The Market distributes an enormous volume of produce, including exotic varieties and items which might otherwise be unavailable unless purchased in very large shipments. In its two buildings, virtually any type of produce grown in the United States and around the world is available daily. On-site inspectors from the U.S. Department of Agriculture grade all produce, verifying quality every day. The Maryland Wholesale Seafood Market opened in 1984 when the Baltimore Fish Market closed. The Market's ten wholesalers form one of the largest operations on the East coast supplying fresh seafood to the East.
Wholesalers use technology to market fresh seafood to restaurants, grocers, and seafood stores.
In addition to local specialties caught in Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic waters, the Market often receives exotic imports through nearby BWI Airport. In 1989, the Authority acquired the Rock Hall Seafood Processing Plant in Kent County. This waterside plant is accessible to both Chesapeake Bay watermen and land-based operations which depend upon Bay natural resources, such as finfish and shellfish.