SENA 2026: Sea Port Products Reflects on 45-Year Journey While Embracing Strategic Reinvention

Sea Port Products Corp is marking its 45th anniversary at Seafood Expo North America with a family leadership team that views the milestone as both validation of past decisions and a launching pad for strategic reinvention in an evolving trade landscape.

President Bill Dresser admitted he has to "pinch myself that it's even real" when reflecting on the company's journey from its 1981 founding by his father, James Dresser. "When you're celebrating, you reflect, and a lot of times you don't do that," he said from...

SENA 2026: Vičiūnai Group Targets Major US Retail and Foodservice Growth with Market Entry Push

Vičiūnai Group is leveraging a landmark $100 million salmon processing investment to accelerate its US market expansion at Seafood Expo North America, with production capacity tripling to over 110 million pounds annually as the European processor targets American retail and foodservice growth.

CEO Egidijus Stankus, leading the company's new US subsidiary VG Trading Inc, described the strategic shift from the Lithuanian company's traditional Central and Eastern European focus toward what he called "the biggest seafood market across the world." Building on years of SENA...

FMI Shares Insights from 'The Power of Seafood 2026' Report

The Food Industry Association (FMI) unveiled a new report at this year's Seafood Expo North America (SENA), made possible by the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute.

"The Power of Seafood 2026" report highlights that a relatively small, yet highly valuable group of frequent seafood shoppers plays a significant role in sustaining sales in the category.

"Just 10% of shoppers account for 40% of all seafood purchases, making frequent seafood consumers the primary driver of category performance" said Steve Markenson Vice President of Research and Insights...

Day 19 of Iran War: Middle East Supply Fears Boost Oil 6%; US Eases Shipping Rules

The US-Israeli war on Iran is spreading regionally on its 19th day, with missiles and drones targeting Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Jordan. Israel bombed central Beirut early Wednesday, killing at least six people and marking an expansion of the US-Israeli war against Iran. Iran carried out further retaliatory attacks on Israel, causing significant damage, and vowed revenge after Israeli strikes killed security chief Ali Larijani and Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani.

Global markets remain volatile as US diesel prices climbed past $5 per gallon on Wednesday, marking their highest level since 2022. Meanwhile, the national average price for...

SENA 2026: Mowi Unveils Unified Booth Design, Expands Flavor Innovation and Digital Marketing Push

The Aquaculture Stewardship Council is marking its fifth year of North American market investment at Seafood Expo North America, showcasing expanded retail partnerships and consumer recognition that positions the certification program for accelerated growth across US and Canadian markets.

Marketing Manager North America Athena Davis described 2026 as a milestone year, combining ASC's 15th anniversary globally with what she called "really being able to see the results, the fruits of our labor" from sustained North American campaign investments...

The Retail Rundown: Spring Demand Builds as Easter and Grilling Season Approach

Following an extended winter in some areas and disruptive weather in others, sentiment across the food industry is beginning to shift in a more optimistic direction.

As spring approaches, many retailers are counting on a release of pent-up demand, with consumers eager to refresh their routines. The seasonal reset could translate into more frequent dining occasions, while retailers are positioned to benefit from the return of backyard cooking and holiday gatherings.

With Easter now under three weeks away, the calendar itself is acting as a demand catalyst, pulling forward promotional activity and shaping merchandising strategies...

Norwegian Seafood Navigates Changing Tides in the French Market

In recent years, French consumers' shopping habits have shifted dramatically, posing both opportunities and challenges for Norwegian seafood exporters.

The backdrop of political unrest, rising prices, and strained household budgets has impacted the way French people consume fish and other seafood. “That is why we have commissioned a comprehensive report on the French seafood market,” notes Sigrid Louise Philippart, the Norwegian Seafood Council’s Country Director in France.

The report paints a detailed picture of the current trends and future priorities within the French market...

SENA 2026: Boston Day 2 Photo Story Highlights

Day two on the Boston show floor brought deeper conversations with exhibitors showcasing innovation, partnership expansions, and strategic booth redesigns as the seafood industry gathers for its premier trade event.

