ANALYSIS: US Shrimp Import Estimates and Retail Signals Point to a Tightening, Form‑Specific Market 

Country‑level import estimates through October show a post‑frontload correction: modeled volumes for September and October are down roughly 10% and 18% year‑on‑year, respectively, while year‑to‑date imports are up about 8% but essentially flat (+3.6%) since May. Ecuador’s volumes increase relative to other origins; India, Indonesia and Vietnam display divergent month‑to‑month paths. Model error ranges run roughly 9–18% by origin, depending on data history. Finalized customs data and country export splits remain pending...

2026 Bristol Bay Sockeye Run Forecast of 45.32 Million, 12 Percent Below 2025’s Forecast

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) released its forecast for the 2026 Bristol Bay salmon season yesterday, predicting a run of 45.32 million and a catch of 32.26 million sockeye. This is 26% smaller than the most recent 10-year average of 61.0 million fish and 21% greater than the long-term average of 37.40 million fish (1963–2025). 

Yesterday’s forecast compared to last year’s final forecast, also released in November, for a 2025 run of 51.3 million and a forecasted...

Court Drops All Charges Against Quinlan in Bay de Verde Crab Case

Quinlan Seafood says a court has dismissed all charges related to crab production and handling at its Bay de Verde facility after the Crown chose not to call any evidence, concluding there was no reasonable prospect of conviction.

In a November 13 statement, the company said the decision vindicates its position that the allegations were unfounded and rooted in “flawed testing, unproven and untested technology, and improper inspection authority.” Quinlan President Robin Quinlan said the company and its employees had “borne the weight” of what he called arbitrary...

Industry Hears What's Working For Retail and Foodservice Sectors at ASMI’s All Hands Meeting

Last week, leaders in Alaska’s seafood industry heard from Circana and Technomic about retail and foodservice trends in seafood, including a deep dive into what motivates consumers to buy more seafood today. 

The audience of seafood executives — from CEOs to vessel captains — are all members of the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, attending the annual All Hands meeting for four days to share research and analysis with real-world experience in harvesting, processing, distribution, and marketing.

“There are five mega trends driving food sales in retail...

USDA Gets Seafood Liaison Post After Shutdown Deal; Appropriations Move to Bar China‑Sourced Seafood

The US government has approved a Seafood Liaison position within the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) included in the appropriations legislation that put an end to the longest government shutdown in the history of the country.

The post is funded through the FY2026 Agriculture appropriations package, where Senate Appropriations Committee language earmarks $625,000 to establish a “Seafood Industry Liaison” in the Office of the Secretary. Committee text describes the liaison as “solely responsible for the effective coordination of seafood policies...

Japan: Frozen POP Imports in January-September Fell by 28% to 7,025 Tons; US POP Plummets by 54%

The import volume of frozen redfish from January to September was 7,025 tons, down 28% from the same period last year. The slowdown trend in recent years has been spurred. The main U.S. production fell by 54% to 2,791 tons. The background is the decline in buying due to "the buying sentiment of the Chinese processing industry has increased very much" (trading company sources).

The import volume was 2.30,000~3.10,000 tons in 2012...

Navigating the Trump Tariff Turbulence: A Comprehensive Timeline

US President Donald Trump and his administration have paused reciprocal tariffs on most countries.

“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown... I am hereby raising the [tariff] charged to China by the [USA] to 125%, effective immediately,” wrote Trump on Truth Social at 1:18 pm ET. 

It’s not clear if this 125% is in addition to the 20% imposed on Chinese imports to the US. In early March, Trump noted that he would add another 10% tariff on Chinese goods...

Southern‑Style Seafood Arrives in Europe as Captain D's Debuts in the UK

Captain D’s opened its first United Kingdom and European flagship restaurant in Broadstairs, Kent, last month, roughly nine months after the company announced it had signed a 20-unit franchise agreement in the UK, as Expana reported.

The milestone launch marks a major step in the brand's international expansion and introduces British diners to authentic American Southern-style seafood, the company said in a press release.

