ANALYSIS: Navigating Supply Challenges and Regulatory Pressures in the US Crab Meat Market

The US blue and red swimming crab meat market is confronting a complex and evolving set of challenges that are driving significant upward price pressures and operational uncertainties. Central to this turbulence is the imminent enforcement of NOAA Fisheries’ Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) import rules, set to take effect January 1, 2026, alongside persistent steep tariffs on imported crab meat...

Florida Seafood Executive Indicted Over Alleged Stone Crab, Spiny Lobster Price-Fixing Conspiracy

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has indicted Dennis Dopico, a Florida-based seafood executive, alleging that he participated in a conspiracy to fix the prices of stone crab claws and spiny lobsters, which involved multiple companies.

The DOJ alleged that Dopico “knowingly joined and participated in a conspiracy with other persons and entities, known and unknown to the US, to suppress and eliminate competition by fixing prices paid to fishermen for stone crab claws and spiny lobster harvested in Florida...

Binzer to Lead Royal Greenland as CEO; Board Cites Global Expertise and Local Insight

Royal Greenland has appointed Toke Binzer as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective December 1.

Previously, Binzer held senior roles at IBM and TDC, as well as a director position at Tusass. The company said his previous experience gives him “the best qualifications to lead a global company like Royal Greenland.”

“The Board looks forward to the opportunities his experience and leadership style will bring,” Chairman of the Board Niels Thomsen said. “We share the ambitions of high professionalism...

Target Good & Gather Burrito Bowls Recalled Due to Undeclared Shrimp

About 57,240 Good & Gather Southwest-Style Burrito Bowl Blend bags sold at Target nationwide are being recalled after shrimp was detected but not listed on the label, the FDA said in a Sept. 10 announcement.

One Frozen, LLC of Rochester, NY, voluntarily recalled certain lots of the Good & Gather brand product because they may have undeclared shrimp. In total, 57,240 consumer units were listed on the recall.

The impacted products were distributed through Target retail stores nationwide in all 50 states...

ANALYSIS: YTD French Shrimp Imports Surpass Five-Year Averages

The French National Directorate of Foreign Trade Statistics has just published the latest import figures for July. France, the EU’s second-largest shrimp market after Spain, imported 10,704 metric tons of shrimp in July 2025, valued at 69.7 million euros. Both figures show a decline compared to July 2024—down 6.2% in volume and 11.2% in value. However, July stands out as the only month this year to register a year-on-year decrease in imported volumes; all other months have shown steady growth since January...

Mexico’s Baja Aqua-Farms Expands into Marine Ingredients with Acquisition of Baja Marine Foods

Baja California, Mexico-based Baja Aqua-Farms (BAF) announced it has acquired Baja Marine Foods (BMF).

BAF is a tuna farmer that produces sashimi-grade tuna products with a history dating back to the turn of the century. BMF was founded in 2010 and is also headquartered in Baja California, Mexico. BMF is a processor of locally caught pelagic species, with a plant capable of processing up to 450 tons per day and a pair of fishing vessels. It produces fishmeal, fish oil, and frozen seafood...

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...

Chile Supreme Court Upholds Ruling, Fines Caleta Bay Mar for False Salmon Harvest Information

Chile’s Supreme Court ruled in favor of its National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca), ordering salmon farmer Caleta Bay Mar to pay a fine for providing false information about one of its harvests.

Sernapesca stated that irregularities were detected during its inspection process. It said the quantity of fish harvested didn’t match the amount reported at the time of stocking or the mortality rate recorded during harvest. Sernapesca reported the incident to the First Civil Court of Puerto Montt as a result. Sernapesca also noted that...

Larry’s Catch Expands Across Canada, Pushing MSC-Certified, Flash-Frozen Canadian Seafood

Larry’s Catch, a Canada-based seafood delivery and subscription company, said its services are now available across Canada.

The brand stated that it works exclusively with certified sustainable family fisheries. The company boasts its ability to offer an alternative to grocery store seafood with its wild-caught, flash-frozen Canadian seafood.

“Operating with intentional sourcing at the heart of its business, Larry's Catch partners directly with Canadian fishing families who have been on the water for generations,” the company wrote...

Major Restaurant Chains Ramp Up Market Expansion

This week, big players in the foodservice industry, including Chipotle, TGI Fridays, and Qdoba, have unveiled ambitious expansion plans.

By stretching accessibility and strengthening their global presence, these companies are ramping up efforts to reach international markets.

First, Qdoba announced its largest development deal in its brand's history.

The company partnered with Barry Dubin of B Wild Investments in an agreement to develop 50 new QDOBA restaurants across the states of Alaska, Utah, Nevada, Colorado and New Mexico.

It also announced that B Wild Investments has signed...

