Captain Fresh‑Owned CenSea Acquires Ocean Edge, Expands Lobster and Crab Offerings

Captain Fresh-owned US seafood importer CenSea has acquired Ocean Edge, a move aimed at strengthening its crab and lobster portfolio.

CenSea described Ocean Edge as a specialist in lobster and crab, saying the deal will deepen its premium lobster offerings and establish formal crab capabilities alongside its core shrimp business.

Founded in 2006, Ocean Edge has grown into a premium crustacean supplier, sourcing from Canada, Honduras, and South Africa. The brand’s range also includes imitation crab marketed under the Ocean Edge label...

ANALYSIS: US Shrimp Retail Sales Slide Amid Rising Prices and Fewer Promotions

Recent data indicate a clear contraction in US shrimp retail demand, driven by rising prices and a sharp decline in promotional activity. Despite a brief uptick in late November, sales volumes and distribution points have dipped to their lowest seasonal levels in several years, suggesting that higher costs are beginning to weigh on consumer purchasing during this critical quarter.

Retail contracting

As expected, retail prices continue to rise while retail feature activity contracts considerably (based on proprietary UB data). Circana data also indicate contraction across points of...

ANALYSIS: Norwegian Atlantic Cod Prices Hit 20-Year High Amid Reduced Barents Sea Quota and Supply Constraints

The price of Norwegian Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) reached a 20-year peak in November 2025, averaging NOK 103.0 per kilogram (USD 10.07/kg; EUR 8.60/kg) (Figure 1). The lowest monthly price in 2025 was recorded in July, influenced by market uncertainty surrounding the final US tariff imposed on cod caught in Norway but processed in Asia. In December 2025, the price of Norwegian cod was 31.4% higher on a year-on-year (y-o-y) basis and had risen 118.2% compared...

West Coast Salmon Files Bankruptcy After Nearly NOK 100M Loss on Nevada RAS Project

West Coast Salmon, a Norwegian company with plans to build a massive land-based salmon operation in Nevada, filed for bankruptcy.

The company reportedly lost close to NOK 100 million ($9.8 million) before the project could gain significant momentum, according to Norwegian publication Dagens Næringsliv. The planned facility never progressed beyond the design stage; the effort stalled after substantial losses.

The company initially planned 50,000 tons of HOG production at its Reno, Nevada, facility, but later reduced...

Marine Stewardship Council Joins Science Center for Marine Fisheries

The Science Center for Marine Fisheries (SCEMFIS) is pleased to announce that the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has joined the Center as a member of its Industry Advisory Board (IAB). The addition of MSC will further the Center’s mission to identify and fund the latest developments in marine science, and to support healthy, sustainable fisheries.

The MSC is the world’s leading environmental certification for wild-capture fisheries. Meeting the organization’s Fisheries Standard is a rigorous process that ensures that any seafood product carrying the MSC-certified blue fish label meets...

Kingfish CEO Buiks LeaveFor s Personal Reasons, Erenst Agrees to Another Year

Yesterday, the Netherlands-based producer of yellowtail kingfish announced that Karl Buiks has resigned from his position as Chief Executive Officer of the company, effective December 16, 2025, for personal reasons. 

The Kingfish Company N.V. (Euronext: KING) board said they respect his decision and wished him well. 

Outgoing CEO Vincent Erenst, whose last day was to be December 31, 2025, has agreed to postpone his retirement and will continue to lead the company for an additional year...

Historic Return of Natural Coho in Northern California Signals Potential Regional Fisheries Shift

For the first time in more than three decades, naturally reproduced coho salmon have been documented in the upper basin of the Russian River — a development that could have important implications for salmon-dependent fisheries and regional ecosystem health.  

Juvenile coho were spotted this past summer in a remote tributary of the Russian River in Mendocino County by a water resources specialist from the Pinoleville Pomo Nation. Their presence marks the first confirmed evidence of successful natural spawning in upper watershed reaches since 1991...

ANALYSIS: September Groundfish Import Data Highlights Supply Constraints Sustaining Price Pressure

The groundfish market held full steady for the past few weeks across much of both single- and twice-frozen segments, but newly released September import figures shed light on the supply-side dynamics that continue to underwrite full steady to firm undertones throughout the complex.