Pacific Seafood - The company's reimagined booth experience guides visitors through a physical timeline showcasing Pacific's evolution from a single Portland fish market to today's vertically integrated seafood operation. Brand Manager Kady Freeze walks customers through distinct sections—aquaculture, processing, and distribution—emphasizing the company's farm-to-fork capabilities. A centerpiece display features the original storefront photo and authentic signage from their...

SENA 2026: Lineage Sees Surging Demand for Flexible Cold Storage Amid Trade Uncertainty

Lineage Logistics is fielding increased demand for flexible cold storage solutions and bonded warehouse space as seafood companies navigate trade uncertainty and avoid long-term commitments, according to company representatives, including Bridgett Medwid, VP, Regional Sales at SENA 2026.

The cold storage giant is positioning agility and customized solutions as key differentiators as clients shift away from fixed capacity commitments amid ongoing geopolitical and trade disruptions. Lineage officials said seafood companies are specifically requesting flexibility rather than traditional long-term warehouse agreements...

High Liner Foods Unveils Sea Cuisine Skillet Meals at SENA 2026

On Monday, High Liner Foods announced the introduction of its new line of Sea Cuisine Skillet Meals. Attendees at the Seafood Expo North America 2026 were given a first look and taste of the products, with a broader rollout planned for this June.

This latest move enhances High Liner Foods’ premium frozen meal offerings by incorporating responsibly sourced ingredients and a globally inspired menu tailored for busy consumers. These meals are designed to be made in a single pan and ready in just 15...

ASC Launches Updated Label Following Global Consumer Testing

The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) has announced the rollout of a new on-pack label designed to strengthen consumer understanding of the organization’s sustainability mission.

The updated label follows an extensive development process that included trademark registration in the European Union and 20 additional countries, along with quantitative consumer testing across five global markets. By selecting regions at different stages of sustainability awareness, ASC said it ensured the design would resonate with diverse consumer groups. Testing showed the new label matched the performance of the...

Collaborative Conservation Efforts Aim to Secure Future of Atlantic Salmon in Canada

Wild Atlantic salmon holds profound cultural and economic significance in Atlantic Canada and Québec, symbolizing an integral part of Canada's heritage. This iconic species is interwoven with the nation's history and identity, representing a shared legacy for generations.

On Friday, the Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, announced new projects dedicated to advancing the Strategy's vision for Atlantic salmon conservation, aiming to create conditions that allow this vital species to thrive. "Atlantic salmon are woven into the identity of Atlantic Canada...

SENA 2026: Boston Day 1 Show Floor Highlights

This story is part of Expana's live coverage from Seafood Expo North America 2026 in Boston. View all SENA 2026 coverage here.

Seafood Expo North America 2026 kicked off in Boston with fresh booth designs, rebranding efforts, and companies using the show floor to signal broader strategic shifts to buyers across retail and foodservice...

SENA 2026: Cox's Seafood's Bedi Says Value-Added Key to Gulf Shrimp Future

Cox's Seafood is betting on value-added products and bold flavors to drive the next phase of growth for Gulf shrimp, with Senior Vice President Vinay Bedi positioning convenience and innovation as essential for the domestic wild-caught sector.

Speaking at SENA 2026, Bedi said Cox's is "reimagining what Gulf shrimp, what you could do with it" through new retail products that pair chemical-free, wild-caught Gulf shrimp with chef-inspired flavors in a ready-to-cook format...

SENA 2026: Trident Seafoods and Icy Waters Claim Top Honors at Seafood Excellence Awards

Trident Seafoods and Icy Waters took home the top prizes at the 2026 Seafood Excellence Awards on Sunday, with products that judges said exemplified innovation, market relevance and culinary versatility in their respective foodservice and retail categories.

Trident Seafoods captured the Best New Foodservice Product award for its Crispy Battered Sauceable Wild Alaska Pollock Nuggets, while Icy Waters won Best New Retail Product for The Good Fish Co. Coconut Margarita Haddock. Both winners were selected from more than 100 entries in the New Product Showcase...

