Squid or calamar might not be the first ingredient that comes to mind when thinking about international cuisine, but it’s definitely one of the most versatile and sought-after. Known for its tender texture, mild flavor, and impressive nutritional value, calamar has become a global culinary favorite — from Asian street food stalls to European gourmet kitchens.
In this article, we’ll explore what is squid, why it’s a standout in the food and beverage (F&B) industry, and how companies like CV Bonafide Anugerah Sentosa, a trusted supplier of fishery, coconut, and spice products from Indonesia, help bring it to markets across the world.
Understanding What Is Squid: A Fascinating Sea Creature
To truly appreciate squid’s value in the F&B industry, we need to first understand what squid actually is. Squid belongs to the class Cephalopoda, making it a relative of octopus, cuttlefish, and nautilus. There are over 300 species of squid, but only a few are commonly harvested for human consumption.
Calamar typically has a long, tube-shaped body with a pair of fins, a head with large eyes, eight arms, and two longer tentacles used for catching prey. Their speed, agility, and intelligence make them one of the ocean’s most fascinating invertebrates.
From a culinary standpoint, calamar is prized for its delicate flavor and slightly chewy yet tender texture. It adapts beautifully to various cooking methods — grilled, fried, stewed, or even raw in sushi and sashimi.
Global Popularity: Why Squid Is in High Demand
So, why is squid such a big deal in the global F&B scene? The answer lies in its versatility. In Asia, you’ll find squid deep-fried into crispy calamari rings or grilled whole with savory marinades. In Mediterranean countries, it’s often stuffed with herbs and rice or served with olive oil and lemon.
Because calamar can be incorporated into an incredible variety of cuisines, it has gained widespread appeal. Its mild taste doesn’t overpower other ingredients, making it a great base protein for both simple and complex dishes.
Beyond taste and texture, calamar also has an advantage in terms of sustainability. Compared to many overfished species, squid populations tend to replenish faster, making it an increasingly preferred choice for environmentally-conscious menus.
Nutritional Powerhouse: Health Benefits of Eating Squid
Squid isn’t just tasty—it’s good for you too. It’s low in fat, high in protein, and packed with essential nutrients like vitamin B12, phosphorus, and copper. These contribute to healthy nerve function, strong bones, and improved metabolism.
Moreover, squid contains omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health. While it’s important to watch out for preparation methods (deep-frying can add unnecessary calories), squid is an excellent lean protein when grilled or sautéed.
Another major benefit is that squid is gluten-free, making it ideal for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. With health-conscious consumers on the rise globally, ingredients like squid that tick both the health and flavor boxes are in high demand.
Squid Processing and Supply Chain: From Ocean to Plate
The journey of squid from the ocean to the dinner table is a complex and highly organized process. Calamar is often caught using specialized nets or jigs during nighttime fishing when they are most active. Once harvested, it must be cleaned and preserved quickly to maintain quality.
Squid is usually processed in various forms — whole cleaned calamar, tubes and tentacles, rings, or even frozen and pre-cooked. Proper freezing techniques ensure that the texture remains intact and the product stays fresh during transportation across borders.
This is where reliable suppliers come into play. CV Bonafide Anugerah Sentosa, based in Indonesia, is a trusted fishery supplier known for high-quality squid and other seafood products. With a strong commitment to international food safety standards, they ensure squid is processed hygienically, packaged securely, and delivered punctually.
CV Bonafide Anugerah Sentosa: Supplying More Than Just Squid
When discussing premium suppliers in the global F&B industry, CV Bonafide Anugerah Sentosa deserves special mention. This Indonesian-based company is not only a fishery supplier, but also a major spices supplier and coconut supplier serving clients around the globe.
Their product line covers a broad spectrum: from fresh and frozen seafood like squid and tuna to premium vanilla beans, nutmeg, clove, coconut sugar, coconut milk, and coconut water concentrate. By offering end-to-end sourcing, processing, and export solutions, they play a vital role in the global food supply chain.
With robust quality control and sustainable sourcing practices, CV Bonafide Anugerah Sentosa ensures that their clients receive products that are safe, flavorful, and environmentally responsible. Whether you’re a restaurant chain, distributor, or food manufacturer, partnering with such a reliable supplier makes all the difference.
Culinary Creativity: How Chefs Around the World Use Squid
Chefs love calamar for the sheer creativity it allows in the kitchen. Whether it’s Michelin-starred restaurants in France or street food carts in Bangkok, squid adapts to local flavors and cooking styles effortlessly.
In Korea, calamar is often stir-fried with gochujang (spicy red pepper paste), garlic, and vegetables — a dish called “Ojingeo Bokkeum.” In Spain, “calamares fritos” (fried squid) is a staple tapas dish. Meanwhile, in Italy, you’ll often find squid stewed in tomato sauce or used in seafood pasta.
Squid ink, a unique by-product, is also used to create dramatic black sauces, risottos, and pastas. It adds a briny depth of flavor that elevates dishes and makes them visually striking — a favorite among food stylists and gourmet chefs alike.
The Business Side: Why F&B Brands Choose Squid
From a business perspective, squid makes a lot of sense. It’s relatively affordable compared to other seafood like shrimp or salmon, yet still offers a premium feel. This makes it a smart choice for restaurants looking to optimize their menus for both profit and customer satisfaction.
Moreover, squid has a long shelf life when frozen properly, allowing for better inventory control and reduced food waste. For food processors, its adaptable nature makes it easy to innovate — squid sausages, squid nuggets, and even squid jerky are now entering mainstream markets.
For exporters and importers, squid’s global popularity means a consistent demand. Especially when sourced from a reputable supplier like CV Bonafide Anugerah Sentosa, businesses can rely on stable quality and supply — two critical elements in the fast-moving F&B industry.
Conclusion: A Star Ingredient with Global Impact
So, what is squid, really? It’s more than just another seafood item — it’s a culinary chameleon, a nutritional asset, and a globally traded ingredient with immense business potential. From its humble oceanic origins to its glamorous presentations on fine dining plates, it continues to prove its worth.
As global demand grows for sustainable, nutritious, and versatile ingredients, it is firmly positioned as a top choice. And with leading suppliers like CV Bonafide Anugerah Sentosa ensuring top-tier quality from sea to shelf, the future for squid in the F&B industry looks brighter than ever. Contact CV Bonafide Anugerah Sentosa how we can provide the best solutions for you. WhatsApp: +62 8213 4505 737, Email: info@bonafideanugerahsentosa.com / bas.mdir@gmail.com.