Your Premier Prawn Supply Distributor in Dubai – Delivering Exceptional Quality and Unfailing Consistency

Prawns are a true star of Dubai’s dynamic and diverse culinary scene. From succulent grilled tiger prawns in upscale restaurants and flavorful additions to curries and biryanis, to essential components of seafood platters and popular retail choices, the demand for high-quality, reliably supplied prawns is immense. For hotels, restaurants, caterers (HORECA), supermarkets, and food processors across Dubai, sourcing top-grade prawns consistently is vital for success. 

Source International AE stands as the leading Prawn Supply Distributor in Dubai, specializing in providing businesses with a superior range of high-quality frozen prawns, backed by expert sourcing, meticulous quality control, and unwavering dependability.

We understand that prawn quality is defined by species, origin, farming/catching practices, processing speed, freezing technology, and crucially, unbroken cold chain management. The delicate texture and sweet flavour of prawns demand careful handling to prevent quality loss. Source International expertly connects reputable prawn farms and processors worldwide with the high standards and fast pace of the Dubai market.

Whether you need specific sizes of Headless Shell-On (HLSO) Black Tiger prawns for impressive grilling presentations, consistently sized Peeled and Deveined (PUD or P&D) Vannamei prawns for effortless kitchen preparation, or other specialized formats, Source International is your trusted partner, committed to delivering excellence from the source to your facility.

Why Choose Source International as Your Prawn Supply Distributor in Dubai?

Selecting the right prawn supplier directly impacts your menu quality, operational efficiency, food safety, cost control, and customer satisfaction. Source International offers significant advantages:

1. Superior Quality & Expert Sourcing:
   

   • Premium Species Selection: We focus on commercially important and highly regarded species like Black Tiger Prawns (Penaeus monodon) known for their firm texture and impressive size, and Whiteleg Shrimp/Prawns (Penaeus vannamei), valued for their consistent quality, versatility, and widespread availability.
   • Reputable Origins: We source from established aquaculture regions known for best practices (e.g., Southeast Asia, India, potentially South America) and reputable processors adhering to international standards.
   • Strict Grading & Quality Control: We supply accurately graded prawns based on size (e.g., count per lb or kg like 16/20, 21/25, 31/40) and quality specifications (uniformity, colour, texture, absence of defects like black spots). Consistency is paramount.

2. Advanced Freezing Technology for Peak Freshness:
   

   • Preserving Delicate Texture: Prawns benefit immensely from rapid freezing. Our suppliers utilize advanced Individually Quick Freezing (IQF) technology for most formats (PUD, P&D, HLSO) and efficient blast freezing for block formats.
   • IQF Advantage: IQF freezes each prawn individually, preventing them from clumping together. This locks in moisture, flavour, and texture, allows for easy portioning without thawing the entire bag, and significantly reduces drip loss.
   • Block Frozen: Suitable for certain industrial applications or reprocessing, ensuring core temperature is reached quickly.

3. Extensive Variety of Formats & Sizes:
   

   • Meeting All Needs: We offer a comprehensive range of frozen prawn formats to suit diverse culinary and operational requirements:
     

     • Headless Shell-On (HLSO): Popular for grilling, presentations where the shell adds flavour and visual appeal. Graded by size.
     • Peeled Undeveined (PUD): Shell removed, vein intact. Offers convenience while allowing chefs to devein if preferred.
     • Peeled and Deveined (P&D), Tail-On / Tail-Off: Maximum convenience, ready for direct use in various dishes. Tail-on is popular for presentation (e.g., shrimp cocktails).
     • Easy Peel (EZ Peel): Shell split down the back for easy removal by the end-user, often deveined.
     • Skewered Prawns: Value-added option, ready for grilling or appetizers (subject to availability).
     • Cooked Prawns (IQF): Fully cooked and frozen, ready to thaw and serve in salads, sandwiches, or cold platters.