ANALYSIS: Strong YTD Frozen Tuna Imports Meet Escalating Trade and Compliance Challenges

Frozen tuna fillet imports from Vietnam and Indonesia reflect a nuanced market picture—short-term divergence layered atop strong year-to-date growth. In July 2025, Indonesia posted a modest 1.3% year-over-year gain, while Vietnam saw a sharper 12.9% decline. However, on a broader scale, import volumes tell a more bullish story: year-to-date, Vietnam’s exports to the U.S. are up 30.8%, while Indonesia has climbed 15.2% over the same period. This aligns with the broader trend, as total imports from all countries are up...

NOAA Highlights US Leadership at IATTC; Advances Tuna Management and Data Initiatives

NOAA Fisheries highlighted the US' work at the annual Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) that was held last week. The IATTC comprises 21 member nations and manages tuna fisheries in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

The US, represented by NOAA’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Fisheries, Andrew Lawler, and NOAA Fisheries’ West Coast Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Ryan Wulff, led discussions on managing bigeye, yellowfin, and skipjack tuna. NOAA Fisheries said the US landed $1.8 million in funding for the Regional Tuna Tagging Program...

SalmonChile Represented in Chilean Capitol Hill Delegation to Advance Trade Talks

SalmonChile, a Chilean salmon industry association, visited Capitol Hill in the United States to discuss trade relations, tariffs, and other issues with US representatives.

The Chilean delegation was led by the Industrial Development Association (SOFOFA), and its president, Rosario Navarro, and its secretary general, Rodrigo Yáñez. The group met with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), where parties discussed the negotiation of a free trade agreement and the current tariff status. The delegation was also received at a reception by the Chilean ambassador to Washington...

Louisiana Fish Fry Joins Forces with GRAMMY-Winning Musician Trombone Shorty

Louisiana Fish Fry, a leading manufacturer and distributor of authentic, Louisiana-inspired food products, announced their partnership with GRAMMY-winning artist Troy Andrews, also known by the stage name Trombone Shorty - bringing together two Louisiana icons to celebrate a shared commitment to culture, creativity, and community.

The partnership blends Trombone Shorty's innovative musical style with Louisiana Fish Fry's rich heritage and dedication to bringing the authentic taste of the bayou to kitchens everywhere. Together, they will promote the company's array of products...

Landslide Disrupts Norway’s Salmon Supply Chain

A landslide in Norway has led to disruptions in salmon shipments, according to Norwegian broadcaster NRK Nordland. 

The landslide occurred earlier this month in the town of Levanger in Trøndelag county. 

The publication reported that the landslide would have “major consequences” for businesses that transport goods to and from Northern Norway.

Daniel Bjarmann-Simonsen, director of communications for salmon farmer Nova Sea, which is majority-owned by salmon farming giant Mowi, explained the landslide has thrown a wrench in its logistics.

Bjarmann-Simonsen explained...

PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep. 34 - AI Adoption in Agri-Food, Feat. Beth Pollack

Expana presents Agri-Food for Thought, the podcast series for agriculture and food professionals. 

Today we explore something different. A trend that is definitely here to stay and one that we are all integrating into our workflows. This transformative trend, however, is only in the infancy stages of its huge potential, and many of us, it is fair to say, are struggling to realize how to use it, and some of us even fear it… We're talking about AI, of course.

The Winding Glass: Snow Crab Market Experiencing Real Shortfall

Much of the analysis of the snow crab market this spring focused on two key issues: how tariffs could impact sales, and whether economic weakness and consumer resistance would limit price increases.  

In July and August, prices rose rapidly, far more quickly than they did in 2024. A normal seasonal pattern in snow crab is that prices trend higher once the season has ended. This year, it was more extreme than many had expected. Was it speculation and artificial constriction of supply, or was it a genuine signal of market distress...

Russia Still Views Japan as Key Export Market Despite Tensions

Russia remains steadfast in considering Japan as one of its most promising seafood markets, despite current tensions between the two countries. 

Fish exports show positive dynamics this year. According to data from the Russian Fish Union, based on Japanese customs statistics, Russia's exports of fish and seafood to Japan increased by 9% in volume and by 2% in value terms from January to July. The supplies for the reporting period amounted to 72,000 tons and $521 million.

The best export dynamics...

Coffee, Cocoa, Tea, and More Added to List of Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners

As of September 5, products like coffee, cocoa, and tea (along with hundreds more) may be exempt from US reciprocal tariffs if a country’s leaders make a deal with the US trade team, according to a White House fact sheet that specifies exemptions for trading partners that make substantial, reciprocal commitments to mitigate the national emergency-inducing trade-deficit.

To date, market participants watched as deals with the European Union and Indonesia provided a vague mention towards exemptions for “natural resources” like EU cork...

Open Ocean Aquaculture Backers Rally on Capitol Hill to Urge Passage of MARA Act

Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS), a group advocating for open ocean aquaculture in the US, began a two-day legislative fly-in on Capitol Hill on September 10.

SATS stated that seafood industry leaders and allies met with members of Congress and their staff to lobby for fish farming in federal waters.

"Federal legislation that supports open ocean aquaculture provides the US a chance to prove that we can sustainably produce more seafood in our own ocean waters," said Drue Banta Winters, campaign manager of SATS...

