High Liner Foodservice Launches Fully Cooked Whitefish Line Targeting C-store, QSR Operators

Value-added frozen seafood company High Liner Foods has debuted a brand-new portfolio of fully cooked offerings via its Foodservice division.

The new product line includes fully cooked whitefish items, providing solutions for foodservice operators and distributors.

“High Liner Foods has over a century of expertise in seafood excellence, and innovation is at the forefront of everything we do,” said Anthony Rasetta, Chief Commercial Officer at High Liner Foods. “Our new line of responsibly sourced, fully cooked products opens up opportunities for operators and distributors...

Trump Administration Releases New Dietary Guidelines Centered on 'Real Food'

A sweeping reset of federal nutrition policy aims to put real food at the center of the American diet, with a blunt call to cut back on highly processed foods and added sugars. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030, released today, marks a significant departure from past recommendations, redefining expectations for how Americans eat and creating new challenges — and opportunities — for farmers, manufacturers, and retailers. Although the guidelines are reviewed every five years, they have been largely stable since 1980...

ANALYSIS: Indonesian Shrimp Exports Rebound Amid Volume Shortfalls and Price Divergence

Indonesian exports rebounded in November following the massive disruption experienced in October. Despite the recovery, November shipments remained nearly 20% below year‑ago levels and roughly 5 million pounds under the 3‑year average, indicating an incomplete normalization of volumes.

Data show a substantial reallocation of shipments away from the US and into alternative markets, which absorbed much of the lost US volume. That destination shift moderated global supply pressure but altered traditional demand channels for Indonesian suppliers.

Contrary to expectations, unit export prices rose to their highest levels...

AK Delegation Introduce Bycatch Reduction Act to Address "Unprecedented Challenges"

As promised, Alaska’s Congressional Delegation has followed up on 2022’s Alaska Salmon Research Task Force Act with a broader approach to benefit other commercial species caught in Alaska. 

Senators Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Representative Nick Begich introduced the bill earlier this week in both houses of Congress. 

“In recent years, Alaskans have witnessed unprecedented declines among some fish and crab species in parts of the state while, in other parts, runs have been strong and historic,” said Sullivan...

Acme Smoked Fish Corporation Announces Official Leadership Transition

Acme Smoked Fish Corporation announced the official appointment of Rob Snyder as the incoming CEO following the retirement of Eduardo Carbajosa after 18 years with the company. 

Expana first reported Carbajosa's retirement in July. The report stated that Rob Snyder would assume a long-term strategic planning role until he formally assumed the role of CEO on January 1, 2026, Carbajosa’s official date of retirement. 

Snyder’s appointment ushers in a new period of investment and innovation, positioning Acme for continued long-term growth as a global leader in ready-to-eat seafood.

Salmon Farmers Expand Production in Northeastern Japan Amid Wild Fishery Staggering

Salmon farming production is expanding in Tohoku. Amid declining catches of traditional major fisheries, such as fall chum, local fishermen and distributors are turning their attention to fish farming more than ever before. Tohoku faces cold waters ideal for salmon farming, and is home to many manufacturers with advanced processing technologies. Inland water fishers handling intermediate seedlings are also concentrated here, leveraging the region's geographic characteristics to make it one of Japan's leading salmon production areas. Efforts toward mass production and brand...

SalMar Q4 Harvest Climbs 7% Year-on-Year; Lerøy Drops 13% as Regional Volumes Shift

Leading Norwegian salmon producers SalMar and Lerøy Seafood Group released Q4 2025 trading updates highlighting divergent quarterly results and contrasting regional performance.

SalMar reported a consolidated Q4 harvest of 84,100 tonnes gutted weight (GWT), driven by strong production in Central Norway (43,400 t) and Northern Norway (36,900 t). Its full-year 2025 harvest reached 284,500 t GWT. Meanwhile, offshore unit SalMar Ocean registered no harvest in Q4 but contributed 7,200 t for the year...