   • Wide Range of Sizes: From large U/10 or 16/20 counts to smaller 71/90 or 91/120 counts, catering to different price points and applications.

4. Unbroken Cold Chain Integrity:
   

   • Essential for Seafood: Maintaining a consistent frozen temperature (typically -18°C or lower) is absolutely critical for prawns to prevent bacterial growth, texture degradation, and flavour loss.
   • Managed End-to-End: Our process includes sourcing from facilities with immediate freezing post-processing, storage in controlled cold stores, transport in refrigerated containers, receiving into our state-of-the-art UAE cold storage facility, and final delivery across Dubai in our dedicated refrigerated fleet.

5. Reliability & Consistent Supply:
   

   • Stable Sourcing Network: Our strong relationships with key suppliers and farmers ensure a reliable and consistent supply of popular prawn types and sizes.
   • Efficient Logistics: We manage inventory effectively and operate a robust logistics network to ensure timely and dependable deliveries throughout Dubai.
   • Volume Capacity: As a leading Prawn Supply Distributor in Dubai, we are well-equipped to handle large, regular orders for hotel groups, catering companies, restaurant chains, and major retailers.

6. Commitment to Food Safety:
   

   • HACCP Certified Operations: Our storage and distribution processes strictly follow HACCP principles.
   • Quality Checks: We inspect incoming goods for packaging integrity, temperature compliance, correct labelling, and overall product quality.
   • Safe Handling Practices: Emphasis on proper handling throughout the supply chain to maintain hygiene and prevent contamination.

7. Sustainability Focus:
   

   • Responsible Aquaculture: We prioritize sourcing from farms certified under recognized aquaculture standards like the Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) or Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), which promote environmental responsibility and social welfare.
   • Traceability: Working towards enhanced traceability to provide transparency about the origin of our prawns.

8. Customer Support & Expertise:
   

• Understanding Prawn Applications: Our team can advise on the best prawn type, size, and format for your specific culinary needs.
• Responsive Service: Dedicated support for orders, inquiries, and ensuring your requirements are met.

Our Premium Frozen Prawn Portfolio

Source International offers a selection of the most sought-after prawn/shrimp varieties:

• Black Tiger Prawns (Penaeus monodon): Prized for their large size potential, firm texture, distinct stripes (when raw), and slightly sweet flavour. Excellent for grilling, barbecuing, and impressive presentations. Often supplied HLSO or Head-On Shell-On (HOSO).
• Whiteleg Shrimp / Vannamei Prawns (Penaeus vannamei): The most widely farmed species globally, known for its consistent quality, mild flavour, tender texture, and versatility. Available in a wide range of formats (HLSO, PUD, P&D, Cooked) and sizes. The workhorse of many kitchens.
• Other Species (Subject to Availability): Depending on market demand and seasonal availability, we may also source other varieties like Banana Prawns or King Prawns.

Understanding Prawn Sizes (Count per LB/KG):
Prawns are typically graded by the number of pieces per pound (lb) or kilogram (kg). Common examples:

• U/10 or U/15: Under 10 or 15 prawns per lb/kg (Very Large)
• 16/20: 16 to 20 prawns per lb/kg (Large)
• 21/25: 21 to 25 prawns per lb/kg (Medium-Large)
• 31/40: 31 to 40 prawns per lb/kg (Medium)
• 41/50, 51/60, 71/90, etc. (Smaller sizes)
  Source International ensures clear labelling and consistent grading.

Why IQF Freezing is Superior for Prawns

Individually Quick Freezing (IQF) offers significant advantages for preserving prawn quality:

• Preserves Texture: Rapid freezing creates tiny ice crystals, preventing damage to the delicate muscle fibres, resulting in a firmer, more succulent texture when thawed.
• Locks in Moisture & Flavour: Minimizes moisture loss (drip) during thawing compared to block freezing or slow freezing.
• Convenience: Allows users to take out only the required number of prawns without thawing the entire pack.
• Prevents Clumping: Ensures prawns remain separate for easy handling.
• Maintains Appearance: Helps retain the natural shape and colour of the prawns.

