ANALYSIS: Temporary Price Dip Masks Potential Supply Constraints in New Scallop Season

With the 2026-2027 scallop season now underway, early Open Area landings and Northern Gulf of Maine product are bolstering supply levels. Initial demand appears somewhat quiet, leading to lower prices across many domestic product categories, marking the first notable price relief in quite some time. However, market participants widely anticipate this easing could prove short-lived as...

Alaska's 2026 Salmon Forecast Falls 36% on Lower Pink Salmon Returns

The most recent forecast from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game was released April 21 with a total predicted harvest of 125.5 million salmon, a 36 percent drop from last year’s harvest of 197.4 million fish.

ADF&G’s final report for the coming season, “Run Forecasts and Harvest Projects for 2026 Alaska Salmon Fisheries and Review of the 2025 Season,” provides context for how fisheries managers develop forecasts, including a comparison of actual returns and harvests against forecasts over several years...

Coast Guard Removes Press Release on American Seafoods Pollock Roe Seizure

The US Coast Guard removed a press release from its website detailing the seizure of $65,000 worth of Alaska pollock roe from American Seafoods' catcher-processor Northern Eagle.

The Coast Guard told Alaska's NBC-2 KTUU that it removed the posts to prevent "unintended consequences, distractions from NOAA's ongoing investigation, or confusion about the compliance record within the Alaska pollock fishery."

The USCG said it pushed back on the case's conclusions, noting the issue shouldn't be viewed as evidence of illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing in one...

NOAA Says Venezuela's MMPA Comparability for Blue Crab Fishery Still Pending

After Venezuela's fisheries and aquaculture ministry said its blue crab fishery completed the registration process for an MMPA comparability finding, NOAA said the country is still in the process of applying for a finding.

Venezuela's Ministry of Popular Power for Fisheries and Aquaculture announced on April 16 that it had "successfully completed" the Marine Mammal Protection Act comparability registration process with NOAA Fisheries, claiming the process began on March 27 and was completed in less than three weeks.

However, NOAA Fisheries spokesperson...

Lithuanian Vičiūnai, French Frais Embal Win Top 2026 Seafood Excellence Awards

Vičiūnai Group of Lithuania and Frais Embal of France captured the top prizes at the 2026 Seafood Excellence Global Awards during Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona, beating 35 finalists from 16 countries.

Vičiūnai Group took the Best Retail Product award for its Smoked Herring Slices – Natural Flavor, a ready-to-eat product featuring simple ingredients and a smoky taste. Judges praised the well-balanced herring and smoke flavors, precise slicing and packing, and eye-catching packaging design.

Expana caught up with Vičiūnai at Seafood Expo North America last month...

FDA Warns Against Recalled Washington Oysters Tied to Norovirus-Like Illnesses

The Washington State Department of Health notified the FDA on April 10, 2026, of a recall involving certain shellfish linked to norovirus-like illnesses associated with raw oyster consumption, according to the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference.

The recall covers all shellstock from Gomez Shellfish, LLC (WA-1724-SS) harvested between March 22 and April 9, 2026, from a portion of Hammersley Inlet in Washington.

The FDA is advising consumers, retailers, and foodservice operators not to eat, serve, or sell the affected...

Russian Crab Exports Grow 10% by Volume but Value Stagnates

Official statistics show Russian crab exports grew 10% by volume to 45,800 tons in 2025, but remained virtually unchanged in value at US$1.23 billion. Analysts say this indicates prices for Russian crab declined in some key export markets, particularly China.

Due to limited sales outlets for Russian crab, the Chinese market has become a top priority destination for producers from both the Far East and northern regions of Russia. Northern producers previously focused primarily on the US market, where revenue was significantly higher...

Natural Grocers Expands Private Label Seafood Line with Wild Smoked Salmon Launch

Natural Grocers is expanding its private-label seafood lineup with the launch of Natural Grocers Brand Wild Smoked Salmon, now available in stores in both sockeye and coho varieties.

