FDA Issues Warning Letter to Maui Seafood Over Listeria Contamination, HACCP Violations

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning letter to Maui Seafood LLC of Las Vegas, NV, citing the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in its ready‑to‑eat (RTE) seafood processing facility and multiple violations of federal seafood HACCP regulations.

The inspection, conducted from April 28 to May 16, 2025, found L. monocytogenes on several food contact surfaces, including salmon cutting boards, staging area curtains, and processing room drains. Whole-genome sequencing linked the strain detected at the facility to clinical cases from previous years...

Wild Alaskan Company Acquires Kasilof Buying Station, Moves to Improve Alaska’s Working Waterfronts

Wild Alaskan Company, an industry leader in direct-to-consumer sales, announced its acquisition of the Kasilof Buying Station yesterday, noting that it gives vessels a direct offload point during the summer salmon season.  

Located just upriver from the mouth of the Kasilof River, the station is on Alaska’s road system, enabling seamless integration into Wild Alaskan Company’s national DTC supply chain and improving speed, coordination, and market connectivity. The investment reflects the company’s long-term commitment to improving Alaska’s working waterfronts and seafood infrastructure...

Mowi Sees 8.3% Growth in Harvest Volume for 2026, Reaffirms Outlook Despite Market Pressures

Mowi closed 2025 with record-high revenues of EUR 5.73 billion ($6.80 billion) and harvest volumes of 559,000 metric tons (MT), capping a year of consistent operational gains despite industry-wide supply pressures that depressed salmon prices throughout the year.

“I am delighted that we are delivering on our strategy and am impressed yet again by the way this whole organisation constantly strives for both record volumes and record revenues throughout the value chain. It is also pleasing to see that costs...

SalMar Achieves Record Harvest and Cost Efficiency in Q4 2025 Amid Strong Operational Performance

SalMar delivered strong operational performance in the fourth quarter, setting a record harvest of 300,900 tonnes and achieving lower costs across its value chain, driven by continued solid operational and biological performance in Norway. Results were partly offset by a weak contribution from Scottish Sea Farms.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, Norway achieved an operational EBIT of NOK 1,843 million with a harvest of 80,300 tonnes, resulting in an operational EBIT of NOK 23.0 per...

Proximar Seafood Projects Solid 2026 Outlook Amid Initial Q1 Size Distribution Challenges

Proximar Seafood said it has seen “positive biological developments” across most of its production, with the company expecting increased harvest weights and a solid 2026 outlook, according to a February 9 production update.

Proximar is a Norwegian land-based salmon farmer with a production facility in Japan. The company estimated harvest volumes of 3,500-4,5000 metric tons HOG in 2026.

“We are encouraged by the performance we are seeing, and the improvements we have made are clearly showing positive effects on growth...

Norway's Annual Salmon Mortality Rate Dips Below 15% for First Time in Several Years

The annual mortality rate (mortality risk) for farmed salmon in Norway finished 2025 at an estimated 14.2%, down from 15.4% a year ago and 16.7% in 2023, according to the Norwegian Veterinary Institute. This marks the first time the rate has fallen below 15% in several years.

The calculations were based on monthly records of the number of dead and live fish that farmers reported to Norwegian authorities, the institute explained.

“Several players have reported lower loss figures in 2025 and the Veterinary Institute's calculations support...

Japan: 2025 Fishery Product Imports Fell by 3% in Volume; Pollock Surimi up 36% from Russia, Down 11% from the US 

According to trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance on January 29th, the volume of marine product imports in 2025 (preliminary figures, including seafood and seafood preparations, fishmeal, and seaweed) decreased 3% from the previous year to 2,024,014 tons, while import value increased 4% to 2,381,400,000 yen ($15,175,740.60). Fresh and frozen tuna increased 6% to 186,362 tons, fresh and frozen salmon and trout remained the same as the previous year at 219,397 tons, and sea urchin...

P.F. Chang's Unveils Limited-Time Valentine's Day Prix Fixe Menu

P.F. Chang's is embracing the spirit of love with a special Valentine's Day offering, a limited-time prix fixe menu available from February 12 through February 16 at participating locations nationwide.

For $89.99, guests can savor a five-course dinner for two, combining P.F. Chang's beloved classics with exciting new dishes. (Note: Pricing at New York City's Union Square and Honolulu, HI locations is set at $99.99).

"P.F. Chang's is a place where great food sets the tone for a...

US Market Challenges Push Norwegian Salmon Fillet Exports Down 37%, Poland and China Surge

Norwegian seafood exports fell 3% in value at the start of 2026 compared to January last year, as the US market faced “unpredictable tariffs,” a weaker dollar, and rising competition, the Norwegian Seafood Council reports. CEO Christian Chramer pointed to lower salmon prices, reduced quotas for several wild species, and challenging market access as key factors behind the decline.