Atlantic and Pacific cod imports totaled 7.88 million pounds in September, marking a steep 20.9% drop from August and a 10.8% decline year-over-year. China, the dominant supplier, shipped 4.49 million pounds, down 31.7% from the prior month...

Fortune International Acquires NC Processor Simply Fresh to Expand Mid‑Atlantic Footprint

Fortune International acquired North Carolina-based seafood processor and purveyor Simply Fresh, the company announced on December 15.

Fortune said the acquisition strengthens its presence in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast operations. Fortune noted that by integrating Simply Fresh’s expertise and its regional sourcing relationships, it will be able to meet the growing demand for seafood in North Carolina and surrounding areas.

"We are thrilled to welcome Simply Fresh into the Fortune family," said Sean O’Scannlain, Founder and CEO at Fortune International. "Their dedication...

Advancing US Leadership in Protein Innovation with the PROTEIN Act

Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) has introduced the PROTEIN Act to bolster US leadership in protein innovation amid rising global meat demand expected to double by 2050. The act addresses the US's lag in investment compared to other nations and aims to diversify protein sources to strengthen food security, stimulate economic growth, and tackle climate challenges.

The PROTEIN Act will support US farmers and expand domestic capacity via research centers, grant programs, and workforce development initiatives.

California, leading with over 150 companies, holds substantial...

Congressman Van Drew Secures Key Offshore Wind Amendment in SPEED Act

Today, Congressman Van Drew announced that after direct negotiations with House leadership on the floor, he successfully secured an amendment addressing his serious concerns about offshore wind in the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery (SPEED) Act, which would reform the federal permitting process.

"I support real permitting reform, and the SPEED Act does a lot of good things to unleash our energy potential," said Congressman Van Drew. "But as it was previously written, it would have permanently protected offshore wind projects that were forced through...

Red Lobster Invites Canadians to Celebrate the Holidays - Open on Christmas and New Year's

This holiday season, Red Lobster is bringing joy to seafood lovers across Canada by staying open for Christmas and New Year celebrations. Guests are invited to indulge in festive flavours and create memorable moments with family and friends.

Celebrate Christmas with Red Lobster

All Canadian locations will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on December 24 and from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on December 25. Try one of the three NEW crave-worthy seafood boil flavours: Lemon Pepper, a bright zesty kick, OLD BAY® & Butter Sauce, a savoury twist on a classic and RL Signature Sauce, a bold blend of all flavours alongside beloved classics like the Ultimate Feast®.

Foodservice Finds Momentum This Holiday Season Amid Shifting Consumer Spending

As the holidays approach and the year winds down, the foodservice industry competes with retail on how consumers stretch their dollars during "the most wonderful time of the year."

CNBC recently reported that, based on restaurant purchasing data, consumers continue to dine out, but many are opting for appetizer items instead of entrée menu options.

Despite the challenges of disease, supply issues, and rising costs, the American foodservice industry remains resilient and continues to find ways to tap into consumer spending this December, even as some consumers scale back.

Nordic Aqua Ningbo Lines Up Long‑Term Equity and Debt to Expand Land‑Based Salmon Production

Nordic Aqua Partners AS (NOAP) is pleased to confirm the completion of the co-investment into Nordic Aqua (Ningbo) Co., Ltd. (Nordic Aqua Ningbo), a subsidiary of NOAP, together with the refinancing of the company's long-term debt. These transactions materially strengthen the capital structure of Nordic Aqua Ningbo and provide long-term funding visibility for the next phase of growth.

Under the co-investment agreement, Ningbo Ocean Development Group Co., Ltd...

The Retail Rundown: Holiday Demand Builds, Pork Steps Into the Spotlight

With just over a week remaining until Christmas, supermarket circulars are serving as the hub for holiday party planning. Most seasonal food shopping is expected to be concentrated this week, with fresh meat and deli items leading the charge.

Store traffic is poised to increase as retailers vie aggressively for holiday dollars in an increasingly competitive retail environment heading into 2026.

