Grand Rapids Founder Launched Tinned Fish Brand
The company sources cold smoked whitefish from the Great Lakes region for national distribution.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Organic Food
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In November 2024, entrepreneur Marissa Fellows launched Great Lakes Tinned Fish, a company dedicated to showcasing regional flavors. Since its inception, the brand has grown significantly, with products now available in 300 stores across 35 states.
Why it matters
The company aims to promote Great Lakes regional flavors while building a sustainable business model that supports local commercial fisheries. By focusing on regional sourcing, the venture connects Midwestern harvests to a national consumer base.
The company has produced approximately 70,000 cans across three flavors since its November 2024 launch. Currently, the product line is stocked in 300 retail locations, including 45 Whole Foods stores.
The players
Marissa Fellows
She is the founder of Great Lakes Tinned Fish and established the company to highlight Midwestern culinary offerings.
Whole Foods
This major national supermarket chain currently stocks Great Lakes Tinned Fish products in 45 of its retail locations.
The details
Great Lakes Tinned Fish sources whitefish from fisheries in Michigan and Wisconsin before processing them at a Canadian cannery. Finished goods are then sent to a Chicago warehouse for distribution to retailers and direct-to-consumer customers.
Timeline
Marissa Fellows officially launched the company in November 2024.
The company sold out of its product inventory three times over the past year.
This report on the company's growth was published on October 13, 2026.
Culture Shift
The brand's growth aligns with a wider resurgence in the popularity of preserved seafood, as evidenced by the 2.5% year-over-year growth in tinned fish social media posts. This shift reflects a move toward sustainable, shelf-stable, and regionally-identified specialty food products.
Shoppers in Grand Rapids and beyond can find the products at various retailers, including select Whole Foods locations. Those interested in the brand's full range of original, garlic and shallot, or lemon and dill flavors can also access products through direct-to-consumer sales.
The takeaway
Supporting regional food producers can help strengthen local fishery economies while providing consumers with traceable food options. To ensure product availability, interested customers should monitor the company's website for updates on new specialty retail partnerships.
Further reading
For more information on regional food movements, explore the Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WOODTV.
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