"This grand opening is a proud and emotional moment for us," said Daryl Stutchbury, CEO of Captain D's UK...

OBBBA’s 2nd Oil Lease Sale this March for Alaska’s Cook Inlet, 1st Sale Next Month for Gulf States

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) today announced two major oil and gas lease sales last Friday, as promised in President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

BOEM, part of the Department of the Interior, released the Final Notice of Sale for Lease Sale Big Beautiful Gulf 1 (BBG1), the first of 30 Gulf of America lease sales. The Gulf of Mexico was renamed by Trump to the Gulf of America...

Veramaris Unveils Leadership Changes as It Enters New Expansion Phase

Veramaris recently announced leadership changes in alignment with the company's next phase of strategic evolution.

In this phase, the company aims to deepen partnerships, expand its operational footprint, and establish itself as the industry's certified sustainable purveyor of essential Omega-3s.

The focus will be on scaling responsibly, supporting partners with reliable nutrition solutions, and enabling the industry to plan with greater confidence.

As part of these changes, Mark van Nieuwland will succeed Gertjan de Koning as CEO, effective January 1, 2026. He will join...

ANALYSIS: Atlantic Halibut Reaches Two-Decade Price Highs Despite Familiar Seasonal Trends

Atlantic halibut pricing in 2025 has followed familiar seasonal patterns despite notable volatility throughout the year. The market experienced significant price swings, though many occurred at similar intervals compared to previous years

The market demonstrated its typical rhythm with increases ahead of spring holidays, summer softening, and subsequent recovery. Currently, pricing is climbing heading into the winter holiday season, when some of the year's highest prices typically occur.

This year's price increases began about two weeks earlier than usual, contributing to elevated pricing compared to year-over-year...

Echo Falls Announces Leadership Changes to Drive Continued Expansion

In pursuit of continued expansion, Echo Falls has recently implemented a series of leadership changes.

Nearly two weeks ago, Expana covered the promotions of Jeff Gernand to Director of National Sales – Branded Products and Rachael Minieri to Director of Private Label Sales, respectively.

These promotions created vacancies in the Regional Sales Manager positions previously held by Gernand (West) and Minieri (East).

This week, the company welcomed two leaders to fill those roles. Kimberly Novkov was appointed Regional Sales Manager, Western Territory, while Paul Williams will serve...

The Retail Rundown: A Season of Plenty, Except for Turkey

For retailers, this year’s holiday season is shaping up to be one of plenty. The National Retail Federation (NRF) projects November and December sales to surpass $1 trillion for the first time, underscoring consumers’ continued spending power.

“American consumers may be cautious in sentiment, yet remain fundamentally strong and continue to drive U.S. economic activity,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay.

While foodservice outlets are poised to capture consumer traffic on hectic days, retail prepared foods and frozen entrées are well-positioned to compete for at-home dining occasions as shoppers seek convenient, time-saving meal solutions...

Cousins Maine Lobster Drives Midwest Momentum with New St. Louis Truck

Cousins Maine Lobster (CML), the industry-leading fast-casual lobster roll brand, has signed an agreement with local family entrepreneurs, Sam, Tommy, and Tarik Ramadan, to bring its signature Maine lobster food truck experience to Missouri. The new truck is set to launch in April 2026, marking CML's highly anticipated debut in the St. Louis market and continuing its ongoing Midwest expansion.

Tommy Ramadan will lead the venture, providing strategic direction and management oversight, with support from his younger brother, Tarik, who will oversee...

ANALYSIS: China’s Crustacean Imports Hold Firm Despite Economic Slowdown

Despite an economic slowdown that has persisted since last year, China has sustained a healthy import budget for crustaceans, according to the latest GACC figures (General Administration and Customs of China). The first quarter saw shipments to China increase by 6.6%, then 7.4% in Q2 and 5.0% in Q3, so from January to September, shellfish imports rose 6.3% in volume and 6.6% in value year‑on‑year.

Shrimp account for the largest share of crustacean imports this year, representing 55% of the CNY 50,149 million total spent to date...