E-Commerce Drives Growth and Strategy for Private Brands in Food Retail

The Food Industry Association (FMI) released findings from its new report entitled, "The Power of Private Brands 2025: Industry Strategies to Sustain Momentum."

This report highlights the impact of e-commerce on the growth of private brands at food retailers and the tools businesses are using to boost sales and shopper loyalty.

According to the report, food retailers are increasingly recognizing the value of e-commerce and anticipate it may eventually outpace in-store purchases. It stated that sales of private brand...

Oregon Goes to Court Again to Protect Columbia Basin Salmon

Another lawsuit over Columbia River salmon? Must be a day that ends with a “y.” 

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield announced on Thursday that the state is resuming litigation against the federal government following its withdrawal from the Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement, which was brokered during the Biden administration. The federal government's decision abandons a collaborative plan developed with Oregon, Washington, four Lower Columbia Treaty Tribes, and conservation partners to restore salmon runs, honor treaty obligations, and meet clean energy needs...

Kaldvik Lands ASC Certification for Pair of Salmon Farms; All Farming Sites Now Certified

Kaldvik, an Icelandic salmon farmer, announced that it has achieved Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification for two of its farming sites.

The company said the move confirms that its operations meet “the strict ASC requirements for social responsibility, animal welfare, and environmental protection.” The two additions bring the company’s ASC-certified sites total to seven.

“Achieving ASC certification for our final two sites is an important milestone,” said Sandra Eiðsdóttir, Quality Manager at Kaldvík. “ASC is about farming in a way that is good...

Rep. Mace Amendment Would Force Pentagon to Buy Only American‑Caught Seafood

Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would require the Department of War (DoW) to purchase only American-caught seafood.

“For too long, foreign competitors have undercut American workers, threatened our economy, and exploited loopholes in federal law. Our amendment ends it,” said Congresswoman Mace. “If the Pentagon is buying seafood, it will come from American waters, caught by American hands, not from our adversaries.”

Mace’s office noted the Berry Amendment...

Barents Sea Catch Growth Could Shape Kamchatka Crab Outlook Despite Export Hurdles 

Russia is banking on stable catches of Kamchatka crab in its Northern Basin in despite tough business conditions domestically. 

Particular attention will be paid to the increase in catch in the Barents Sea. 

Also, the marketing opportunities for Kamchatka crab caught in the Northern Basin are currently limited. Prior to the imposition of sanctions, most of it was supplied to the European and US markets, which primarily purchased it in frozen form. Currently, the primary sales markets for Kamchatka crab are China and Japan...

Commissioner Sid Miller Advocates for Public Comment on Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness

Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller highlighted an opportunity to shape the future of our American seafood industry. NOAA Fisheries has opened a public comment period on President Trump’s Executive Order, “Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness.” Particularly in Texas, where the seafood industry has struggled, Commissioner Miller is urging those with feedback to submit public comments as soon as possible.

“Our Texas seafood industry is on life support,” Commissioner Miller said. “When government stands between producers and their livelihoods, that’s a problem...

Alaska Seafood Roundtable Highlights Push for Domestic Competitiveness Under Trump Administration

Alaska’s seafood sector took center stage as a September 9 roundtable brought together state lawmakers, industry leaders and senior Trump administration officials to chart a path for strengthening the domestic fishery supply chain, addressing aging fleets and bolstering international competitiveness under President Trump’s April 2025 Executive Order on 'Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness.'

Top officials, including US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, signaled a "whole-of-government" approach to keeping Alaska's wild fisheries resilient amid global pressures and regulatory challenges...

Chile’s Seafood Exports at Risk as Russia Threatens Restrictions for Documentation Violations

Russia's Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision (Rosselkhoznadzor) warned Chile's National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (SERNAPESCA) that Chile may be barred from importing seafood into Russia due to various violations.

"The Service has repeatedly recorded discrepancies in the accompanying documentation for these products from Chile," Rosselkhoznadzor said in a statement. "Discrepancies have also been noted in the information indicated on the labels and stated in the veterinary certificates...

FMI Proposes Amendments and Extended Deadline for FDA Food Traceability Rule

Today, the Food Industry Association (FMI) submitted comments on the proposed changes to the Food Traceability Rule by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Among the suggestions, the FMI requested extending the compliance deadline to July 2028, believing that its amendments would facilitate a more efficient implementation of the rule

“FMI is grateful for FDA’s recognition of the need to reduce the regulatory burden on the food industry by extending the compliance date for the Food Traceability Rule. We also strongly...

ANALYSIS: 2025 Coho Salmon Season Starts Strong but Dips Early

The 2025 coho season began a notable uptrend in week 27, with harvests rising sharply through week 31 and peaking soon after. Through the completed weeks, the year-to-date harvest stands at about 1.94 million fish in Alaska, up from last year’s roughly 1.47 million and tracking near the five-year average of 1.84 million for the same period. Peak volumes this year are softer than the two-year-ago spike, resulting in a thinner supply profile as the season progresses. Demand appears moderate to active, providing some support...