Our commitment to IQF technology for relevant prawn formats is a commitment to delivering a higher quality product to your kitchen.

Case Study: Streamlining Operations for a Pan-Asian Restaurant Group in Dubai

Client: “Dragon Wok Collective,” a restaurant group with five busy Pan-Asian eateries across Dubai, featuring prawns heavily in stir-fries, curries, soups, and appetizers.

Challenge: Dragon Wok Collective was facing significant operational challenges with their prawn supply:
* Inconsistent Sizing: Prawns ordered as ’31/40 P&D Tail-Off’ often contained a mix of sizes, impacting portion control across dishes and outlets, leading to variable food costs and presentation.
* Texture & Quality Issues: Some batches thawed poorly, becoming slightly mushy or having excessive water content, affecting the final texture in stir-fries. Breakage during cooking was also higher than expected.
* Supply Reliability: Occasional delays in delivery or inability to get the required volume of their preferred size during peak times caused kitchen stress and required menu adjustments.
The Group Executive Chef needed a Prawn Supply Distributor in Dubai who could guarantee consistently graded 31/40 IQF Vannamei P&D Tail-Off prawns, ensure excellent texture, and provide reliable, timely deliveries to all outlets.

Solution: Source International conducted detailed discussions with the Executive Chef and procurement team to understand their specific needs and pain points. Our solution focused on consistency and reliability:
* Dedicated Supplier & Specification: We sourced IQF Vannamei P&D Tail-Off prawns from a specific, high-quality BAP-certified processor known for accurate grading. We committed to supplying exclusively within the 31-40 count per kg range, with stringent checks on uniformity.
* Quality Assurance: We implemented specific receiving checks for their orders focusing on size verification, glaze percentage (ice coating), and signs of temperature abuse or breakage.
* Optimized Logistics: We established a coordinated delivery schedule ensuring each of the five outlets received their prawn orders twice weekly within agreed time windows, using temperature-monitored vehicles.
* Volume Guarantee & Communication: We worked with the group to forecast demand, ensuring adequate stock levels were maintained, especially leading into weekends and holidays. Proactive communication regarding deliveries was established.

Results: The partnership with Source International yielded substantial improvements for Dragon Wok Collective:
* Consistent Portioning & Cost Control: The accurately graded prawns allowed chefs at all outlets to maintain precise portion control, leading to consistent dish quality and better food cost management (estimated 3-4% cost saving in the prawn category due to accurate sizing and reduced waste).
* Improved Product Quality: Chefs reported a noticeable improvement in prawn texture – firmer, more succulent, with minimal breakage. The quality of the final dishes significantly improved.
* Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Reliable, on-time deliveries eliminated supply chain disruptions and allowed kitchen teams to plan effectively. IQF format ensured quick and easy handling.
* Peace of Mind: The assurance of consistent quality and supply reduced stress for the culinary and management teams.
* Stronger Partnership: Dragon Wok Collective now views Source International as an indispensable partner, their go-to Prawn Supply Distributor in Dubai for their most frequently used seafood ingredient.

A Story: From Sustainable Farm to a Sizzling Dubai Wok – The Prawn’s Journey

Imagine a carefully managed shrimp farm in Southeast Asia, operating under strict BAP certification standards. Here, Vannamei prawns thrive in clean, monitored ponds, fed a nutritious diet. Water quality is constantly checked, ensuring a healthy environment.

At harvest time, the prawns are collected quickly and carefully, minimizing stress. They are immediately transported to a nearby state-of-the-art processing facility. Within hours – sometimes minutes – they are washed, graded by size (our target: 31-40 per kg), peeled, and meticulously deveined, with tails removed as per specification.