The new product is made with wild-caught Alaskan salmon and positioned as an everyday option for a range of meal occasions—from bagels and brunch boards to sandwiches, pasta and snacking. The retailer said the salmon is sustainably harvested, MSC-certified and cold-smoked in small batches at a longtime seaside smokehouse, delivering a silky texture...

ANALYSIS: Downward Pressure on Norwegian Atlantic Salmon Prices Through Week 15

The Norwegian Atlantic farm salmon price reached its highest point in week 11 (March 16) of 2026 to date and has since been moving downward. According to market participants, the demand remained irregular and somewhat fair. More recently, week 15 (April 13) closed with a weak market undertone, following the pattern seen in previous weeks. On the supply side, market participants reported that supplies were fully adequate to meet current lackluster buying interest, contributing to further downward pressure on Norwegian prices...

The Retail Rundown: Retailers Balance Premium Cuts and Value Picks Ahead of Mother’s Day

Early signs of grilling season are emerging, with retailers striking a balance between premium beef offerings and value-focused pork and chicken to draw in shoppers. At the same time, they’re preparing to compete for share during one of the year’s biggest foodservice-driven occasions: Mother’s Day.

Mother’s Day, falling on May 10 this year, is a holiday typically dominated by restaurants, with 63% of consumers planning a special outing and total spending projected to hit a record $38 billion, according to the National Retail...

For 2026 Norway is Turning its Marketing Focus Away From the US to China. Here’s Why.

At their annual meeting last January, the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) announced a shift in their marketing focus away from the United States and towards China, supported by a new Trends Report.  

The next few months' export data illustrated the new policy. NSC released their report, “The Year of China” recently with detailed demographics and trends that support the new policy. 

The report notes that China’s four tier-one cities — Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Shenzhen — each with populations in excess of 18 million people...

Private Label Reaches New Milestone Across Europe’s Biggest Grocery Markets

Circana reports private label has reached a new milestone in Europe, hitting a 50% unit share across France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the UK for the first time. The gain reflects sustained pressure from higher living costs, with store brands steadily expanding share since 2021 by more than three percentage points.

Circana’s Senior Vice President of Strategic Growth Insights, Ananda Roy, said, "Supermarket private label brands have spent the last decade becoming powerful brands in their own right. Given that a normal shopping...

Andfjord Salmon Secures $42 Million in Funding, Reports Strong Biological Performance

Norwegian land-based salmon farmer Andfjord Salmon announced a strategic partnership with Eidsfjord Sjøfarm and is raising a minimum NOK 300 million through a private placement at NOK 27.50 per share, with Eidsfjord committing an additional NOK 100 million investment.

The partnership includes substantial post-smolt deliveries from Andfjord to Eidsfjord in 2026 and 2027, with approximately 1 million planned for 2026 alone. The agreement also secures Andfjord's smolt sourcing and processing capacity through Holmøy Havbruk.

Andfjord reported excellent biological and operational metrics... 

Day 54 of Iran War: Ceasefire Extended as US Maintains Naval Blockade

US President Donald Trump extended the Iran ceasefire to allow more time for Tehran to submit a proposal and for negotiations to continue, while keeping a US naval blockade on Iranian ports in place. Iran called the blockade a violation of the truce and said it would not negotiate under pressure.

Tensions remain high across the region, with continued violence in the West Bank and southern Lebanon despite ceasefires.  Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely constrained, heightening concerns over global oil supplies, as both sides blame...

Pokeworks Launches Poke Bombs as Growth Momentum Continues

Pokeworks, a fast-casual poke brand, is launching Poke Bombs, a new menu item featuring sweet inari tofu pockets filled with white rice, topped with fresh poke and finished with a soy glaze. The lineup spotlights the flavors of ahi tuna, salmon, surimi and lobster.

