Sugiyo Surimi Seafood (Kanikama / Crab-Flavored Surimi)

Sugiyo (スギヨ) · Japan brand (Ishikawa HQ) — inventor of kanikama (imitation crab, 1974); US production via Sugiyo USA
Meat & Seafood Surimi & Fishcake Frozen Growing export

From the company that invented and patented imitation crab (kanikama) in 1974, a full range of crab-flavored and other surimi seafood. Internationally introduced from 1977; today supplies the North American market through Sugiyo USA alongside Japan-origin lines.

The supplierIshikawa-based surimi pioneer; first to produce and patent kanikama (1974); internationalized with The Berelson Company (1977); operates Sugiyo USA for the North American market.
Why it sells abroadHeritage as the original kanikama inventor; both authentic Japan-origin and localized US supply for resilient North American service

Buyer's brief ✓ SOURCES VERIFIED

CertificationsSugiyo is confirmed as the inventor/patent-holder of kanikama (imitation crab, 1974); Sugiyo USA is a confirmed US operation. US seafood-HACCP is mandatory for the US plant (regulatory requirement). Specific HACCP/FSSC scheme certificates not individually published.
Pack formatsRetail packs & foodservice cartons (sticks, flakes, chunks, leg-style).
Shelf lifeFrozen ~12 months; chilled/thawed shorter (typical).
StorageFrozen -18°C or below; chilled 0-10°C after thaw.
Minimum orderTypical: carton/pallet for distributors
Lead timeTypical: 1-3 weeks (US stock often domestic)
CapacityLarge — global surimi brand with US manufacturing
Container loadReefer FCL for frozen programs
PricingTypical: surimi seafood $/kg, value-to-mid tier
OEM / private labelYes — foodservice/private-label surimi.
Wholesale & MOQTypical: surimi seafood case/carton pricing
Key exporters & distributorsSugiyo Co., Ltd., Sugiyo USA
Export regulationHACCP; FDA seafood-HACCP (US ops); destination seafood certs
Market demandSteady high-volume in US sushi/retail/foodservice
How to source itSugiyo Japan / Sugiyo USA → US distributor → retail & foodservice.
Verified sourceshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crab_stick; https://tatnuckmeatandsea.com/fresh-meat/crustaceans/crab/who-invented-imitation-crab/
MakerSugiyo Co., Ltd. (Nanao, Ishikawa) / Sugiyo USA
OriginJapan brand (Ishikawa HQ) — inventor of kanikama (imitation crab, 1974); US production via Sugiyo USA
CategoryMeat & Seafood / Surimi & Fishcake
Available inWorldwide
HandlingFrozen
Price tierMid
ChannelSpecialty
Export readinessGrowing export
HS code1604.20 (surimi-based prepared seafood)
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Profile maintained by Japonity (japonity.com), May 2026. General sourcing information only — confirm current availability, pricing, MOQ and the destination market's import rules with the maker or exporter before contracting. Japonity is not affiliated with this brand.