Expana and Gluna Shrimp Announce Exclusive Data Partnership Covering Ecuadorian Shrimp Markets

Expana, the world’s largest agrifood price and market intelligence provider, has entered into an exclusive partnership with Gluna Shrimp to expand its coverage of shrimp pricing data at Ecuadorian origin. 

Expana, the parent company of market information providers Urner Barry, Feedinfo and Mintec, will gain exclusive global rights to distribute and integrate Gluna Shrimp’s Ecuadorian farmgate and export price data into its platform. This collaboration brings over 40 new upstream price assessments and two monthly reports to the Expana platform, providing a comprehensive view...

ANALYSIS: Frozen Haddock Market Sees Unprecedented Price Growth

The conclusion of Q3 2024 signaled the onset of a new pricing trajectory within the frozen haddock market. Prior to this shift, wholesale prices for haddock had exhibited minimal volatility, remaining largely stable through the earlier part of the year. However, beginning in September 2024, prices strengthened significantly and have remained at elevated levels since then. This inflection point coincided with emerging reports of reduced haddock availability from the Barents Sea, contributing to a broader global supply contraction amid sustained demand. Compounding these supply-side pressures, the...

Bristol Bay Salmon Run Timing And Size Currently Mimics That of Two Years Ago

The world’s largest wild salmon run, which began June 1 and will peak in the next week or two, has now landed 10 million sockeye salmon and is following closely in timing and landings with its near-record 2023 annual catch of 38 million sockeyes. That year, the state’s forecasted harvest was only 37 million sockeye.  

This year, the forecasted harvest total is 34.84 million sockeye from the five-river systems of Bristol Bay.  

As of June 29, landings in Egegik District have reached 1.8 million...

DOC Announces 2025 Appointments to the Regional Fishery Management Councils

The US Department of Commerce (DOC) announced the appointment of 20 new and returning members to the eight regional fishery management councils on June 30.

Council members represented stakeholders, including commercial and recreational fishing industries, environmental organizations, and academia, along with state and federal agencies. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) explained that councils are vital to “fulfilling the Magnuson-Stevens Act’s requirements to end overfishing, rebuild fish stocks, and manage them sustainably.”

The Secretary of Commerce appoints roughly one-third of the total 72 appointed members...

Pacific Seafood Going Big on Alaska

Pacific Seafood Group is expanding its reach beyond the West Coast to Alaska through acquisitions and memberships.  

In 2024, Pacific purchased Kodiak processing facilities from Trident Seafoods, including the Star of Kodiak, a converted war-time ship that processes a number of species like pollock, salmon, halibut, crab, groundfish and Pacific cod. The purchases contribute to the company’s Mission 31, a strategic initiative aimed at doubling the size of its business by 2031. 

Now, Pacific has joined the Pacific Seafood Processors Association, a seafood processing trade group founded in 1914...

Mowi Appoints Tomasz Trela as New Sales Director Central Europe

Effective today, Tomasz Trela has stepped into the role of Sales Director Central Europe at Mowi, overseeing business for the seafood giant in the central European region.

The appointment was announced by Trela four days ago in a LinkedIn post and follows Trela’s return to Mowi several months prior.

The update also comes after Mowi’s acquisition of a controlling stake of Nova Sea earlier this year, which increased Mowi’s ownership in Nova Sea from 49% to 95%.

The region for which Trela is now responsible spans Scandinavia, the DACH region...

Russia Sees Surge in Squid and Seafood Production Amid Rising Domestic Demand 

As domestic demand continues to surge, Russia is expecting a significant increase in the catch of squid and other seafood over the coming years.  

According to data from Alexander Panin, Chairman of the Russian Fish Union, Russian fishermen caught over 110,000 metric tons of Far Eastern squid in 2024 — an increase of 27% compared to the same period in 2023, and a 66% jump from 2022. 

This spike comes despite earlier predictions that purchasing power would decline due to international sanctions stemming from...

Japanese Company Becomes World’s First BAP-Certified Oyster Producer

Yesterday, the Global Seafood Alliance (GSA) announced that Japanese oyster producer Harimanada Co., Ltd. (HCL) became the world’s first BAP-certified (Best Aquaculture Practices) oyster producer in Japan with the certification of its processing plant.

“Attaining BAP certification for the first time in the oyster industry in Japan is a significant milestone for our company,” commented HCL President and CEO Hiroyasu Nagara.

“Building on our ISO 22000 certification and government designation as a flagship production area, we’re expanding globally to deliver responsible, delicious oysters to Southeast Asia, the Middle East and..."

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...

ANALYSIS: India’s Shrimp Exports Continue Upward Trend Despite Market Shifts

According to the latest data from India’s Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics, shrimp exports from India have continued their year-over-year growth for the fifth consecutive year, based on figures from January to April. Export volumes reached 224,723 metric tons during this period — an increase of 7.8% compared to the same timeframe in 2024.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, India’s shrimp exports have shown a consistent upward trend. In 2021, export volumes surged by 25.1% as global markets rebounded...

Trump, Carney Agree to Resume US-Canada Trade Negotiations

Trade discussions between the United States and Canada resumed late Sunday after Canada announced it would withdraw its proposed digital services tax targeting major US technology firms.