"We're seeing more guests looking for food that keeps up with their day," said Mike Wu, Co-Founder and Head of Concept at Pokeworks. "Poke Bombs make it easy to grab something fresh and satisfying, whether you're on your...

Red Lobster Revives Endless Shrimp Promotion

Red Lobster officially announced Monday the return of its Endless Shrimp promotion, bringing back the offer that contributed to the chain's 2024 bankruptcy filing.

The limited-time promotion returns as part of the brand's renewed focus on customer feedback, according to CEO Damola Adamolekun.

"Endless Shrimp has been a part of Red Lobster's legacy for 20 years and our guests have never stopped asking for it," Adamolekun said. "We're excited to bring it back, for a limited time, in a way that works for our business today and honors what made it special...

Salmar Founder's Firm Takes 8.7% Måsøval Stake Ahead of Potential Sale

The Witzøe family has acquired an 8.7% stake in Norwegian salmon farmer Måsøval for NOK 374 million, purchasing the shareholding from Odin Fondene through its Kverva investment firm, according to Norwegian financial newspaper Dagens Næringsliv.

The move makes Kverva the second-largest shareholder in Måsøval, behind the founding family's 70% controlling interest, and has fueled analyst speculation that Gustav Witzøe-controlled Salmar may be positioning for a full acquisition of its regional competitor.

"Many are probably interested in the company...

US House Moves the FISH Act Out of Natural Resources, Along with Seven Other Bills

On Tuesday, the House Committee on Natural Resources reported the FISH Act, a bill that will strengthen efforts against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. 

“House Committee on Natural Resources members are dedicated to enacting commonsense policies to support rural communities across America,” remarked Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.)  

“Today’s markup advanced legislation that will ….combat illegal fishing activities… I look forward to working with the sponsors to advance these bills through the House,” said Westerman...

Canada Pushes Seafood Export Growth in Europe at Seafood Expo Global

Canada is stepping up efforts to grow and diversify its fish and seafood exports, with a strong focus on expanding its presence in Europe.

At this year’s Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona, Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson met with Canadian exporters, European buyers, and senior officials from Spain, the European Union, and the United Kingdom to discuss strong European demand for Canadian seafood, particularly frozen and value-added products.

Thompson also pointed to growing momentum in Spain, where the Sabores de Canada (or Flavours from...

New UMaine Study Examines Cunner’s Possible Impact on Maine Lobster

University of Maine researchers are launching a new study to investigate whether cunner, a common Gulf of Maine fish predator, may be preying on lobster in a way not previously documented.

Michelle Staudinger, associate professor of fisheries science at the University of Maine, is leading the project following reports from the Maine Department of Marine Resources and commercial lobstermen of increased numbers of cunner appearing in lobster traps. Some fishermen have also shared photos showing cunner with lobster eggs in their mouths, raising concerns about potential impacts...

ANALYSIS: Exchange Rate Relief Cushions US Shrimp Farmgate Costs Despite Tariff Pressures

Farmgate shrimp prices adjusted for yield and exchange rates present a more stable picture than replacement cost headlines suggest, but the story shifts dramatically once tariffs enter the equation. While origin-level costs in India track near mid-2022 levels even with current tariffs included, US importers face significantly compressed margins as replacement costs squeeze profitability across product forms...

Governor Appoints Three to Alaska Board of Fish While State Legislators Express Escalating Concern

For most of his two terms, Alaska’s Governor Mike Dunleavy has issued a press release in late March or early April on appointments to the state’s Board of Fisheries, which, along with the Board of Game, oversees the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. 

Not this year. Almost a month ago, Dunleavy penned an identical letter to two new appointees and one incumbent, thanking them for accepting the appointment to the seven-member board. 

The two new appointments, Josh Hayes and Blair Hickson, are replacing...

Northern Cod Enters MSC Sustainability Assessment After Decades-Long Recovery

Newfoundland's Northern cod stock has officially entered the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) assessment process for sustainability certification, marking a significant milestone for the fishery that collapsed in the 1990s and led to the MSC's creation.