At this point last year, the US was the largest single market for Norwegian seafood. Today, the value of exports destined for the US has declined...

Russia's 2025 Salmon Catch Up 100,000 Tons Year‑on‑Year

Russia remains the world’s largest producer of Pacific salmon, according to recent statements from experts at the Russian Federal Agency for Fisheries (Rosrybolovstvo).

An agency spokesperson said that during the last salmon fishing season, Russia’s catch totaled approximately 335,500 tons, about 100,000 tons higher than in 2024. The bulk of the catch traditionally comes from Kamchatka.

As a result, Russia is currently fully self‑sufficient in salmon and caviar, though it continues to import Atlantic salmon, primarily from Chile...

SalmonChile Elects Patricio Melero as President

SalmonChile's Board of Directors has elected Patricio Melero Abaroa as president of the trade association representing Chile’s salmon producers and suppliers, effective March 1. An agricultural engineer from the University of Chile, Melero brings decades of public policy experience, including service as a deputy (1990–2021), president of the Chamber of Deputies (2011–2012), and Minister of Labor and Social Security (2021–2022).

During his parliamentary tenure, Melero served on and chaired the Lower House Fisheries and Aquaculture Committee for five terms, contributing to the passage of the 1991 Fisheries and...

NPFMC Addresses Bering Sea Chum Salmon Bycatch in Groundfish Fisheries This Week

A Draft Environmental Impact Statement will be discussed by members of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) this week. The DEIS addresses four alternatives to manage chum salmon bycatch in the Bering Sea pollock fishery. 

The alternatives start with “no action,” which would keep management of chum salmon bycatch in the Bering Sea at the status quo.

Alternative 2 provides an overall chum salmon cap that would function as a hard cap for each pollock B season. If the overall cap is met, pollock fishing must... 

Japan: 2025 Fishery Product Exports Increased 41% in Volume, 22% in Value 

According to trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance, seafood exports in 2025 (fish and shellfish preparations, fish meal) increased 41% year-on-year in volume to 586,308 tons, and increased 22% in value to 353.719 billion yen ($2.312 billion). This marks the first volume increase since 2021 and the first value increase since 2022. Strong demand, a continued weak yen, and rising prices for farmed fish such as yellowtail and scallops are likely to have driven the value to a record high, according to the Minato Shimbun...

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...

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...

Kaldvik Appoint Interim CFO

Kaldvik AS announced today the appointment of Hjalti Hvítklett as interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective February 1.

This follows the Company's December 2025 announcement regarding the resignation of the current CFO Róbert Róbertsson, who is now exploring an opportunity with Arnarlax.

Hjalti Hvítklett brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously served as CFO and finance director at Nordic Aqua Partners and as CFO at P/F Pelagos.

In his new role, Mr. Hvítklett will play a crucial role in supporting Kaldvik AS's...

Smoked Fish Producer Big O’Smokehouse Partners With Meijer for Local Endcap Program in Michigan

Michigan-based smoked fish and sausage producer Big O’Smokehouse has partnered with major US retailer Meijer through a local endcap program.

Big O’Smokehouse is a third-generation family-owned business based in the Grand Rapids area. It produces summer sausage, salmon jerky and whitefish dip.

Grandpa O’ and his son, Keith Osterhaven, started Big O’ Smokehouse in 1997, and Keith’s son, Bruce, now leads the company. Bruce’s daughter Ellie manages the operations, and Kendra Higgins leads sales and marketing, Meijer noted in a press release...

NASCAR's Busch Family Reignites Successful StarKist Partnership for a Second Year

In a partnership renewal, the NASCAR family- Kyle, Samantha, and Brexton Busch- is once again joining forces with StarKist, building on a highly successful collaboration last year.

"It's going to be another great year with our friends at StarKist. I grew up with the brand, and I'm a big fan," expressed Kyle Busch. "Daytona sets the tone for a long season with nonstop momentum, and racing 500 miles requires serious focus and energy behind the wheel. I never slow down, so I rely on StarKist's great-tasting...

Icelandic Salmon Finishes 2025 With Q4 Operational Profit, Full-Year Loss Narrows

Icelandic Salmon reported improved operational performance in Q4 2025, delivering an operational EBIT of EUR 2.6 million ($3.1 million) on a harvest of 3,800mt (gwt), helping the group finish the quarter in positive territory after a challenging year. Harvest for 2025 totaled 12,700 mt, versus guidance of 13,000 mt (300 mt moved into Jan 2026). Full‑year EBIT remained negative at EUR -18.1 million.

