ANALYSIS: Official US Shrimp Imports Reveal Product Mix Shift

US Shrimp import data was released on Thursday. Expana’s forecasts largely fell within model error bands; shell‑on volumes were the notable outlier, consistent with the trends previously flagged:

- shell-on below or on the low range

- peeled above, or on the high range; this time, peeled was well within the range.

- cooked and breaded within the range.

The above by‑type outcomes explain why the total came in below some headline expectations. The “by type” breakdown remains essential to understanding market dynamics...

Stone Crab and Lobster Price-Fixing Case: Florida Exec Avoids Prison

Dennis Dopico, the Florida seafood executive who pleaded guilty to price‑fixing stone crab claws and spiny lobster, avoided jail and was sentenced to five years of probation for violating the Sherman Antitrust Act. Dopico also has a restitution hearing scheduled for April 3, 2026.

Dopico was first indicted by the US Department of Justice in September 2025 for conspiring with competitors to fix seafood prices, as Expana previously reported.

The DOJ alleged that Dopico “knowingly joined and participated in a conspiracy with other persons and entities...

Federal Court Dismisses Mowi Appeal, Upholds Discovery Islands Salmon Farming Ban

Canada's Federal Court of Appeal has dismissed Mowi Canada West's appeal of a 2024 ruling that effectively bans salmon farming in the Discovery Islands region of British Columbia.

The decision upholds a June 2024 federal court ruling that affirmed the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans’ authority to deny aquaculture licences in the Discovery Islands on conservation grounds. Environmental groups and wild salmon advocates hailed the outcome as a major victory.

“This is another tremendous victory for wild salmon," said...

ANALYSIS: Pacific Halibut Hit Record Highs While Atlantic Maintains Seasonal Flow 

The 2026 Pacific halibut season quota has been set at 29.33 million pounds coastwide, marking the lowest total allowable catch in the more than 100 year history of the fishery. U.S. allocations are largely unchanged from 2025, while British Columbia’s quota was reduced by roughly 7 percent as ongoing stock concerns persist. Under the International Pacific Halibut Commission framework, the season is scheduled to run from March 26 through December 7, 2026, continuing the emphasis on conservation and a tightly constrained harvest profile...

Hilton Foods Cautious on 2026 as Greek Smoked Salmon Export Ban to US Drags On

Hilton Food Group expects its 2025 adjusted profit before tax to land between £72–75 million, in line with earlier guidance, but has warned that ongoing restrictions on smoked salmon exports from its Foppen facility in Greece to the US will persist into at least the first half of 2026, alongside ongoing protein inflation pressures.

In a Jan. 29 trading update, the UK-based multi-protein supplier said net bank debt is set to finish 2025 at roughly £135 million, reflecting recent divestments...

Expana's Weekly Top 10: Key Developments in Weather, Trade, and Market Trends

This week on Expana, headlines brought together a dynamic mix of extreme weather, evolving trade disputes, and shifts across consumer and corporate landscapes. A major winter storm disrupted US infrastructure and supply chains, while new tariff threats reshaped trade flows in seafood, agriculture, and manufacturing. Together, these developments highlight growing pressures across food, commodities, and retail sectors worldwide. Below, Expana presents the top 10 stories influencing markets, trade, and consumer sentiment this week- In no particular order.

10. Winter Storm Grips Much...

IFFO: Positive Trend for Global Marine Ingredients Production

In Peru, the second fishing season in the North–Centre region has ended with the anchoveta fleet having landed almost all of the 1.63 million metric tonne quota. “This is positive news ; while data still needs to be confirmed for the full year, we expect 2025 to have delivered slightly lower production of both fishmeal and fish oil compared with 2024”, Dr Enrico Bachis, Market Research Director at IFFO commented.

By November 2025, the total cumulative annual fishmeal production* rose by approximately...

SalMar Culls 1.4 Million Juveniles Following Mortality Incident

SalMar has culled roughly 1.4 million juvenile salmon after Norwegian local media reported a mass die-off of 573,776 smolt at one of its land-based facilities.

Local paper Folkebladet first reported the incident and documented the smolt loss, while follow‑up coverage noted that the company moved to cull an additional 1.4 million juvenile salmon, bringing the total impact to roughly 2 million fish.