On June 27, President Trump stated that due to Canada’s intention to impose a tax on US tech firms, the US would halt all trade discussions with its northern neighbor “effective immediately.”

The tax was to take effect on Monday, June 30. According to the New York Times, the 3% digital services tax on major US tech firms like Meta, Amazon and...

NOAA Fisheries Opens 15-Day Comment Period on New, Higher Atlantic Herring Catches For 2025-27 

After dramatically dropping 2025 catch limits for Atlantic herring earlier this year, the New England Fisheries Management Council (NEFMC) has reversed its decision and increased those limits by nearly 70%. The new data considered by the panel and its scientific advisors included low catch results in 2024, a March peer review of the 2025 herring research track stock, and an updated population report from a Council subcommittee. 

The results mean that total annual catch limits for Atlantic herring jumped from...

New Zealand Contributes NZ$150,000 to WTO Fish Fund 

New Zealand has contributed NZ$150,000 to the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Fish Fund. The fund accepts donations toward providing developing members and least-developed country (LDC) members with the ability to implement the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. 

The Agreement — first adopted in 2022 — prohibits harmful subsidies, which play a key role in the depletion of fish stocks.  

Earlier this month, the WTO opened a Call for Proposals, inviting developing and LDC members that have ratified the Agreement to submit requests for project grants through the...

TPWD Aims to Buy Back 115 Commercial Oyster Boat Licenses This Round

Last week, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) announced that it had received 115 commercial oyster boat license offers in round nine of its Oyster License Buyback Program (OLBP), all of which the Department plans to purchase with the help from key donors like CCA and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation.

In total, the OLBP has made 545 oyster licenses available to Texas fishermen. If all buyback applicants participate this year, there would be 21% fewer oyster licenses throughout the state.

The oyster industry and various conservation groups have prioritized fewer...

US–China Trade Framework Advances, but Final Terms Still in Flux; Lutnick Hints at More Deals

The United States and China have inked a new trade agreement, President Donald Trump said on June 26.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick mirrored the news during an interview with Bloomberg TV, stating that the deal was signed in recent days. Neither Trump nor Lutnick shared further details.

Expana reported on June 11 that Lutnick said the US and China agreed to a trade framework, and the latest comments from both Lutnick and Trump don’t seem to add much...

ANALYSIS: Thai Tuna Exports by Country and the Factors Influencing Prices

The Expana Benchmark Prices (EBP) for Thai skipjack tuna saw a decline of around $150 per metric ton (mt) in May, accounting for a decrease of 8.8% month-on-month. The whole frozen skipjack tuna market saw a notable drop in May as canning factories reduced their purchasing activities due to uncertainties surrounding potential tariffs on tuna exports to the US. In addition to enhanced landing levels in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean, these have contributed to overall downward price pressure.

Recent shifts in...

UNFI Restores Core Systems After Major Cyberattack Disruption

United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) announced that it has safely restored the core systems its customers and suppliers use after suffering a significant cyberattack earlier this month.

“With our electronic ordering and invoicing systems back online, we are delivering products to grocery stores across our network at more normalized levels,” the company said in a June 26 statement. “We are grateful to all our customers and suppliers for their patience and partnership as our UNFI associates continue working to support their needs...

Rodger May, Former Peter Pan Seafoods Chief, Wins Final Court Battle For Assets 

After a highly contested receivers’ auction outcome earlier this year for the remaining assets of bankrupt Peter Pan Seafoods, a final courtroom decision was handed down last Friday confirming that all of the iconic processors’ intellectual property, including the names and logo, will go to former CEO Rodger May. 

May made headlines when he bought Peter Pan from long-time owner Maruha-Nichiro in December 2021. The new operation did well for a few years, but by 2024 was in receivership. Silver Bay Seafoods had...

Turning Emissions into Nutrition: Norwegian Project Converts CO₂ into Salmon Feed    

A collaborative research project in Norway is testing out a new way to produce salmon feed.  

Nofima, SINTEF, and the Arctic University of Norway (UiT) have partnered with ferrosilicon producer Finnfjord on a project called AlgOpti. Together, they are converting carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from the ferrosilicon industry into microalgae for use in salmon feed. 

At Finnfjord’s facility in Norway, cultivation tanks transform CO₂ into algae biomass, which serves as a nutrient-rich feed ingredient. This biomass is then processed into salmon feed with...

Japan's May Fishery Exports Increased 1% in Volume and 6% in Value

According to trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance, Japan's May fisheries exports (including fish and shellfish, preparations thereof, fishmeal, and fish oil) increased 1% in volume year-on-year (YOY), amounting to 43,731 tons, while also increasing 6% in value YOY, amounting to JPY 23.746 billion ($163.85 million).

According to reporting by Japanese news outlet Minato Shimbun, scallop exports saw a 27% decrease in volume and a 23% increase in value. While frozen shelled scallops showed growth in both volume and value, scallops in the...

Atlantic Sapphire Showcases Bluehouse Salmon at Summer Fancy Food Show

Atlantic Sapphire debuted its Bluehouse Salmon at the Specialty Food Associations (SFA) Summer Fancy Food Show. 

