About Us

Canadian Seafood - A Culture - A Way of Life

Our little community on Quebec's Lower North Shore (population 681), along the Gulf of St. Lawrence, is home to some of the most welcoming, hard-working and passionate people in the industry. Our ancestors lived traditionally, off the land, relying on our pristine ocean waters and natural resources to feed their families. This way of life is passed down and held close to our hearts as we carry on their traditions - sustainably harvesting from the ocean and now sharing our treasures globally. We take pride in the high quality of our seafood - bought directly from our local fishermen's boats and processed for export that same day. We continue to innovate - bringing new species, processes, equipment and more, into our operations regularly to make sure we are meeting and exceeding the market demands.

Our Company Values

Inclusiveness

Community

Teamwork

Integrity

Innovation

Our Story

The I and the S behind I&S Seafood began in the early 70’s. Irving and Sandra Roberts grew up in Bonne Esperance with an early dream to do great things for their family and their community.

Working in the fishing industry since the age of 12, Irving learned from his father the lessons handed down from previous generations. As with much of the Lower North Shore, fishing was not simply a job but a way of life. Irving started in small 25 foot open boats, fishing cod, herring and mackerel with his family and eventually owning his own longliner in 1982.

Irving and Sandra were first established as processors of scallops in 1991, selling their longliner and sinking into a different perspective of the commercial fishery. They spent a lot of time advocating for the fishing industry on the Lower North Shore, pushing for progress to ensure sustainability for the communities.

By 1995 they quickly realized the potential and diversified into new species, investing in new infrastructure and equipment. I&S Seafood was established in 1996, situated right on the edge of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, just 8 kilometers outside of their hometown St. Paul’s River. Starting with small roots and just a few employees, Irving and Sandra rapidly learned the in’s and out’s of the industry and developed the company quickly into what it is today.

I&S Seafood currently employs close to 100 people, processing up to 15 different species of seafood, purchasing top quality products from approximately 200 local fishermen and exporting around 2.3 million pounds of product all over the world. Each year I&S Seafood looks for new innovative ways to enhance processing practices and upholds products to the highest standards making sure to exceed customer expectations and ensuring satisfaction.

Irving and Sandra are busy overseeing the operations of the company ensuring everything is running smoothly and efficiently but when they get a chance to relax they can be found at their cottage, travelling, enjoying different kinds of food and spending time with their family. A favourite seafood of theirs is Atlantic Salmon in a variety of ways but boiled and drizzled with a creamy white sauce or scallops right out of the shell sits at the top of their list.

Irving can be reached at:

irv@insseafood.net or 418-379-2004