Operational cost cuts implemented in Q3 helped reduce cost levels in Q4, while biomass in sea reached an all‑time high of about 18,000mt...

Bakkafrost Reports Financial Pressures in Q4 2025 Linked to Salmon Oversupply

In the fourth quarter of 2025, Bakkafrost demonstrated solid operational resilience despite confronting unsatisfactory financial results driven by a substantial increase in the global salmon supply. This oversupply affected market prices, further complicating financial performance. The group's focus on biological control and strategic investments has strengthened its operational groundwork, allowing it to weather these challenging market conditions.

Performance across regions indicated mixed results. The Faroe Islands saw notable financial growth with revenues reaching DKK 1,544 million, a significant increase from the previous...

Atlantic Sapphire Seeks Up to $25 Million to Sustain Phase 1 Turnaround Toward EBITDA Breakeven

Atlantic Sapphire ASA outlined a financing plan to support its ongoing Phase 1 turnaround and target EBITDA breakeven, according to a February 5 update. The company says it is evaluating funding options of roughly USD 15–25 million to underpin continued execution across production, processing and commercial operations and to ensure liquidity headroom through the planning horizon.

Over the last 18 months, Atlantic Sapphire has pursued a broad-based operational overhaul, reporting tangible gains in harvest biomass (4,365 tons HOG in 2024 to...

Boston Sword & Tuna, Vikenco Settle Litigation, Confirm Ongoing Partnership

Boston Sword & Tuna (BST) resolved its litigation against the Norwegian salmon company Vikenco AS, the companies announced in a joint statement on February 5.

The resolution will see the long-standing partnership between the two firms remain in place. The settlement will resolve all claims between the parties, with no admissions of liability or wrongdoing by either party.

In April 2025, BST and its parent company, Fortune International, filed a lawsuit against a former employee and Vikenco North America.

The legal complaint, filed on April 29, 2025...

Rabobank: Salmon Supply Growth to Stall, Tariffs, Trade Shifts to Drive Shrimp Volume

Resilient consumer demand is keeping prices firm across major aquaculture species as 2026 gets underway, even with constrained supply, shifting trade flows, and geopolitical uncertainty continuing to test seafood markets around the world, according to Rabobank’s latest Global Aquaculture Update.

“While inflation has eased in major economies, supporting demand, the industry still faces headwinds from macroeconomic uncertainty, evolving tariff regimes, and climate‑related pressures,” said Novel Sharma, Seafood analyst at RaboResearch.

Farmed salmon input is expected to largely stall in 2026, with a potential...

StarKist Launches ‘Fuel Good, Feel Good’ Campaign Featuring Former Bachelorette, US Hockey Hero

Staple US seafood brand StarKist launched its latest campaign, ‘Fuel Good, Feel Good,’ which is designed to show how fueling up with protein helps consumers accomplish their everyday goals, both big and small.

To bring its new campaign to life, StarKist partnered with a group of creators who will showcase how StarKist’s ready-to-eat products support energy and help people feel good. Partners include former Bachelorette Becca Kufrin, Savannah Bananas star Jackson Olson, and former US Olympic hockey hero TJ Oshie...

Seafood Industry Set for Rapid Change in 2026 Led by Transformation Economy, Asian Growth, and Tech

The Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) has highlighted key trends expected to shape the global seafood landscape in 2026, drawing on insights from its recent annual conference.

Among the drivers of change is the rise of the “transformation economy,” in which consumers increasingly prioritize health, longevity, and well-being, reshaping food choices toward nutrition-dense proteins such as seafood. Louise Byg Kongsholm, CEO of Pej Gruppen and a featured speaker at the NSC event, highlighted how the shift from an experience economy to a transformation...

Chilean Salmon Industry, US Ambassador Strengthen Strategic Trade Partnership

The Salmon Council (Consejo Del Salmon), representing the majority of Chile’s salmon production, convened its first bilateral working meeting with United States Ambassador to Chile, Brandon Judd, last week, aiming to deepen cooperation on trade and reinforce its salmon supply chain.

Loreto Seguel, Executive President of the Salmon Council, met with Judd to discuss the interdependence between Chile and the US in the salmon industry, which relies on inputs critical to salmonid production, processing, distribution, and year-round availability in the American market...

Gold Star Distribution Recalls Thousands of Products, Including Canned Fish and More Seafood

Thousands of products from Gold Star Distribution have been recalled due to the presence of rodent and avian contamination. The recall, initially made public in December 2025, has garnered added attention as many staple food brands like Cheerios, Pringles and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are included in the lengthy recall.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that a Gold Star facility in Minneapolis was operating under insanitary conditions, including the presence of rodent excreta, rodent urine...

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...

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...

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...