Japan: January Surimi Production in Hokkaido Increased 11%

According to member reports compiled by the National Surimi Manufacturers Association, Hokkaido's frozen surimi production in January increased by 11% year-on-year (YOY) to 887 tons, marking the second consecutive month of year-on-year growth, driven by increased production of the main product, Alaska pollock. The Minato Shimbun reported this.

The breakdown shows that Alaska pollock surimi increased by 11% to 880 tons, marking the second consecutive month of growth. According to manufacturers, while the Okhotsk region saw a 60% decrease in...

Day 17 of Iran War: US Allies Decline Trump's Request to Send Ships to Strait of Hormuz

On the 17th day of the US-Israeli war on Iran, Israel launched a fresh wave of airstrikes on Tehran. Iranian officials dismissed US claims of truce talks, emphasizing readiness to defend the country.

Amid rising tensions in the Gulf region, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the Strait of Hormuz “is open, but closed to our enemies, to those who carried out this cowardly aggression against us and to their allies”.

US President Donald Trump is pushing allies to form a coalition to secure the Strait of Hormuz, while Japan and Australia have said...

SENA 2026: Mowi Unveils Unified Booth Design, Expands Flavor Innovation and Digital Marketing Push

Mowi Consumer Products is using SENA 2026 to debut its most ambitious booth presence yet, combining a unified brand concept with expanded flavor innovation and a comprehensive digital marketing strategy targeting younger salmon consumers.

Diana Dumet, senior director of category and marketing for CP Americas, said the new booth design at #217 reflects the company's evolution from operating separate brand presentations to a cohesive approach. "Before we had this concept where Mowi was on one side, Ducktrap was on another side, and it was...

Norwegian Food Safety Sets a Restricted Zone for ISA North of Trondheim

For the second time in five months, infectious Salmon Anemia (ISA) has been found in several Mowi aquaculture sites in Trøndelag county, about 240 miles north of Oslo. On 17 March 2026, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority adopted regulations on a restricted zone for the control of ISA in aquaculture animals in the municipalities of Nærøysund and Namsos, Trøndelag. 

The tick disease ISA has been detected in fish at the sea locality 31357 Geitryggen (Barenswatch) in Nærøysund municipality, Trøndelag county. The site is operated by Mowi Seawater Norway...  

Lawsuit Targets Aqua Star Over Shrimp Sourcing Claims

Corporate Accountability Lab (CAL) and GMO/Toxin Free USA have filed a consumer protection complaint against Aqua Star, alleging its Seafood Forever™ branding falsely promotes its shrimp as responsibly sourced.

The complaint points to third-party reports linking Aqua Star’s suppliers in India, Indonesia, and Vietnam to systemic issues including labor abuses, environmental damage, and contaminated shrimp products. A 2024 CAL investigation, Hidden Harvest: Human Rights and Environmental Abuses in India’s Shrimp Industry, documented widespread exploitation—particularly involving female workers at supplier Nekkanti Sea Foods...

SENA 2026: Aquamar Debuts New Sushi and Cod Line as “Protein Smackdown” Puts Fish in the Ring

Aquamar is using Seafood Expo North America 2026 to spotlight new sushi innovation and a convenience-focused retail seafood launch, while working to limit downstream disruption from shifting tariffs and broader geopolitical uncertainty, CEO Daryl Gormley told Expana.

At the company’s booth, Aquamar is featuring new California roll flavors, including Thai, Mexican, and curry-inspired profiles. Gormley said the California roll remains a strong platform for product development because it “lends itself so well to innovation,” giving Aquamar an opportunity to introduce new...

SENA 2026: ProChile Showcases $2.9 Billion US Trade Partnership with Expanded Boston Presence

Chile's trade promotion office is leveraging its largest-ever presence at Seafood Expo North America to reinforce the country's position as a cornerstone supplier to the US seafood market, with exports reaching nearly $2.9 billion in 2025.

ProChile Trade Commissioner Andrea Sapag highlighted the country's comprehensive strategy at SENA 2026, where six companies anchor the official pavilion at Booth 715 while approximately 15 Chilean companies exhibit across the show floor—both within and outside the ProChile presence...