The crucial step follows almost instantly. The prepared prawns travel on a conveyor belt into an IQF tunnel freezer. Blasts of intensely cold air circulate, freezing each prawn individually in a matter of minutes. This rapid process is key – it locks in the natural moisture, the delicate flavour, and the firm texture, preserving the prawn at its peak freshness.

Once frozen solid and lightly glazed with ice to prevent dehydration, the prawns are packed into labelled bags, then into master cartons, clearly marked with size, date, and origin. They are stored in deep freeze warehouses (-18°C or colder) before being loaded into refrigerated shipping containers for the journey to the UAE.

The container arrives at Jebel Ali port and is efficiently cleared by Source International’s team. It’s transported directly to our Dubai cold storage facility, where temperatures are verified upon arrival before the cartons are stored in the dedicated freezer section.

A chef at one of the Dragon Wok Collective restaurants places their regular order. The Source International warehouse team picks the required cartons of 31/40 IQF Vannamei P&D Tail-Off prawns. They are loaded onto a refrigerated delivery truck, ensuring the cold chain remains unbroken.

The truck arrives at the restaurant’s receiving area. The chef inspects the delivery, confirming the correct product and noting the solidly frozen state of the IQF prawns. Later, during the busy dinner service, the chef grabs a scoop of the frozen prawns – no need to thaw the whole bag. They hit the sizzling hot wok, stir-fried quickly with vibrant vegetables and savoury sauce. The prawns cook perfectly – plump, juicy, with a satisfying bite.

A customer enjoys the Kung Pao Prawns, commenting on how fresh and succulent the prawns are. That quality is no accident. It’s the result of sustainable farming, rapid processing, advanced IQF freezing, and a meticulously managed cold chain, delivered reliably by Source International, the expert Prawn Supply Distributor in Dubai, ensuring culinary excellence from farm to wok.

Serving Dubai’s Diverse Demand for Prawns

Source International caters to the specific prawn needs of various sectors across Dubai and the UAE:

• HORECA (Hotels, Restaurants, Caterers): Providing a wide range of sizes and formats suitable for grilling, stir-frying, curries, appetizers, seafood buffets, pasta dishes, and more. Consistency, quality, and ease of use (IQF, P&D) are highly valued.
• Retail (Supermarkets, Hypermarkets): Supplying high-quality frozen prawns in various formats (HLSO, P&D, Cooked) and sizes, suitable for retail display packs or service counters, meeting consumer demand for convenience and quality.
• Food Processors: Offering bulk frozen prawns (various sizes/formats, potentially block frozen) as a reliable ingredient for producing ready meals, breaded seafood products, spring rolls, sauces, and other value-added items.

Our Commitment to Responsible Sourcing

Source International believes in contributing to a sustainable seafood future. We prioritize:

• Certified Aquaculture: Sourcing from farms certified by BAP or ASC, ensuring environmental and social responsibility.
• Supplier Collaboration: Working with suppliers committed to best practices and traceability.
• Continuous Improvement: Staying informed about fishery management and aquaculture innovations to continually enhance our responsible sourcing efforts.

Partner with Dubai’s Leading Prawn Supplier

Elevate your dishes and ensure consistent quality by choosing Source International AE for your frozen prawn supply. We are committed to being the most reliable and quality-focused Prawn Supply Distributor in Dubai.

• Premium Quality Prawns: Select species, accurate grading, excellent texture.
• Superior Freezing (IQF): Locking in freshness and convenience.
• Wide Variety: Extensive range of formats and sizes.
• Reliable & Consistent Supply: Dependable deliveries across Dubai.
• Sustainability Focus: Commitment to responsible sourcing.
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Ready to secure a consistent supply of high-quality frozen prawns?

Contact Source International AE today to discuss your specific requirements, explore our detailed prawn product list, or request a personalized quote. Discover the difference a dedicated and expert supplier can make.

Visit our website for more information: https://sourceinternational.ae/

Source International AE – Your Trusted Source for Premium Prawn Supply in Dubai.