Capabilities

Handy’s processing facilities are equipped with advanced technology that maintains product quality while making sure our production process is highly efficient. We employ innovative cryogenic freezing methods that lock in freshness and flavor, which are particularly important for our soft-shell crab processing. This specialized freezing technique prevents ice crystal formation, preserving the delicate texture of our seafood.

Our Crisfield, Maryland headquarters houses specialized equipment that supports the creation of our handmade signature crab cakes in small batches. This facility also manages our sophisticated crab meat processing operation, complete with black light inspection systems for shell fragment detection. Our production lines allow for careful handling of delicate seafood while maintaining strict portion control and product consistency.

Each production line undergoes rigorous quality control measures, with multiple checkpoints throughout the process. Our industry-leading DNA testing program for crab meat sets standards for authenticity and transparency, ensuring species verification in every batch.

Climate-controlled environments maintain the perfect temperature from processing to packaging, while careful monitoring throughout the production process makes sure our products are safe and consistently delightful.

Our facilities maintain certification with the British Retail Consortium (BRC), meeting the strictest global standards for food safety. Regular audits and continuous monitoring systems ensure we maintain these high standards throughout our operations. This commitment to quality control extends from our raw material receiving docks through final packaging and shipping.

Handy’s varied product portfolio spans multiple categories and preparation methods. Our fresh and frozen soft-shell crabs come in various sizes, from medium to whale, and preparations, including natural, tempura-battered, and panko-breaded options. Each crab is carefully cleaned and processed at peak freshness to ensure optimal taste and texture.

Our handmade crab cakes range from traditional Maryland-style to innovative varieties such as our gluten-free and keto-friendly options. The lineup includes our Ultimate, Premium, Classic, and Bistro crab cakes, along with specialty items like our OLD BAY® seasoned cakes. Each recipe maintains the perfect texture and delectable flavor while meeting specific dietary requirements.

We also produce an extensive selection of value-added seafood items. Our breaded shrimp products and appetizers offer convenient, restaurant-quality options, including coconut shrimp, tempura shrimp, and innovative items like our Shrimp Power Bites.

Our canned crab meat line features multiple grades clearly marked with lump counts on the lid. We offer everything from premium jumbo lump to special-grade crab meat, meeting various price points and usage needs. Our distinctive Crab Cake Combo can contain an ideal blend of different grades, perfectly proportioned for making exceptional crab cakes.

Handy’s private label program provides retailers with premium seafood products under their own brands. Our proven recipes and processing methods deliver the same exceptional quality as our Handy-branded items, simply packaged with your brand identity. We maintain consistent quality while offering flexibility in packaging specifications to meet individual brand requirements.

Our private label offerings span our full product range – from our signature crab cakes and soft shell crabs to our value-added shrimp items and premium crab meat. Each product maintains the exacting standards that have made Handy a trusted name in seafood for over 130 years.

We recognize the importance of reliable supply chains in private-label partnerships. Our year-round production capabilities and established sourcing networks provide consistent product availability throughout the seasons. Our extensive quality control measures extend fully to private-label products, including our signature DNA testing for crab meat and rigorous safety protocols.

Working with Handy means gaining access to America’s oldest seafood processor’s expertise while building your own brand equity. Retailers benefit from our proven track record of excellence while offering their customers premium seafood products under their trusted store brand.