SalMar has notified the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) on January 14. The paper reported that the incident stemmed from gill problems in various tanks at its...

Kura Sushi USA Partners with Sanrio for Hello Kitty Dining Experience Amid Growth

Kura Sushi USA, Inc., a pioneer of America’s revolving sushi restaurant concept, has announced its third partnership with Sanrio, introducing a Hello Kitty and Friends Bikkura Pon dining experience across all 84 Kura Revolving Sushi Bar locations nationwide.

The limited-time promotion will run from February 1 through February 28.

Under the Bikkura Pon program, customers receive their first prize after completing 15 sushi plates, a second reward after 25 plates, and additional prizes for every 15 plates...

ANALYSIS: US Scallops See Higher Landings and Lower Fuel Costs, Yet Prices Remain Elevated

The domestic scallop market presents a notable contrast as operational conditions show some improvement while pricing remains elevated. Diesel fuel costs have declined through late 2025 and into early 2026, providing some relief to vessel operations amid broader industry challenges. Additionally, domestic landings increased 10.5% in 2025, adding supply to a market that has faced constraints in recent periods.

Despite these developments, domestic scallop prices across categories continue at elevated levels, with U/10s remaining significantly above historical averages and 10/20s tracking...

GSMC 2026: Wells Fargo’s Jansen Says Supply Chain Healthy as Tariffs, Trade Shifts Force Adjustments

Wells Fargo's Jeremy Jansen told Global Seafood Market Conference (GSMC) attendees that the global supply chain is generally healthy, even as tariffs and shifting trade flows prompt buyers and suppliers to adjust their sourcing and financing.

Drawing on the bank's “pressure gauge” of 15 logistics, price, labor and inventory indicators benchmarked to pre‑COVID levels, he said most signals are green: container costs that spiked above $10,000 during COVID are back in the low‑to‑mid thousands, labor tightness at ports and warehouses...

Baja Fresh Debuts Blackened Citrus Menu

Baja Fresh Mexican Grill has introduced its new Blackened Citrus menu, featuring a house-made citrus orange salsa and a trio of new offerings available as a bowl, burrito, or taco combo.

"Our new Blackened Citrus menu items bring together your choice of smoky, seasoned protein with a bright citrus finish to create a bold and balanced flavor," said Logan Reves, vice president of restaurant operations at Baja Fresh. "Baja Fresh remains true to its roots of serving fresh, flavorful food while continuing to innovate, giving customers...

Coast Guard Halts Illegal Use of "Paper Captains" in WA-Based Tuna Fishing Operation

The Coast Guard ceased the use of illegal foreign nationals on a commercial fishing vessel that operated out of the State of Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 19.

A Coast Guard Sector Columbia River law enforcement team inspected an 89-foot fishing vessel and determined that the vessel was in violation of the Jones Act - specifically, they were in violation for utilizing a "paper captain.”

Paper captain is a term applied to an individual listed on documents as a U.S.-flagged vessel's captain but in actuality...

ANALYSIS: US Shrimp Import Estimates Show Modest Gains in November and December

Imports for November 2025 will be released this Thursday morning. Below are the October tables (for reference), along with our forecast estimates for November and December. Pricing continues to show sporadic downward pressure on HLSO, PDTO, EZ-Peel and PDToff (naturally, less pressure on peeled). These fluctuations suggest the market may be near a bottom, but ongoing data collection will confirm if these marginal price declines persist...

California Reaches Settlement with PAFCO Over Prop 65 Violations in Seafood Products

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced on January 26 a settlement with Pacific American Fish Company, Inc. (PAFCO) following allegations that the seafood distributor and manufacturer sold frozen products with high levels of lead and cadmium in California without the required warnings, thereby violating Proposition 65 and California's Unfair Competition Law (UCL).

State-identified toxic heavy metals, cadmium and lead, accumulate in the body over time, posing significant health risks.

Cadmium exposure can lead to reproductive harm and birth defects, while lead exposure is associated...

Chili’s Extends Growth Streak to 19 Quarters in Brinker’s Q2 Results

Brinker International, parent company of Chili’s Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy, reported financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2026.

