Agility and Resilience: The Story Behind Seafood Ninja, Inc.
Seafood Ninja bridges gaps in the supply chain for sustainable solutions
This blog post was written by Adriana Sanchez, Founder and President of Seafood Ninja, Inc. We thank Seafood Ninja for sponsoring the 2024 Responsible Seafood Summit in St Andrews, Scotland.
When I think about Seafood Ninja, the name still makes me smile. It’s bold, unexpected, and, at first glance, maybe even a little unconventional. But the name fits because, like a ninja, I embody agility, strength, adaptability, and ingenuity. Most importantly, I’ve built a career on resilience—an essential quality for succeeding in the seafood industry.
As the Seafood Ninja, I bridge gaps in the supply chain, untangle complex challenges, and advocate for practices that benefit both people and the planet. But seafood sustainability isn’t just a professional mission for me—it’s deeply personal. As a mother of four little seafoodies, I want to ensure that my kids, and future generations, can continue to enjoy the seafood in the future. Every decision I make in my business stems from this commitment to preserving our planet’s resources and making sustainable seafood the norm, not the exception.
My journey started in my family’s business, Sea Delight, in South Florida. Growing up in the industry gave me a front-row seat to the challenges and opportunities in seafood. I wore many hats—managing supplier relationships, opening purchase orders, coordinating shipments, leading sustainability programs, designing customer-focused packaging, and even supporting brand development. It was hard work, but it gave me a comprehensive understanding of the supply chain.
That foundation prepared me to step into roles where I could make a bigger impact. At Fair Trade USA, I learned how to translate NGOs’ high-level sustainability goals into actionable strategies for the private sector. Later, as the Responsible Seafood Strategy Director for Iberostar Hotels, I worked on a global scale to develop tailored solutions for sourcing responsibly, even in regions where certifications and fishery improvement projects (FIPS) weren’t yet established.
Along the way, I discovered a passion for creating connections and memorable experiences through event planning. Whether organizing workshops or designing impactful industry events, I found joy in bringing people together to share knowledge, spark ideas, and inspire change.
I’ve also learned that sustainability doesn’t have to come at the expense of profitability. In fact, the two can—and should—go hand in hand. It’s this mindset that drives Seafood Ninja, Inc.
Seafood Ninja is more than a company; it’s a network of colleagues and contacts united by a common goal: to help businesses navigate the complex world of seafood sustainability and create strategies that are both impactful and cost-effective. I work with clients to set high-level goals, vet partners, and implement programs that address issues like human rights, environmental responsibility, climate resilience, and brand development.
But this journey isn’t just about the work—it’s about the people. As an entrepreneur, I hope to inspire others to follow their dreams, turn their passions into action, and build businesses that make a difference. Whether you’re in seafood or another industry, I believe there’s always room to create something meaningful that aligns with your values.
For me, the stakes are clear. My kids deserve to grow up in a world where they can enjoy seafood as much as I do, where our oceans thrive, and where businesses operate responsibly. Balancing impact and profitability isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it.
At Seafood Ninja, I’m bridging gaps, breaking barriers, and helping the industry evolve—one solution at a time. And I’m doing it with the hope that others will see what’s possible and be inspired to do the same.
Don’t miss out on the experience of connecting with other seafood professionals at next year’s event. Join the email list to be among the first notified about the 2025 Responsible Seafood Summit!
