Investing in People, Shaping the Industry
How Southstream Seafoods Champions the Seafood Industry Through Advocacy—and Its People
In an industry where change is constant and pressure is high, it’s easy to focus on logistics, margins, and production schedules. But at Southstream Seafoods, something deeper drives performance and reputation: a long-standing commitment to people. To integrity. And to advancing not just the business of seafood, but the future of the industry itself.
That commitment was on full display this spring when Carmine Intrieri, a 30-year veteran of Southstream, joined the 2025 National Fisheries Institute (NFI) Future Leaders Program—a nationwide initiative aimed at cultivating the next generation of seafood industry leaders and policies.
His participation wasn’t just about professional development. It was a reflection of Southstream’s belief that building a better seafood industry begins with investing in people and empowering them to represent the collective interest—on Capitol Hill, on the docks, and at sea.
Taking Industry Advocacy to Washington
The opening session of the NFI Future Leaders program was more than symbolic. Over the course of several days, Carmine and his classmates visited the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), the Port of Norfolk, and eventually headed to Capitol Hill, where they met with representatives from both the House and Senate. Their goal: advocate for meaningful, forward-thinking policies that support the long-term health and strength of the seafood sector and sustainability initiatives.
The delegation pushed for the creation of an Office of Seafood Policy within the USDA—an initiative designed to bring much-needed cohesion to how seafood is positioned in the U.S. food system. They also advocated for trade protections that ensure American businesses and consumers retain access to high-quality imported seafood, essential to both public health and supply chain stability.
This type of coordinated, hands-on advocacy is part of the Company’s DNA. For Southstream, influencing the future of the industry is not optional—it’s essential and part of its history.
A Company Where People Stay—and Thrive
Carmine Intrieri’s journey is one example of how Southstream walks its talk. He joined the company in 1995, fresh out of the University of Rhode Island, and has remained ever since. That kind of tenure is rare in any industry, but in the fast-paced, high-pressure world of global seafood supply and distribution, it’s especially remarkable.
And yet, at Southstream, it’s not unusual. The company is known for cultivating long-term careers—where people aren’t just retained, but empowered to grow, evolve, and lead.
“Carmine is the kind of person who gives as much to the company as he receives,” Mark Soderstrom, Southstream President noted. “That reciprocity—that mutual trust—is what keeps our team strong and our business resilient.”
It’s not just longevity for the sake of stability. It’s about developing people who bring depth of knowledge and genuine passion to the work they do. Southstream believes that when employees are supported as individuals, they show up stronger for the business—and for the industry.
Representing the Industry from the Dock to the Hill
That philosophy showed itself clearly as Carmine spoke with lawmakers on behalf of the seafood community. He wasn’t there as a lobbyist reading talking points. He was there as someone who has spent three decades living the challenges and complexities of seafood distribution—balancing relationships with suppliers across the globe, ensuring top-tier quality for customers, and navigating a regulatory landscape that too often leaves seafood overlooked in national policy conversations.
At VIMS, he got to see firsthand how scientific research shapes the future of marine ecosystems. At the Port of Norfolk, he experienced the logistical heartbeat of U.S. seafood infrastructure. And on Capitol Hill, he stood on behalf of every buyer, seller, and distributor working to keep seafood accessible, affordable, and safe.
What Comes Next
The NFI Future Leaders Program continues this June in Juneau, Alaska—a fitting location to deepen discussions about sustainability, wild catch, and the long-term future of global seafood supply and distribution. Carmine has been immersed in the industry but he’s now part of a group shaping policies that will determine the long term prospects of this global industry. For Southstream, this is a continuation of a long-standing culture: develop people, empower them, and support the industry by showing up with credibility, expertise, and integrity.
At a time when industries are being challenged to reimagine their values and rethink their impact, Southstream Seafoods is proving that longevity, loyalty, and leadership aren’t just buzzwords—they’re a strategy. One that begins with people.
Let’s Shape What’s Next — Together
At Southstream Seafoods, we believe that industry leadership starts with listening, collaborating, and showing up—for our partners, our customers, and our people.
If you’re looking for a seafood partner who values quality, integrity, and long-term relationships as much as you do, we’d love to connect.
Because building a stronger Seafood industry doesn’t happen alone.
It happens together.