Proximar in Japan and Nordic Aqua in China Show Norway's Success in RAS Salmon to Asian Markets

Two Norwegian Atlantic salmon producers, both using recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), have released strong financial and production reports for Q4 2025.

Proximar Seafood AS announced its tenth regular production update following the initiation of production of Atlantic salmon in its Oyama facility in Japan in October 2022.

Nordic Aqua also reported good news from its facility in Ningbo, China. That facility reported a commercial harvest of 353 tonnes head-on gutted (HOG) Atlantic salmon, with an average harvest weight of 3.3 kg...

Rutgers Cooperative Extension to Host Introductory Fisheries Science for Stakeholders Course

Rutgers Cooperative Extension is offering an introductory fisheries science course for stakeholders of New Jersey's marine fisheries. The 2026 Introductory Fisheries Science for Stakeholders (IFISSH) course is open to everyone who is interested in New Jersey's marine fisheries. The course's objective is to educate stakeholders of New Jersey's commercial and recreational fisheries so that they will better understand and make progress on issues impacting these industries, including the science, management, and responsible stewardship of fishery resources. Visit the IFISSH web page or download the course flyer for additional details...

Association of Seafood Producers Names Lorelei Roberts Executive Director

The Association of Seafood Producers (ASP) appointed Lorelei Robers as its new executive director, effective January 30, 2026.

Roberts brings over two decades of experience to the role. She previously worked in public sector governance, regulatory oversight, and policy development with a direct focus on fisheries and aquaculture in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Over the last five years, Roberts worked at the Assistant Deputy Minister level with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, including as Assistant Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. In that role, Roberts oversaw regulatory management...

The Retail Rundown: New Year's Resolutions Sustain Protein Demand 

January ushers in seasonal headwinds that typically temper consumer spending, as post-holiday budget pressures encourage more cautious purchasing behavior.

While retail traffic generally softens after the holidays, protein demand remains resilient, supported by early-year wellness goals. Protein also continues to anchor merchandising strategies across foodservice as operators adjust to shifting consumer habits, including the growing use of GLP-1 weight-loss medications.

Season Introduces Extra Virgin Olive Oil Line at Winter Fancy Faire 2026

The nation’s #1 bestselling sardine brand, Season, is expanding its portfolio with the launch of a new Extra Virgin Olive Oil collection sourced from a single-family farm in the Moroccan desert.

The company will unveil the new line at Winter Fancy Faire 2026, one of the first major industry events of the year.

“As Winter Fancy Faire kicks off a new culinary year, we’re excited to share where Season is headed next,” said Sara Kelly, Marketing Manager at Season. “Our legacy has...

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Raw Oysters Reported Across 22 States, Growers Frustrated

On December 23, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released a report on a recent outbreak of a strain of Salmonella likely linked to raw oysters and initiated an investigation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to find the source. 

The report identified 64 cases of Salmonella Telelkebir infection across 22 states, with 20 hospitalizations. Since then, another two cases have been reported in Maryland by state officials, according to the Baltimore Sun. That brings the total number of cases in Maryland to three, up from... 

Japan's Ministry Targets JPY5 Trillion Food Exports by 2030

Atsushi Suginaka, Director-General of the Export and International Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, expressed "2026 New Year's Thoughts" to Minato Shimbun.

The government has set a goal of increasing agricultural, forestry, and fisheries products and food exports to JPY5 trillion ($31.97 billion) by 2030. To achieve this goal, relevant ministries and agencies are working together to promote exports. From January to October 2025, agricultural, forestry, and fishery product and food exports totaled approximately JPY1.3 trillion ($8.31 billion), of which...

Winding Glass: Trump Policies of Tariff and Weak Dollar Damaged Seafood in 2025, Likely to Continue 

Tariffs and a weak dollar created artificial seafood supply shortages in the US in 2025. The result: higher prices for consumers, reduced consumption, and a reorientation of global trade flows away from America.

