together their maritime lineage with a mission to share the ocean’s harvest throughout Canada.
Ambition fuels their journey forward, propelling Coldwater Harvest to greater heights. The Hewitts envision an exciting future, including seafood-themed culinary events and an expansion into the U.S. market, capitalizing on their growing reputation for quality and service excellence. Their vision seeks to extend the joy of seafood beyond Canadian borders, making it a truly international affair.
From the beginning of visualizing what could be to the reality of running a growing enterprise, the couple navigated the seafood industry’s tides with a vision. Coldwater Harvest has become a testament to their dedication, a brand synonymous with quality and for the best Canadian seafood. As they continue to manage the firm’s growth, the Hewitts path reflects a dedication to excellence and an appreciation of the sea’s bountiful treasures—delivered directly to tables across the nation and, soon, beyond.
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