Rooted in local values with an eye always to the future, Suisan celebrates 110 years in business as a fish market and food distributor.
Rooted in local values with an eye always to the future, Suisan celebrates 110 years in business as a fish market and food distributor.
To commemorate this milestone, Suisan is hosting a birthday event from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. today at its fish market on Lihiwai Street, featuring Hilo’s own “Top Chef” finalist Sheldon Simeon.
Simeon has five creative poke combinations that are available today only, including Singulaw, ahi garnished with fried pork belly, coconut vinegar and coconut milk; Da Lox, salmon three ways mixed with cream cheese, onion, ikura and dill; and Bam Bam, chunks of tofu and watermelon seasoned with nuoc cham and a mixture of fresh herbs, peanuts and toasted sesame seeds.
The birthday event also will have pop-ups by local chefs from Seaside Restaurant, Ponds Hilo and Cousins Seafood &Bento, who will prepare samples using an array of products Suisan distributes.
Throughout the month of September, Suisan will give away 110 poke bowls via social media contests.
“It is humbling and gratifying to be part of Suisan as it celebrates 110 years of service to Hawaii Island,” said Stephen Ueda, president and CEO. “We would not be here without the support of our hardworking and dedicated employees and our loyal customers. We look forward to another century of innovation and growth, while always taking care of the customer.”
Founded Sept. 7, 1907, Suisan has grown from a fish market cooperative to Hawaii Island’s premier broadline food distributor.
During the past 110 years, Suisan faced many challenges, including two tsunamis and having its property seized in World War II and its principal, Kamezo Matsuno, sent to an internment camp. More recently, Suisan suffered a fire that claimed its main office and warehouse in 2014.
Despite these setbacks, Suisan has moved forward and thrives. Its growth has been predicated upon anticipating community demand. In the 1950s, Suisan expanded its product mix to include frozen food. In the 1970s, it established a Kona warehouse and office to better serve its customers.
Today, Suisan employs 185 and has a fleet of 33 refrigerated trucks. It inventories more than 5,000 products and serves more than 1,000 wholesale customers including restaurants, schools, health care and government facilities, resorts and institutions islandwide.