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40 Years of Louisiana Crawfish Company: A Legacy of Tradition and Innovation

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Posted 01.10.2025

by Brooks

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As we enter our 40th year at Louisiana Crawfish Company, we want to take a moment to reflect on how it all began.

In the early 1980s, our founder, David McGraw, purchased a small piece of land for family recreation near the Old Frost Jackson Swamp. The land had been cleared for soybean farming, but frequent flooding made it unsuitable for crops, leaving it abandoned. David had a deep appreciation for Louisiana’s natural beauty, so he began restoring the swamp by replanting cypress and hardwood trees and recreating its natural water flow. Over time, wildlife returned, and crawfish began to thrive again. What started as a personal project to revive the land gradually grew into an idea to share those crawfish with others. By 1985, Louisiana Crawfish Company was born, starting with one pond and a simple goal: to bring high-quality crawfish to more tables.

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In those early days, there was no clear blueprint for shipping live crawfish. David experimented with packaging, partnered with a single airline, and worked tirelessly to ensure every shipment arrived fresh. Each step was a learning process, but his persistence laid the foundation for what we would become. By the late 1990s, we made our first shipment with FedEx, making crawfish more accessible to customers across the country. David’s dedication to the land and the industry created opportunities not just for our family but for countless others who now enjoy this Louisiana tradition.

In 2005, the second generation joined the company.
With fresh ideas and a focus on growth, our family expanded the business in ways that weren’t possible before. We embraced the internet early, creating one of the first websites dedicated to selling live crawfish and authentic Louisiana products. This allowed us to reach people far beyond Louisiana, introducing them to the culture and tradition of crawfish boils. As demand grew, we added more shipping facilities, expanded partnerships with carriers like FedEx, UPS, and Southwest Airlines, and developed new products to bring even more of Louisiana’s flavors to your table.

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Today, we continue to grow while staying true to our roots.

In the past two years, we’ve embraced the world of social media, sharing the joy of crawfish boils with millions. Our videos have gained over 3 million followers and 3 billion views, showing the heart of Louisiana’s food and culture to people all over the world. It’s been exciting to connect with so many who share our love for this tradition while staying committed to providing the quality and service that has guided us for 40 years.

Reflecting on last season, we faced challenges.

Last year started with one of the latest crawfish harvests we’ve ever seen. Cold weather delayed the season, and supplies were tight early on. But thanks to the dedication of our farmers and the patience of our customers, we worked through those challenges. By the end of the season, we had a strong finish, coming close to a record year. It was a reminder of how much we value the trust and loyalty you place in us.


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This season looks promising.

So far, the 2025 crawfish season is off to a great start. Warmer temperatures and ideal pond conditions have led to thriving crawfish populations. We’ve already been shipping live crawfish for over eight weeks, and early signs suggest an abundant year ahead. We’re excited to bring you the freshest, best-quality crawfish, straight from Louisiana to your table.

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From our family to yours:

What began with one pond, one truck, and one vision has grown into a thriving company that remains family-owned and operated. Today, our operation not only encompasses our farm but also includes partnerships with farmers and fishermen across Louisiana, ensuring a steady supply of the finest crawfish. With multiple shipping centers and an incredible team, we’re proud to share Louisiana crawfish with you. Every package we send reflects the same care and dedication that David McGraw brought to his first shipment.


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Sharing Louisiana culture with the world is our greatest joy.

There’s something special about how crawfish bring people together. From backyard boils to tables across the country, they represent connection, celebration, and tradition. We’re honored to be a part of your gatherings and grateful for the chance to share a piece of Louisiana with you.

Here’s to another season filled with great food and cherished memories. Thank you for being part of our story.

Warm regards,
The Louisiana Crawfish Company Family