Why New York’s Top Chefs and Buyers Love Us

Do you deliver?

We provide a delivery service for wholesale customers pending a minimum order amount. Contact our sales department for more details on our delivery schedule and routes.

Are your shellfish products safe to eat year-round?

Shellfish are said to be problematic in the summer months (May-August) for several reasons. The first is red tide, toxic algal blooms, and vibrio bacterial infections, which are most prevalent in warmer weather. However, commercially harvested shellfish are subject to regulations that shut down harvesting to eliminate such hazards.

Another problem is spawning. Oysters spawn in warm water (above 68 F for an Eastern oyster), and they lose much of their body mass to gamete production. This means the oyster doesn’t taste good, but eating one won’t hurt you. Many vendors avoid this problem by procuring shellfish from colder climates. Triploid oysters are another alternative, since they have been bred to be sterile and not spawn. Some farmers employ a state-of-the-art wet-storage system that continuously pumps sea water into tanks. When temperatures rise, the system chills the tank water to below 50 degrees, tricking the oysters into thinking it’s still winter. The tanks are also used for keeping a fresh supply of live oysters when winter storms and agricultural runoff require harvest closures.

Finally, storage and transportation in summer months used to result in faster spoilage, but with modern refrigeration techniques, you can be reassured that your shellfish have been kept at the proper temperatures.

The FDA does warn that some peo­ple are at greater risk for food­borne ill­ness, including pregnant or nursing women, young children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems. If you fall into one of these groups, you should avoid eating raw or partially cooked shellfish.

Bottom line: Barring immune deficiencies or health issues, commercially harvested shellfish from restaurants and retailers is safe to eat year-round.

Can I get a sample of some of your products?

Sure, we are happy to provide samples. We’ll even come to you! We know how important it is to test a product before placing an order. To get a sample of any of our products, contact our sales department to set up an appointment.

How do I partner with W&T for an oyster-themed event?

We’re strong believers in the value of education, and we’re always actively seeking out opportunities to spread the word about oysters. In the past, we’ve organized oyster-themed dinners, participated in street markets, and taught oyster primer classes for the community. If your restaurant or organization has an oyster-themed dinner, class, fundraiser or other event in mind, let us know! We’d be happy to talk about how we can work together to make it a smashing success.

Can I buy W&T products directly without a wholesale account?

Unfortunately, at this time, we do not sell direct to the public from our storefront. From time to time, you can find us at trade events or local market promotions. Please check our blog for updates on upcoming events. Our products are also available in restaurants and supermarkets along the East Coast.

What are some ways to prepare your products?

For recipes and prepration tips, visit our Recipes section.

I’m a seafood producer. Can W&T help me distribute my products?

Definitely! We work with restaurants and retailers in New York and along the East Coast, and we’d be happy to explore how we can bolster your presence on tables around the city. Send us an email and we’ll get in touch with you.