The Florida-based aquaculture company says it raises its salmon in a land-based, controlled environment without hormones, antibiotics, GMO’s, or chemicals. 

“We believe that today’s buyers and culinary leaders are looking for products that not only deliver exceptional quality and taste but also align with evolving consumer values,” said Damien Claire, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of Atlantic Sapphire. “Bluehouse Salmon is our answer — a responsibly raised, premium seafood solution...

Nova Scotia: 22 Seafood Companies Receive $1.75 Million in Climate Change Funding 

The Government of Canada has announced that 22 seafood companies and organizations in Nova Scotia will receive $1.73 million in climate change funding through the Fisheries and Aquaculture Energy Efficiency Innovation Fund.  

The three-year-fund, administered by Efficiency One Nova Scotia, is designed to help chart a path for the commercial fisheries and aquaculture sectors to reduce climate change impacts in the province to at least 53% below 2005 levels by 2030.  

Ranging from installing solar systems to implementing...

ANALYSIS: Argentine Red Shrimp Exports Plummet Amid Ongoing Industrial Disruptions

The latest data from Argentina’s National Institute of Statistics and Census show a sharp decline in red shrimp exports for May, totaling just 4,939 metric tons (MT). This marks a 33.7% decrease year-on-year and a steep 47.3% drop compared to April...

High Liner Finalizes Acquisition of Conagra Seafood Brands for $12.6M Less Than Initial Agreement

In a press release published today by High Liner Foods, the frozen seafood processor officially completed its acquisition of Conagra Brands subsidiaries Mrs. Paul's and Van de Kamp's for USD $42.4 million, $12.6 million less than the initial $55 million disclosed earlier this month.

The adjusted price accounts for an estimated $23.8 million of inventory that was acquired as part of the closing transaction. This differs from the normalized target of $36 million, which was previously laid out in the...

Mori Trust Joins Pure Salmon's Land-Based Aquaculture Project

According to a June 25 press release, leading real estate developer Mori Trust Co., Ltd. of Minato-ku, Tokyo, will participate in a land-based salmon aquaculture project by investing in "8F Aquaculture Fund Japan I LP," an operating fund of Pure Salmon Japan Co., Ltd., which conducts Atlantic salmon aquaculture in Tsu City, Mie Prefecture. 

Project overview and background of participation: emphasizing safety and stability 

This project aims to construct a facility in Mie Prefecture for the land-based farming and processing of Atlantic salmon, with shipments commencing in 2027...

New Zealand Fishermen Fined for Selling Black Market Seafood 

Three fishermen from New Zealand have been fined for selling thousands of dollars of black market seafood, including, crayfish, oysters and cod.  

Michael Hawke, Stuart Ryan, and Peter Fletcher pleaded guilty to several charges under the Fisheries Act, including failure to possess a permit to sell fish.  

Duncan Davis, who is not a commercial fisherman, was also fined for reselling blue cod that he had bought from Ryan.  

The four men were hit with a total of $36,900 in penalties.  

The fines stem from...

ANALYSIS: Wild Salmon Week in Review: Week 25, June 22-28

Sockeye prices moved lower this week, a trend that is typical as the season begins and landings increase. Harvest activity has picked up across several key regions, including Prince William Sound, the Alaska Peninsula, Bristol Bay, and Barclay Sound in Canada. As more product enters the market, supply levels are rising, which is placing downward pressure on pricing.

That said, the sockeye season has gotten off to a somewhat slower start than initially forecast...

Center for Food Safety Sues to Shut Down Nine Shellfish Aquaculture Sites in Washington 

The Center for Food Safety (CFS) and a local Washington organization against shellfish farming, have filed a motion in federal court to shut down nine coastal shellfish operations in Washington.

The lawsuit — which challenges permits obtained by the Army Corps of Engineers — alleges that the federal government failed to notify the public or conduct an environmental assessment prior to beginning operations.

Instead, CFS and local partner Coalition to Protect Puget Sound Habitat, claim the Army Corps used permit review procedures known as...

Samherji Names Baldvin Thorsteinsson as CEO, Succeeding His Father After 42 Years

Iceland-based seafood company Samherji announced that Baldvin Thorsteinsson assumed the role of CEO on June 26.

Baldvin Thorsteinsson will take over for his father, Thorsteinn Már Baldvinsson, who stepped down from his role atop the company after 42 years. He has led the company since its founding in 1983.

"Like many people from Akureyri, I started working for Samherji at a young age and have held various positions at the company over the years. I have therefore gradually become well acquainted...

Red Lobster Renews Partnership with Restaurant Tech Platform Olo, Launches First-Party Catering

On June 25, 2025, hospitality software company Olo Inc. announced Red Lobster’s return to Olo’s digital platform as well as its expanded partnership, which includes new plans to launch first-part catering orders for the seafood chain.

Red Lobster initially entered into a partnership with Olo in 2017, after which time it briefly departed to develop an in-house digital ordering solution. Following this 2023 departure from Olo, Red Lobster underwent a May 2024 bankruptcy filing and subsequent company reorganization and brand refreshment...