Supply is the ultimate driver of seafood pricing, as any boat captain landing in New Bedford, Gloucester or Maine will tell you. On days with more boats, prices are down.

The same dynamic holds at the stock level. When a population expands or contracts, it changes the...

Whole Foods Market’s Top Food Trends to Watch in 2026

Whole Foods Market has released its annual forecast of the top food and beverage trends expected to shape shopping carts, kitchens, and consumer preferences in 2026. Developed by the retailer’s Trends Council, a group of buyers, culinary experts, and industry scouts, the list reflects emerging patterns in health, convenience, sustainability, and food culture.

One notable shift is the resurgence of beef tallow, a traditional cooking fat prized for its rich flavor and high smoke point. Once a staple of classic kitchens, tallow is being rediscovered by consumers interested in...

ANALYSIS: US Scallop Import Disconnect as Modest Declines Reveal Deeper Market Pressures

The 2025 scallop import story presents a nuanced picture that demonstrates how monthly volatility can obscure underlying market trends. While year-to-date imports through September totaled 39.7 million lbs, down 3.0% compared to 2024, this modest decline masks significant supply disruptions that have characterized much of the year...

Nueva Pescanova Advances AI in Surimi Production Optimization

Grupo Nueva Pescanova has entered the validation phase of new artificial intelligence (AI)-based prototypes aimed at optimizing surimi production. These prototypes are scheduled for implementation at the Chapela factory in January.

The initiative is part of the PremIA project, a research and development (R&D) effort to develop an AI predictive system for enhancing efficiency and quality in the manufacturing of fish, seafood, and related products. The system analyzes large data volumes to detect patterns and generate statistical models for forecasting production behavior, aiding strategic...

Trade Associations Praise Trump Administration’s New Nutritional Guidelines

Following Wednesday’s release of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030, several trade associations welcomed the updated federal nutrition guidance, which places protein back at the center of the plate.

“Thanks to the bold leadership of President Trump, this edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans will reset federal nutrition policy, putting our families and children first as we move toward a healthier nation,” US Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said.

“We are realigning our food system to support American farmers, ranchers, and companies that grow and produce real food. Farmers and...

Russian Government May Consider Selling Historical Fish Quotas Via Actions This Year

The Russian government will consider the beginning selling the so-called historical fish quotas through the auctions, in a move that will allow to attract additional revenues to the state budget.

Last year such a proposal has been put forward by some senior state officials in the Russian government, but was criticized by representatives of the local fish community. Still there is possibility that the government may once again consider this proposal later this year.

In accordance with the current Russian practice, certain fishing companies...

Funding to Help Fishing Crews Build Skills and Stay Safe 77

Support is available for safety training, qualifications and career progression until 31 March 2026.

Funding is available for people working on UK-registered fishing vessels to help cover the cost of a wide range of training courses. Fishermen, vessel crew or those looking to enter the fishing industry can apply for funding to improve their skills, safety knowledge and career prospects.

The funding is provided through the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the four UK fisheries administrations with the training itself aiming to...

Expana Announces CEO Transition as Julie Harris Appointed Chief Executive Officer

Expana, the world’s leading agrifood-focused Price Reporting Agency and market intelligence provider, today announced that Julie Harris has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective January 26, 2026. She will succeed Spencer Wicks, who has decided to retire after more than seven years of leadership.

Julie joins Expana with an extensive track record in the global data and analytics sector. Most recently CEO of IWSR, the beverage-alcohol data and insight provider, she led the company through major product expansion, platform modernization

Albertsons Delivers Strong Q3 Results Amid Shutdown Challenges

Albertsons released financial results for its third quarter on Wednesday, reflecting improvements in key metrics while noting impacts from the temporary US government shutdown and delayed SNAP funding.

CEO Susan Morris described the company’s performance as “solid,” saying, "Our investments in technology and AI are fundamentally reshaping how we operate and serve our customers, driving smarter decisions, greater efficiency, and more personalized experiences." She added, "As we look ahead, I am confident that our modernized technology foundation, relentless focus on productivity, and commitment to innovation will enable...