For the period ended December 24, 2025, Brinker posted a 7.5% increase in comparable restaurant sales, driven by strong performance at Chili’s, where comparable sales rose 8.6%. Comparable sales at Maggiano’s declined during the quarter.

Chili’s growth was fueled by continued menu innovation, competitive pricing, and disciplined execution, allowing the brand to expand its customer base and remain the company’s top performer.

Valentine’s Day Dining Trends Show Shift Beyond Romance According to OpenTable

Restaurants are gearing up for the next major dining holiday: Valentine’s Day.

According to global restaurant tech company OpenTable, this year the industry continues to see a shift as consumers celebrate more than just romantic relationships. From friendships to family and self-love, Valentine’s Day is becoming more inclusive, and restaurants are at the center of it.

"Gen-Z is leading the charge in making Valentine's Day more inclusive," said Cheryl Paniagua, VP of Restaurant Sales & Services at OpenTable.

The data shows that 60%...

Koikoi Trading Recalls FU ZHOU FISH BALL for Undeclared Allergens

The FDA recently published a recall issued by Koikoi Trading inc, the manufacturers of FU ZHOU FISH BALL from the Yaba brand.

According to the alert, these items contain allergens (wheat and sesame) that have not been declared on its packeging. 

These items were distributed through foodservice and e-commerce channels and may have reached consumers in states including CA, WA, OR, NY, FL, TX, NJ, IL, MA, GA, AZ, NV, CO.

Affected products have a 24 month shelf life and include:

• 200g (consumer pack)...

Wild Alaska Sole Association Pitches Fit With New US Dietary Guidelines

The Wild Alaska Sole Association said its product, often labeled as Wild Alaska Flounder, fits perfectly with the US’ updated 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines recently unveiled by the Trump administration.

"While food trends are always changing, the research is consistent that fresh, wild seafood provides critical nutrients like omega-3s that are hard to replace with other foods," said Pat Shanahan, executive director of the Wild Alaska Sole Association.

"Wild Alaska Sole is especially approachable. It's mild-tasting, easy to cook, and naturally lean, while providing essential omega-3...

GBH News to Premiere New Podcast: Catching The Codfather

GBH News today announced the upcoming premiere of Catching The Codfather, a new podcast from the Peabody Award-winning team behind The Big Dig and Scratch & Win. Catching The Codfather traces the true-crime story of New England fishing tycoon Carlos Rafael, his controversial rise, and the federal sting operation that finally brought him down exactly 10 years ago this month. The six-part limited series, the latest season of GBH News’ The Big Dig™ podcast, is hosted by Ian Coss...

Ocean Harvesters Urges ASMFC to Test ‘Gauntlet’ Theory Before Advancing Chesapeake Menhaden Limits

Ocean Harvesters has called on the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Atlantic Menhaden Management Board to delay new purse seine restrictions in the Chesapeake Bay until the Plan Development Team rigorously tests the “gauntlet” theory underpinning the proposed addendum.

The company says the theory—that Ocean Harvesters’ purse seine fishery in the lower Bay blocks menhaden from reaching Maryland pound nets—has not been adequately examined. “Before the Commission advances restrictions premised on a single, untested narrative, the PDT should rigorously examine what’s...

GC Rieber VivoMega Renews Friend of the Sea Certification

In a significant boost for the blue economy, GC Rieber VivoMega, a global leader in high-end Omega-3 concentrates, has successfully renewed its Friend of the Sea (FOS) certification.

The certification applies to several key species harvested under strict environmental oversight, including European Sardine, Pacific Chub Mackerel, European Anchovy, and Skipjack Tuna. As the nutraceutical industry faces increasing scrutiny over ocean health, GC Rieber VivoMega’s continued adherence to Friend of the Sea standards offers a transparent roadmap for how high-potency health products can coexist with vibrant marine ecosystems...

Norwegian Salmon Leader Mowi Launches Processing Facility to Serve Thailand Market

Norwegian salmon farming giant Mowi opened its first processing plant in Thailand this week, according to Åshild Nakken, the Norwegian Seafood Council's director for Southeast Asia.

