The Humble Beginnings of Penn Cove Shellfish

Penn Cove Mussels, Inc. was established by the Jefferds  family in June of 1975, in Coupeville, Washington, and is the oldest commercial mussel farm in North America. 11 years later, the Company was purchased by the Jefferds brothers, Ian and Rawle, along with Ians’ wife Karen. In 1996, the company formed a joint venture with Coast Seafoods Company, the HAACP certified joint venture formed the brand we know today, Penn Cove Shellfish, LLC.

Since the day we were established, our mission at Penn Cove Shellfish has always been to be the premier producer and provider of the finest sustainably farmed shellfish products in the market.

After 50 years of growing sustainable shellfish, Penn Cove Shellfish remains as the oldest and largest mussel farm in the United States. Our mussels have won top honors at international taste test competitions for their sweet flavor and fabulous texture. Along with our Penn Cove Mussels, we farm Manila clams, Pacific Oysters, and Kumamoto Oysters. In addition, we distribute 26 varieties of Pacific and Kumamoto Oysters, which we receive from shellfish farmers we’ve formed strong relationships with.

In 2022, the Jefferds family announced their retirement and naturally, it seemed like a perfect fit for Pacific Seafood to acquire full ownership of Penn Cove Shellfish. Pacific Seafoods company goal is provide the healthiest protein on the planet and by continuing to follow the mission set previously by the Jefferds family, we can achieve our goal as a team.

Penn Cove is located two hours north of Seattle in Coupeville, Washington on scenic Whidbey Island.  Penn Cove is the most prolific mussel growing area on the West Coast due to our proximity to the Cascade Mountains and the geographical shape of Penn Cove. Our growing location captures snow melt of fresh mountain river waters and minerals they contain. From the strong solar radiation our farm receives, Penn Cove withholds rich nutrients for our mussels to grow strong.