The announcement came during the Northern Cod Fishery Improvement Project's update at the Global Seafood Expo in Barcelona on April 20, building on positive momentum from recent stock assessments showing the fishery's remarkable recovery.

Earlier this month, Fisheries and Oceans Canada confirmed the stock had grown...

Circana Forecasts 3% Foodservice Growth Across US and Europe in 2026

Circana projects US and European foodservice spend will grow 3% in 2026, as evolving consumer behaviors reshape demand across channels, dayparts and formats.

Speaking at Alimentaria, VP Foodservice Europe Edurne Uranga noted that while the two regions share common trends, they differ structurally. “The reality is more nuanced. The two markets share common dynamics, particularly the blurring of channels as new touchpoints emerge to capture immediate consumption occasions, but diverge in important structural ways.”

In the US, convenience stores are driving disruption...

7-Eleven Recalls Sandwiches Across Western Canada Over Listeria Concerns

7-Eleven has recalled various sandwich products across Western Canada due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination, according to a food recall warning posted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) on April 14.

The recall affects sandwiches sold in Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan provinces and was triggered by 7-Eleven Canada. No illnesses linked to the recalled products have been reported as of publication.

The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation that may lead to additional recalls and is verifying that the recalled products have been removed from...

FDA Issues Warning Letter to Ocean Group Over Multi-Facility Listeria Contamination

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning letter on March 3 to Los Angeles-based Ocean Group Inc. following inspections at four seafood processing facilities that revealed widespread Listeria monocytogenes contamination and serious sanitation violations.

The agency found the same strain of L. monocytogenes across Ocean Group's Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Dallas facilities between May and September 2025, with whole genome sequencing linking the pathogen to clinical isolates from ill people dating back to 2017. The contamination represents a "resident pathogen...

Online Grocery Set to Drive Majority of US Grocery Growth Through 2028

Online grocery shopping has firmly entered the mainstream, according to a new report from FMI – The Food Industry Association and NielsenIQ, which positions e-commerce as a primary driver of future grocery growth.

"Ecommerce is poised for extensive growth," said Jack O’Leary, director of ecommerce strategic insights for NIQ. "With online grocery sales increasing at a projected 11.6% annual rate through 2028 and already accounting for about one-fifth of total grocery spending, success now hinges on how well retailers connect digital and physical...

Sam’s Club Launches Enhanced Express Delivery, Fueling Continued eCommerce Growth 

Sam’s Club, a leading membership retail club, has launched an enhanced tier to its popular Express delivery, enabling members to go from checkout to doorstep delivery on thousands of in-club items in as little as an hour—often faster—with no minimum purchase and at the same price as in the club.

“Members love our three hours or less Express delivery, but they told us they wanted an even faster option—so, we delivered,” said Greg Pulsifer, Senior Vice President, eCommerce at Sam’s...

ANALYSIS: EU‑UK Shrimp Imports Fall 26% in February

According to European Commission data, February shrimp imports in the EU‑UK region fell sharply following a seasonal decline that began in December. The EU and UK traded 44,133 metric tonnes of warm‑ and cold‑water shrimp in February, a 26.1% drop from January and 4.8% year‑on‑year.

The decline reflects weaker demand at the start of the year, following large shrimp orders in Q4 across all UK and EU markets. Many importers also reported remaining local inventories that slowed the Q1 refill process...

Congress Examines China's IUU Fishing Impact on US Seafood Markets

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) co-chaired a Congressional-Executive Commission on China hearing on April 16 examining how China's illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing practices harm American fishermen and enable forced labor in global seafood supply chains.

The hearing, titled "Dark Nets, Illicit Labor—Confronting China's IUU Fishing and Seafood Supply Chain," featured testimony from Ian Urbina of the Outlaw Ocean Project, who detailed how Chinese distant-water fleets use forced labor and illegal fishing methods to create unfair competition for US fishermen...