Pork took the top spot in this week’s protein features, fueled by a spike in holiday ham promotions. Pork accounted for 30% of total...

Cousins Maine Lobster Expands Southeast Footprint with Three-Unit Agreement

Founded by real-life cousins in 2012, Cousins Maine Lobster continues its expansion, positioning the company as the leading lobster roll brand and one of the fastest-growing fast-casual seafood concepts.

This time, the brand is growing its presence in the Southeast with a three-unit agreement that will bring Cousins Maine Lobster food trucks to South Carolina—Charleston and Columbia—as well as a location in Birmingham, Alabama, over the next few years. This momentum aligns with recent growth that added 20...

USDA Purchases $13.7M in Pollock, Catfish and Canned Salmon for Domestic Programs

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) purchased roughly $13.7 million worth of pollock, catfish and canned salmon products for use in domestic food distribution programs.

The USDA initially released a solicitation to sell various salmon, pollock and catfish products on November 25. In the end, the USDA bought 1.75 million pounds of seafood for $13,694,519.36.

Specifically, the USDA purchased 1,8000 cases of frozen Atlantic pollock fillets for $500,400; along with various frozen Alaska pollock products for a combined $2.3 million...

Typhoon Kalmaegi Disrupts Agricultural and Aquaculture Production in Philippines, Vietnam 

Typhoon Kalmaegi struck the Philippines on November 3 and Vietnam on November 6, causing widespread agricultural damage across both countries, according to the Expana Global Weather Report - November 2025. 

In the Philippines, agricultural losses reached $2.7 million. The typhoon impacted 81,500 acres of maize fields, potentially causing significant production losses. Over 130,000 acres of sugar cane were damaged across the Visayas region. Negros Occidental, the country's top sugar-producing area, recorded the highest losses. Four sugar mills suffered damage, delaying processing operations...

Fung-wong Storm Results in Livestock Losses and Crop Destruction across Philippines and Taiwan 

In the Philippines, Fung-wong caused severe damage to crops including rice, corn, cassava, abaca, sugar cane, coffee, cocoa, bananas, coconuts, spices, legumes, fruits, and vegetables, according to the Expana Global Weather Report - November 2025. Banana crops in Aurora province were mostly destroyed.  

Typhoon Fung-wong formed in the Philippine Sea on November 5 and struck Luzon, Philippines, on November 9 as a Category 3 storm with winds up to 115 mph. The storm then hit Taiwan’s Pingtung County on November 12 as...

SFP Joins Regional Partners in Launching GoTFish Project

Five-year initiative will strengthen fisheries governance in the Gulf of Thailand.

Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP) is collaborating with the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) and the University of Queensland to launch a regional effort to secure the long-term health of the Gulf of Thailand’s fisheries. Implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the GoTFish Project will coordinate efforts in Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Viet Nam to address the growing threats facing...

ANALYSIS: Cape Capensis Gains Traction in Tightening Global Whitefish Landscape

Cape Capensis, also known as hake, is a coldwater whitefish valued for its mild flavor, firm texture, and adaptability across foodservice and retail applications. While the fishery remains relatively small by volume, it has garnered renewed interest from U.S. buyers seeking cost-effective alternatives to premium whitefish species like cod, haddock, and pollock, particularly as global supplies remain tight and pricing elevated.

The species is predominantly sourced from South Africa and Namibia, though trade dynamics continue to be shaped by tariff and regulatory...

2025 Hottest Year Yet in the Global Arctic, Winter Sea Ice Lowest Extent in 47 Years

2025, according to a report released yesterday at the American Geophysical Union’s annual meeting New Orleans, will be the hottest year on record for the global Arctic. The data on surface temperatures goes back to 1900. Since 2006, Arctic annual temperature has increased faster than twice the global rate.

The 150-page Arctic Report Card (ARC) is a collaboration of 112 scientists from 13 countries, all volunteering their time to add the results of their research to the annual check-up for the...

A Record 159 Million Consumers Expected to Shop on Super Saturday

An estimated 158.9 million consumers plan to shop on the last Saturday before Christmas, according to the annual survey released today by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. The figure is up from 157.2 million shoppers last year and surpasses the previous record of 158.5 million in 2022.

