The History of Our Business
Sterling Caviar, now the largest caviar producer in the United States, has had an illustrious history going back to 1983 when Stolt Sea Farm started sturgeon production in Wilton, CA. In 1985, Sierra Aquafarms started operations in Elverta, CA (current site of Sterling Caviar), and soon became the pioneer in water recirculating technology. Soon, the two companies formed a joint venture and operated as Stolt Sea Farm California LLC with the goal of developing methods for producing caviar from sturgeon.
In 1988, the Elverta and Wilton farms became the first commercial sturgeon farming operation in California using sustainable farming practices and tank reconfigurations. Soon, the farms, stocked with world-famous white sturgeon, began producing caviar. Several years later in 1993, and thanks to the ongoing collaboration with U.C. Davis and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Elverta and Wilton farms became the first in the world to produce commercial quantities of caviar from tank-raised sturgeon!
Sterling Caviar’s history as an institution in the caviar world is referenced in books such as “Caviar: a Global History" by Nichola Fletcher, ”The Philosopher Fish" by Richard Adams Carey and "Caviar, The Strange History and Uncertain Future of the World’s Most Coveted Delicacy" by Inga Saffron.
In 2006, Stolt Sea Farm California LLC changed its name to Sterling Caviar and continued to operate four farms in California: Elverta, Wilton, Elk Grove and Ione.
In September 2024, a significant milestone in sustainable aquaculture was achieved with the merger of Sterling Caviar and its farms with Tsar Nicoulai Caviar. Under the unified management and ownership, this partnership combines the innovative visions of two pioneering companies in the realm of sustainable sturgeon farming in America. Spearheaded by Mark Bolourchi and Ali Bolourchi, the merger aims to leverage the strengths of both entities to create the largest caviar farm in North America, thereby setting a new standard for quality and sustainability in the industry.
This strategic merger positions the newly formed entity to compete more effectively with larger caviar producers in Asia and Europe, regions long dominated by established brands. By pooling resources, expertise, and advanced farming techniques, Sterling Caviar and Tsar Nicoulai Caviar can enhance production while maintaining rigorous sustainability standards. The collaboration is not only about scaling up operations, but it’s also a commitment to ethical practices that prioritize the health of the sturgeon population and the ecosystems they inhabit.
Furthermore, this united front allows for greater innovation in caviar production, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and environmental stewardship. By combining their knowledge and experience, both companies are well-equipped to meet the increasing demand for high-quality, sustainably farmed caviar, thus reshaping perceptions and standards in the industry. This merger symbolizes a proactive step towards establishing North America as a leading player in the global caviar market, committed to sustainable practices and exceptional quality.