Frozen Imported Cod Losing the Japanese Market

According to a report by the Minato Shimbun, the price of frozen imported cod soared last year due to a global decline in catch, drastically reducing Japanese imports. Both US and Russian cod largely disappeared from the domestic market. The unit price for frozen 9/10 counts in 18/19 kg blocks (longline-caught and dressed) from Alaska was "around 1,530 yen/kg ($9.58/kg) if a domestic price were to be assigned," according to a trading company source.

The total annual import volume, including...

SFP and Wholechain Partnership Aims to Boost End-to-End Seafood Traceability

Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP) and Wholechain have signed a memorandum of understanding at Seafood Expo North America, formalizing a collaboration to improve traceability and analytics across the seafood supply chain.

"For our seafood clients, SFP’s Seafood Metrics system gives meaning to the source data they capture in Wholechain," said Wholechain founder Mark Kaplan. "We want to make it as easy as possible for our seafood clients to access this expert risk analysis."

The partnership will combine Wholechain’s standards-based, events-driven traceability platform with SFP’s Seafood...

New Bedford Fishing Vessel Yankee Rose Capsized Last Week, Two Crewmen Perished

The F/V Yankee Rose capsized last Thursday about three nautical miles off Race Point near Provincetown, MA. The call to the U.S. Coast Guard came at 11:57 a.m. from a Good Samaritan, the USCG reported. Two crew were reported aboard: Angel Nieves, 37, of New Bedford and Truitt Holcomb, 61, also from the New Bedford area.

Around noon on Thursday, Good Samaritans spotted the overturned hull of the vessel and used the marine emergency radio channel to share the information...

SENA 2026: Keyport Eyes Next Growth Phase as Crab Specialist Approaches 30-Year Milestone

Keyport is using its approaching 30th anniversary as an inflection point to scale operations and expand beyond its current platform, which handles a significant portion of king crab and snow crab from Alaska. In an interview with Expana, CEO Mark Pedersen said the company has experienced steady growth and is positioning for its next phase of expansion.

"We think we've got one of the best brands in the industry right now," Pedersen said. "It's just how do we keep leveraging it and growing it from here...

ANALYSIS: Salmon and Pollock Dominate EU‑US Seafood Flows as Trade Balance Shifts

At a time when US tariff policy reflects both commercial and geopolitical considerations of its partners, and given the temporary halt to the US‑EU trade agreement reached last summer, it is especially relevant to review the seafood trade relationship between the United States and the European Union...

ANALYSIS: January US Shrimp Imports Come in Near 148M lbs as Q1 Outlook Takes Shape

Preliminary January customs and country‑of‑origin data landed very near our model's baseline, with total warm‑water imports around 148 million pounds.

Estimates vs official

Total warm‑water shrimp imports for January landed very close to our model: we modeled a lower bound near 145 million pounds and the official by‑type figure came in at about 148.4 million pounds. That closeness validates the model’s baseline, though product‑form splits revealed compositional surprises.

- Peeled: our band of 72–81 million pounds captured the outcome...

Channel Fish Launches Six Value-Added Products at Seafood Expo, Marking 80th Anniversary

Massachusetts-based Channel Fish is celebrating its 80th anniversary by launching six new value-added seafood products at this year's Seafood Expo North America, as the family-owned processor seeks to attract new consumers with globally inspired flavors and innovative formats.

The company will showcase Mini Salmon Arepas, Mango Habanero Shrimp, and Chicken Fried Wild Alaska Sole Tenders for both retail and foodservice channels, alongside a new branded retail line featuring Jalapeno Popper Shrimp, Panko Breaded Salmon Nuggets, and Super Fish Sticks. Product samples...

Shoreline Freezers Expands Southern New Jersey Site by 128,000 sq ft, Adds 20,000 Pallet Positions

Mid-Atlantic cold storage provider Shoreline Freezers announced a significant expansion at its Southern New Jersey facility, adding 128,000 square feet of warehouse space, bringing the total to 27,000 pallet positions.

Shoreline is operated by the Reichle family and has a strong rapport with fellow Reichle-owned company Lund's Fisheries. The company's ownership remains actively involved in day-to-day operations, ensuring responsive decision-making and a customer-first culture, the company shared in its news release...