“As the final Saturday before Dec. 25, Super Saturday is a significant shopping event for both consumers and retailers,” NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights Katherine Cullen said. “This year’s event falls only five days before the Christmas holiday, and...

Samson Food Expands Product Line with Modern Takes on Traditional Korean Ingredients

Samson Food aims to modernize Korea's culinary heritage by developing healthier processed foods. The company, which specializes in manufacturing and distributing hwangto salt and fermented food ingredients, is expanding its product line.

Their flagship product, Directly Roasted Alkaline Salt with Hwangto, is crafted by roasting salt in hwangto earthenware jars to purify and enhance its alkaline properties. This product is popular across diverse consumer groups for uses in oral care, cooking, and as gifts.

Recently, Samson Food launched its vacuum-sealed "Wang Wang Series," featuring Hwangto... 

Nissui Finalizes $133M Chile Acquisition; Combined Salmon Output with Pesquera Yadran Hits 70,000T

Japanese seafood heavyweight Nissui has completed the acquisition of Chilean salmon farmer Pesquera Yadran (PY) through its subsidiary Salmones Antarctica (SA) for $133 million, the company announced on December 16.

The deal reflects Nissui’s strategic push to treat aquaculture as a priority growth area, with a target of achieving a profit margin of 10% or more.

Both SA and PY operate in the Chilean farmed salmon sector, with PY bringing both farming and processing capabilities and sales to overseas markets, including the United States...

Russian Snow Crab Price Remained Unchanged at $19.7 per Kilo at the 4th Busan Auction

According to a report in the Minato Shimbun, the fourth bidding round of the year for frozen Opilio snow crab from the Russian Far East took place on November 28th in Busan, South Korea. According to one trading company, 53 tons of air-blast frozen cooked sections produced in late October were up for bid. The winning bid (single price for L-4L sizes, EXW Busan) was $19.70/kg, unchanged from the third auction, and is believed to have been won by...

Russia is Experiencing a Serious Shortage of Supertrawlers as of Late

Russia is experiencing a serious shortage of supertrawlers, particular those with the length of 100-105 meters, which are crucial to the country and its fisherman to increase their catch volumes.

According to recent statements of Herman Zverev, head of the All-Russian Association of Fish Producers (VARPE), which were made in an interview with the Russian Kommersant business paper, during the period of 2017-2025 there were plans to build up to 35 of such ships although only 4 ships have been built as of now.

CDFW Reviews Entanglement Risk for Dungeness Crab Season; Washington Crab Meets Quality Criteria 

Will California open its waters for Dungeness crab fishing soon? Will Washington? Fishermen and processors should know soon.

While Oregon crabbers south of Cape Falcon are fighting stormy seas to set and retrieve their gear this week, California Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Charlton H. Bonham said Tuesday will assess marine life entanglement risk under the state’s Risk Assessment and Mitigation Program this week.

At the same time, state managers from all three states’ Departments of Fish and Wildlife plan...

India’s Captain Fresh Buys Spanish Tuna Company Frime

India's Captain Fresh has signed a deal to acquire Spain-based tuna company Frime, El Economista reported.

The publication said Frime posted turnover of €180 million last year and has processing capacity for 15,000 tons of frozen tuna and nearly 4,000 tons of cephalopods. The company employs about 450 people, according to its website. Frime also partners with Pesca Azteca, a group with a carrying capacity of 85,000 tons annually.

The deal is expected to strengthen Frime's financial position and scale as it joins a group of significant seafood brands...

NFI Sushi Council Adds North Carolina’s Bay Hill Seafood to Growing Membership

The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) Sushi Council announced Bay Hill Seafood Sales as its newest member, the third new member since the start of November.

The Greensboro, North Carolina-based company is a wholesale seafood supplier with decades of experience delivering products to restaurants and distributors in the US.

“Joining the NFI Sushi Council represents an exciting opportunity for Bay Hill to contribute to the continued advancement of seafood quality, food safety, and traceability across the sushi value chain,” said Justin Conrad, President and CEO of Bay Hill...