Influential leaders in seafood – Part I

Laura Johnson, Co-founder and COO of Salty Girl Seafood

What would you say is a key component to your business strategy as a seafood executive?

Developing strong trust between consumers and our brand is a key component of our business strategy. To build this trust, we focus on making sure that everything we do as a company upholds our commitments to sustainability and traceability. From day one, we have built the company around sharing the story of seafood, connecting consumers more closely with marine resources, and allowing consumers to make healthy and informed decisions.

How would you sum up your philosophy as a seafood business leader?

Integrity and collaboration are the cornerstones of my philosophy as a seafood business leader. Traceability and sustainability are key components of our business model and value proposition. These are two fairly amorphous terms in the seafood industry, are we are determined to bring real meaning to both. Salty Girl Seafood is a mission driven company, and traceability is critical to supporting our mission of driving sustainability in fisheries. Achieving this mission and maintaining these two pillars requires integrity in every decision we make.

Collaboration is something we recognized early on as a key to succeeding in the seafood industry. As an innovator and newcomer in a very old, very large industry, we work with dozens of business, non-profits, individuals, and organizations who all bring a unique perspective to the table. This helps us learn and keep ahead of the curve, which is where we always need to be. The only way to continue innovation and to effect the kind of positive change we want to see in the industry is through collaboration. 

What sets Salty Girl Seafood apart from its competitors?

First and foremost our mission. Our company was founded of the desire to provide a market based solution to the problems facing global fisheries. We are a young, woman owned company, and our brand reflects our values and our passion. That is a huge differentiator for us.
Our products are designed with our consumer in mind—they allow our customers to make healthy and informed decisions, taking the pain out of choosing and cooking seafood.

What can we expect to see from Salty Girl Seafood heading into 2016?

We have big plans for the new year! We'll be expanding both our product line and distribution over the next 12 months to reach more consumers. As we move into new fisheries, Salty Girl Seafood will offer more variety, both with new species and new healthy and delicious recipes that we are excited to release. Our goal for 2016 is to expand across the US West Coast, so look out for us in retailers near you.