The facility was built alongside the largest salmon importer and retailer in Thailand, CP Axtra, according to Nakken’s LinkedIn post. The partnership will see Mowi supply salmon products to CP’s customers through its retail chains and the foodservice sector.

“Today marks a meaningful step forward, not only for Mowi and CP Axtra but also for the future of...

Ode Scores Milestone as Top Cod Supplier in Norway, Acquires 3 Farming Sites

Norwegian cod farmer Ode, after celebrating its spot as the top supplier of cod out of Norway in 2025, announced a deal to acquire three farming sites from Vesterålen Havbruk, it announced on January 27.

Ode said the sites Apalset, Stokkeneset, and Rekvika previously belonged to the listed company Statt Torsk and became part of Vesterålen Havbruk following the 2024 merger. Since 2024, the Rekvika site has been operated jointly by the Ode and Vesterålen Havbruk, while the other two sites...

Russia Plans Major 2026 Catch Increases for Crab, Fish Species

Russia plans to significantly raise total allowable catch quotas for specific fish species and crabs in 2026, based on data from recent scientific expeditions.

Rosrybolovstvo reports that greenling quotas in the North Kuril subzone will increase by 54.1% to 18,500 tons. Cod quotas in the South Kuril subzone are set to grow by 8.7%, while whelk quotas in the North Okhotsk subzone will rise by 19%.

Crab quotas will also see increases due to significant stock growth. Kamchatka crab catch limits in the West Sakhalin subzone...

GOMSO 1,000-Year JOTGAL Launches “Kkini-Kkini,” a Single-Serve Korean Fermented Seafood Brand

GOMSO 1,000-year JOTGAL has introduced "Kkini-Kkini," a new brand that translates to "each and every meal" in Korean. This product offers a single-serve portion of Jeotgal, a traditional Korean fermented seafood.

"Our goal is to position our products as a versatile K-Superfood that adds healthy depth to any global cuisine," said a spokesperson for GOMSO 1,000-year JOTGAL. "By introducing this portable Korean traditional fermented seafood to the international market, GOMSO 1,000-year JOTGAL...

2025 Survey: Pollock Biomass Down by 30%, Snow Crab Up by 51% in Eastern Bering Sea

The walleye pollock biomass dropped by 30% from 2024, according to results of the annual eastern Bering Sea trawl survey, but a much smaller portion found in the northern Bering Sea rose by 50.6% YOY. 

Pollock is the largest contributor of biomass in both the eastern and northern Bering Sea. It accounts for 28% of the EBS and 23% of the NBS, making it the largest US commercial fishery.  

Even with a 30% drop in biomass, there is enough for the conservation-led...

Three Dead, Three Missing After Vessel Serving Salmones Austral Sinks in Chile

Chilean salmon farmer Salmones Austral confirmed that a vessel it uses sank Jan. 27 in the Reloncaví Estuary in Chile’s Los Lagos region, leaving three crew members confirmed dead and three missing, local media and the Chilean navy reported.

Salmones Austral said the Koñimo I sank while anchored about 70 meters from shore and under normal weather conditions. The company noted that the vessel, owned by Koñimo, provides sporadic services to Salmones Austral and that the crew had finished work at 6 p.m. local time the previous day...

The Retail Rundown: Protein Movement Gains from Championship Game and Severe Weather 

February is typically a sluggish period for protein sales, but demand tied to the season’s championship football matchup is delivering a timely lift for retailers. As shoppers prepare for watch parties and at-home gatherings, meat cases are seeing an uptick in interest for value-oriented, crowd-friendly cuts.

This week’s promotional mix leans toward beef, which accounts for 26% of total features. Seafood follows closely at 25%, while pork represents 24%. Chicken promotions eased to 17.5%, and egg features held steady at 4%. Turkey ads account for 2% of total ads, led by ground turkey features...

China’s Fish Exports to Russia Reach Decade High in 2025

China increased its fish supplies to the Russian market to a ten-year high in 2025, with export growth continuing into 2026.

The latest figures, reported by Russian newswire RIA Novosti and based on Chinese customs data, show Chinese companies exported fish to Russia worth US$188.3 million in 2025 – up from US$141.1 million in 2024. The 34% year-on-year increase marked the highest level since 2015...