Salmon Farmer Bakkafrost Scottish Ops Hit by $9 Million in Mortality Costs in Q4

Bakkafrost’s Q4 2025 harvest in the Faroe Islands reached 23,300 tonnes HOG with an average fish weight of 5.6 kg, advancing the year‑to‑date total to 83,600 tonnes. Monthly harvests were 9,500 tonnes in October (5.4 kg), 7,600 tonnes in November (5.9 kg) and 6,200 tonnes in December (5.4 kg).

Scottish operations yielded 4,600 tonnes HOG in Q4, averaging 4.1 kg per fish. Incident-based mortality costs in farming amounted to 58 million DKK ($9 million) in Scotland, largely stemming...

Coast Guard Rescues Nine Crew of Crab Vessel Arctic Sea Near St. George Island, Alaska

Early in the morning of Monday, January 5, the 134-foot crab vessel Arctic Sea lost power and began drifting toward the shallow north shore of St. George Island, part of the Pribilof Islands in the central Bering Sea.  

At 4:11 a.m., watchstanders at the Coast Guard Arctic District Command Center in Juneau received a call that the vessel was taking on water and had run aground with nine people aboard.  

At the same time, Eric Deakin, CEO of Coastal Villages Region Fund...

Norwegian Seafood Council Flags US Tariffs Impact, Highlights China and Salmon as Growth Drivers

The Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) reported that US tariffs weighed on seafood exports in the second half of 2025 but emphasized that the United States remains a vital market with strong growth potential for Norwegian seafood.

“The USA's new tariffs created a lot of noise and turmoil for Norwegian seafood exports. From being a market with record growth and an almost insatiable appetite for salmon and crab from Norway in the first half of 2025, US trade throughout the year was characterized by tariffs...

A Year of Change, Value, and Growth in Foodservice

As we closed the month of December and ushered out the year 2025, we look back at some of the most memorable moments in foodservice. From corporate controversy to shifting consumer behavior, the year delivered no shortage of headlines.

Controversy erupted when a popular chain restaurant walked back a logo redesign that ultimately spilled into the political arena. "Value" emerged as the buzzword of the year as restaurants competed to give consumers more for their money. Meanwhile, beef prices climbed to historic highs, pushing chicken into the spotlight as diners...

Russia Continues Supplies of its Cod and Pollock to EU Despite the Existing Restrictions and Duties

Russia continues the supplies of its cod and pollock to the EU despite the existing restrictions and duties although this does not lead to decline of fish prices in the European market.

In fact, the European Union banned imports of caviar from Russia after the beginning of Russian-Ukranian war, but other fish products, including cod, still remained on the market being not a subject of bans. In 2024, the EU revoked Russian fisherman their tariff exemptions, but purchases of Russian

Midcoast Lobsterman was a Thoughtful and Persuasive Advocate for Industry

Chris McIntire was content. He had made goals — to live on Orr’s Island, to fish for a living, to raise a family — and by working hard, he had achieved them. Maybe more than anything else, he wanted to make sure his children could also have the life that satisfied him so much, if they wanted it.

McIntire, an emerging voice in the community and in Maine’s lobster fishery, died unexpectedly on Nov. 24 at the age of 32.

McIntire followed paths worn in by his parents...

2025: A Pivotal Year Reordering Global Seafood Trade and Policy

The year 2025 marked a watershed in seafood trade and policy with transformative impacts felt across international supply chains, domestic regulations, and industry competitiveness. At the center was President Trump’s sweeping reciprocal tariff regime, reshaping sourcing and pricing dynamics from shrimp to crab, while high-profile regulatory actions, from the FDA's radioactive shrimp recalls to NOAA’s Marine Mammal Protection Act import bans, reverberated through global markets. Domestically, the Trump administration launched bold initiatives, including an executive order to cut regulatory burdens and a strategic roundtable...