Sterling Caviar Announces Acquisition by Tsar Nicoulai Caviar: Delivering Excellence in Sustainable Caviar Production
Elverta, California, December 18, 2024 – Sterling Caviar, a leading name in the U.S. caviar industry, is proud to announce that it has officially joined the Tsar Nicoulai Caviar family. This strategic partnership unites two iconic brands with a shared vision of advancing quality and sustainability in caviar production, poised to set new benchmarks for excellence.
Sterling Caviar’s Legacy
Founded in 1988, Sterling Caviar became the first commercial sturgeon farming operation in California and pioneered methods for producing caviar from tank-raised sturgeon. Their close collaboration with UC Davis and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife led to the world’s first commercial quantities of farm-raised caviar in 1993. Sterling’s dedication to quality was recognized in 2022 when its Royal Grade caviar won the Product of the Year and Gold Award in the Seafood Category at the Specialty Food Association's sofi™ Awards.
Sterling has remained committed to sustainability, producing nearly 15 tons of caviar annually from its four California farms, while implementing practices that minimize environmental impact. Recognized by the Monterey Bay Aquarium as a "Best Choice" for sustainability, the company’s farming methods aim to protect and support native sturgeon populations.
Introducing Tsar Nicoulai Caviar
Founded in 1984 in San Francisco by Mats and Daphne Engstrom, Tsar Nicoulai Caviar has consistently set the standard for sustainable caviar production, marrying tradition with cutting-edge technology. In 2014, the Bolourchi family took over stewardship of the farm and business, and over the last ten years, they have elevated sustainability efforts to new heights, focusing on energy and water efficiency. Tsar Nicoulai has added solar panels to its farm and developed its own oxygen system for the sturgeon tanks. They are the first sturgeon farm to use aquaponics, growing organic butter lettuce and other produce using sturgeon wastewater. Summer 2024 marked the 40th anniversary of Tsar Nicoulai Caviar, highlighted by their commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship through the introduction of 54 new state-of-the-art tanks.
“This strategic acquisition of Sterling will not only allow us to compete with larger global caviar producers, but also showcase our unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation on a broader scale,” said Ali Bolourchi, President of Tsar Nicoulai Caviar.
“Since the 1980s, these farms have been recognized for their leadership in ethical aquaculture. Now, more than ever, we’re dedicated to maintaining the balance between the artistry of traditional caviar production and the science of sustainable practices.”
A Future of Innovation and Environmental Stewardship
With this acquisition, the Bolourchi family aims to establish North America as a leader in the global caviar market by combining their expertise and resources with Sterling Caviar’s legacy. The unified brand is well-equipped to meet the rising demand for high-quality, sustainably farmed caviar while maintaining strict standards that prioritize environmental stewardship. Key personnel from Sterling, including the original General Manager, will rejoin the team to uphold its renowned legacy of quality and responsible aquaculture.
Together, Sterling Caviar and Tsar Nicoulai are set to redefine American caviar and lead the industry towards a future where sustainability and luxury co-exist.