Alaska’s 2025 Season Nets 88 Percent More Salmon, Increasing YOY Value by 78 Percent

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) has published preliminary catch and value data for this year’s salmon season, noting year-on-year increases for both volume and value. 

Total catch reached 194.8 million salmon, an 88% increase from the 2024 catch of 103.5 million salmon. Total value in 2025 for all species is estimated to be at $541 million, a significant increase from $304 million in 2024. Ex-vessel average prices per pound for all salmon species improved from 2024 values...

Recall of Frozen Norwegian Salmon Fillet

In a laboratory test conducted by the Food Service of the Central Health Bureau, it was found that two products — Norwegian skinless frozen salmon fillet, packaging date January 6, 2025 only, barcode 7290005816109, and Norwegian frozen salmon fillet, packaging date December 14, 2024 only, barcode 7290003424252 — showed a discrepancy between the labeling as Atlantic salmon of the *Salar* species and their actual composition as coho salmon (*Oncorhynchus* species).

Product details:

• Product name: Norwegian frozen salmon fillet with/without skin, vacuum packed
• Brand: Chirne Content: sold by weight
• Manufacturer: Smoke Fish...

Chilean Salmon Joint Venture BluGlacier Joins NFI Sushi Council

The National Fisheries Institute (NFI)’s Salmon Council welcomed BluGlacier as its newest member on November 13.

NFI said the addition of BluGlacier adds a key voice to the sushi industry’s efforts in responsible sourcing, supply chain transparency and product integrity.

BluGlacier was founded in 2016 as a US joint-venture between leading Chilean salmon producers Salmones Blumar S.A. and Ventisqueros S.A. The company has a foundation in the Chilean aquaculture space and boasts a commercial base in Miami. NFI noted the company’s sourcing of Atlantic and Coho salmon in southern...

Failed Norway Talks Could Trigger Cod Shortage, Price Spike in Russia

The situation for cod in Russia could worsen quickly if Moscow and Oslo fail to reach an agreement on Barents Sea cod quotas.

Norwegian and Russian media report that negotiations are ongoing but have made little progress. If talks collapse, Russia’s cod sector could face shortages and a sharp rise in prices.

Since the start of the Russia‑Ukraine war, Norway has generally supported EU sanctions packages, while seeking to maintain fisheries cooperation with Russia. In August, however, Oslo restricted two Russian fishing companies on state‑security grounds...

Norwegian Seafood Council Sees Big Opportunity for At-Home Poké as UK Consumers Embrace Raw Seafood

Recent research from the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) points to a potential opportunity for retailers and companies to develop Hawaiian-inspired poke products for at-home consumption.

The NSC reported that 42% of consumers in the United Kingdom are opting to eat poke away from home, with most citing health benefits and taste as their reasons. However, of the 54% who said they have prepared poke at home, only 30% do so on a monthly basis, with half of that total saying it’s something...

Reports of Possible ICE Facility Near Newport, Ore., Stir Concern

City and state officials are seeking clarification after reports surfaced that the US Department of Homeland Security may be evaluating potential sites along the Oregon Coast, including property near the Newport Municipal Airport, for a new US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility.

In a statement released Monday, Newport city leaders confirmed they had received credible information indicating the airport property, currently deeded to the US Coast Guard, was identified as one possible location. The city emphasized that, although details remain unconfirmed, the potential for an ICE facility...

Q3 Results Drive Foodservice Headlines in First Half of November

Major industry players across the business captured attention in the first half of the month as foodservice providers released new insights from their quarterly reports.

Many restaurants are facing challenges in the third quarter as US consumers cut back on frequent dining. This compilation provides a thorough overview of key players' performance results and the latest in the most notable company news.

QSR's

McDonald's Q3, FY 2025

McDonald's reported a 3.6% increase in global same-store sales for the third quarter, surpassing analysts' expectations...

BioMar Delivers Continued High-Volume Growth and Solid Earnings in Q3

Hitting the peak season, BioMar delivered a record Q3 with an all-time high EBITDA result. Volumes increased by 9% year on year in Q3, while EBITDA increased by 10%. The volume growth was primarily attributable to positive developments in Chile and Ecuador, while biological conditions had an adverse impact on volumes in Norway.

As a continuation of the strong growth in volumes in Q2, the company is well ahead of last year, and with only few months left of 2025, it is looking like yet another good year

Oregon Dungeness Crab is Ready for Harvest!

Oregon’s Dungeness crab fleet appears headed for an on-time start to the 2025–26 commercial season, with preseason testing showing strong meat recovery across all sampling areas. The only thing that could hold up an on-time season start for Dec. 1: Elevated domoic acid levels in one or more areas.  

According to coastwide test data, all Oregon areas exceeded the state’s minimum meat recovery criteria, according to results released by the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission – an encouraging sign for harvesters and processors after several...

Red Lobster Launches Fresh Seafood Boils and Seasonal Delights

The popularity of the seafood boil has reemerged recently, fueled by food content creators and social media.

Armed with a relentless CEO and rebounding from bankruptcy, Red Lobster has embraced the trend in an effort to heat up its menu, and amplify foot traffic.

Expana first announced the addition of the new seafood boils in June . Following their successful debut, Expana later reported in September that the restaurant made the boils a permanent part of its menu.

Most recently, the company has added three new flavors...

ICFA Urges COP30 Negotiators to Recognize Critical Role of Fisheries in Climate Action

The International Coalition of Fisheries Associations (ICFA) reminds climate change negotiators of the critical role fisheries play in both climate mitigation and adaptation. ICFA emphasizes two key points: (1) the fisheries sector’s contribution to mitigating climate change; and (2) the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems and fish stocks. Related to both is the critical role blue foods play in global food security and nutrition. 

Next week, during the 30^th Conference of the Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, countries are expected...

Les Hodges: Frozen Crab to the US, Live to China - Everything Else is Just Noise

As the industry enters the final weeks of 2025, one reality is unmistakable: global king and snow crab movement is now shaped almost entirely by the United States and China. The US has become the dominant outlet for frozen snow crab, absorbing record volumes from Canada and Norway, while China controls the live crab market and continues to pull the majority of Russian king and snow crab. Japan remains Asia's largest frozen crab buyer, but demand has fallen sharply under a weak yen and declining consumer...

ANALYSIS: Scottish Salmon Production '24-25: Volume Trends, Health Impacts, and Market Implications

The Scottish Fish Farm Production Survey 2024, published in October 2025, reported a notable increase in Atlantic salmon production in 2024, reaching 192,000 metric tonnes (mt), up 41,051mt (+27%) year-on-year (y-o-y). Current estimates for 2025 production are approximately 195,182 mt, a further 1.7% increase y-o-y. Salmon production in Scotland has been volatile over the past decade (Figure 1), but if the 2025 forecast is met this will mark two consecutive years of growth...

Expana Publication Schedule For the Veteran’s Day Holiday

Expana will be observing the Veteran’s Day holiday on Tuesday, November 11, which will impact the publication of some Expana Benchmark Prices. All US offices will be closed on the day; daily reports (red meat, poultry, eggs) will not be published, and the following weekly and biweekly reports will be impacted:

Veal, US, will be published on Monday, November 10

Grains and Oilseeds, US, will be published on Monday, November 10

Seafood, US and EU Markets, will be published on Wednesday, November 12...

ANALYSIS: US Shrimp Import Estimates Show Downtrend After Front‑loading

New import estimates (Aug–Oct) developed amid the government shutdown reveal a post‑frontload downtrend that trims near‑term availability. While imports were higher than 2023–24 (years that themselves showed declines), they remain below 2022 levels. Preliminary October signals—where peeled product trends toward the high end of estimates—point to tighter balances for certain forms even as total seasonal volumes cool. Seasonally, the projected Aug–Oct turn confirms the expected counter‑seasonal downtrend after the spring/summer front run. That combination—reduced post‑frontload inflows plus form‑specific...