The Retail Rundown: Valentine’s Day Brings Foodservice Gains 

The grocery segment received a boost from last weekend’s pro-football championship game, with strong movement at the meat case. According to Circana data, retail chicken wing sales ahead of the game reached about $8.7 million, up from $8.5 million the previous week. Pork ribs brought in nearly $7 million, rising from $6.7 million, while ground beef sales totaled approximately $76 million, compared to $74.7 million the prior week. 

Looking ahead, February is typically a slower month for retail and overall meat demand. However, Valentine’s... 

Hokkaido Fishery's 2024 Pollock, Cod, and Herring Production Increased Amid Overall Production Dip

In 2024, Hokkaido's fishery production volume was 1.049 million tons, down 8% from the previous year, with the value being 279.8 billion yen, down 4%. Scallops and sardines, which had been strong in recent years, have started to decline, falling below 1.1 million tons for the first time in five years since 2019. The Hokkaido government recently announced preliminary figures.

According to the Minato Shimbun report on February 5, scallop production was down 8% in volume, amounting to 390,000 tons, marking a dip below 400,000...

Nova Scotia Seafood Sector Embarks on Trade Mission to Europe Amid Stalled Tariffs

Recently, Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Kent Smith led a trade mission to Europe, alongside a delegation of key stakeholders within the Atlantic Canadian seafood sector, in an effort to diversify the country’s seafood market, especially amid President Trump’s pending US import tariffs.

The delegation, comprised of six Nova Scotian seafood companies and eight Atlantic Canadian seafood companies, included participation by the following seafood leaders: Lobster Hub Inc., Louisbourg Seafoods Ltd., Victoria Co-Operative Fisheries Ltd., Tribune Seafood Inc., Gidney Fisheries Ltd...

Whole Foods Market Issues New Seafood Code of Conduct

Whole Foods Market just issued its new Seafood Code of Conduct (SCC), which reinforces the company’s commitment to ensuring human rights and worker welfare within its global supply chain.

The SCC commits to responsibly sourcing fresh, frozen, and canned seafood with respect to the following areas:

-- Maximum working hours and time at sea (including rest hours and port visits every eleven months)

-- Ethical recruitment (prohibiting recruitment fees and unclear contracts)

-- Communication access for crew members (including crew contact with family and Wi-Fi prioritization)

-- Health and safety onboard vessels (including required...

Russian Fishing Industry Hopes for High Revenue in 2025

The Russian fishing industry may show positive dynamics in terms of revenue this year, although much will depend on the further economic situation in Russia and its fish sector, as well as some external economic factors.

According to earlier predictions made by German Zverev, head of the All-Russian Association of Fish Producers (VARPE), an optimistic scenario might include the industry’s revenue exceeding 742.7 billion rubles (US $7.37 billion).

According to analysts, the Russian fish sector rests its hope in stabilizing the situation next year. That stabilization will not be...

The Retail Rundown: Weekly Protein Recap; CPI Update

Seafood leads protein advertising for a third consecutive week, accounting for nearly 31% of total ad space. Pork follows with nearly 23% and beef makes up 21%. Chicken represents 19% of the advertising share, while eggs capture less than 1%.

The seafood category shows mixed price trends year-over-year (YOY), with fresh cod fillets discounted to $8.37 per pound last week—down 53 cents from the previous year. Prices for catfish and tilapia remained steady YOY, each averaging about $6.60 discounted...

GSA Study Shows Chinese Consumers Prefer Seafood, Specifically BAP-Certified Products

In a recent survey conducted by Global Seafood Alliance (GSA), Chinese consumers reported that they preferred seafood over other types of protein, especially consumers who reside in coastal areas.

Utilizing a third party surveyor, GSA was able to collect consumer purchasing data on 3,079 Chinese residents, as well as gage consumer awareness of GSA’s Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) label. The BAP certification program has over 330 certified hatcheries, 2300+ certified farms, 150+ feed mills, and 490+ plants showcasing the BAP label.

Of those surveyed, more than...

ASMI Awarded $8.5 Million To Expand International Marketing Efforts Through 2030

The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) awarded the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) $8.5 million in new federal funding over the next five years. The money is specifically dedicated to expand ASMI's international marketing efforts over the next five years. 

ASMI will use the funds to diversify overseas markets for Alaska seafood at a time marked by significant global market collapse that has put financial pressure on Alaska communities, fishermen, fishing families, processors, and seafood businesses. 

The funds will be used to...

The Retail Rundown: Seasonal Trends for Ribs vs. Hams

With Christmas just two weeks away, this week’s retail rundown takes a closer look at two traditional holiday centerpieces: rib roasts and hams. These festive favorites have followed differing paths in the wholesale markets this year, potentially influencing their retail performance in the lead-up to the year-end celebrations.

The wholesale rib market began its seasonal ascent in the third quarter, gaining traction in early August. From August 1 through December 10, prices surged by 42 percent, far surpassing the 5-year average increase of 17 percent for the same period...

MarinTrust and MSC Sign MoU to Enhance Marine Ingredient Supply Chain

International certification programs MarinTrust and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation within the marine ingredient supply chain.  

Through the agreement, the two entities will explore mutual opportunities to make the marine ingredient supply chain more efficient for seafood producers and reduce overall costs for the industry.

Libby Woodhatch, Executive Chair at MarinTrust, noted that the “collaboration reflects both organization’s shared commitment to improving fisheries management and addressing the increasing demand for responsible marine ingredients.”

She added that the agreement will enable...

Trace Register Partners with Raw Seafoods to Enable Full Chain Traceability and Compliance

Trace Register, a seafood traceability solutions company, recently announced its partnership with Raw Seafoods, a wholesale seafood supplier based out of Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

As part of its partnership, Raw Seafoods has rolled out Trace Register’s TR5 platform, which focuses on full chain traceability, product quality, and regulatory compliance through continuous monitoring and analysis capabilities.

For over 15 years, Trace Register has served clients in more than 50 countries. The traceability company utilizes GDST and GS1 databases and focuses on proactive compliance measures with key regulatory...

The Retail Rundown: Eggs Rule the Roost During Baking Season 

As October reaches its midpoint, many homes are filled with the irresistible aromas of freshly baked goods, marking the onset of the holiday baking season.

This seasonal shift benefits the egg case as eggs find their way into breads, cookies, pastries, pies, and more. Also, more consumers are reaching for hot breakfasts as the weather turns colder, which further boosts egg demand.

Data from Circana shows that the average retail feature price for large, white Grade A eggs averaged $3.72 per dozen last week...

The Retail Rundown: Onwards to October

With October nearing, the shift in retail meat features from grilling cuts to roasts is picking up pace. More households are utilizing their ovens and crockpots, making it prime time for hearty ingredients like chuck roasts and pork shoulders.

Still, warmer weather lingers in some regions. For those with favorable grilling conditions, shoppers may find deals on items like steaks, ribs, and pork chops as retailers work to move any extra inventory. 

This week’s retail buying opportunities show seafood continuing to lead, making up 26.9% of protein advertisements, followed by pork at 24.7%, beef at 21.2%...

Red Lobster Emerges from Bankruptcy, Officially Names New CEO

Red Lobster has closed the book on its bankruptcy and enters a new era with a new captain at the helm.

The seafood restaurant chain announced its exit from Chapter 11 bankruptcy and the completion of its acquisition by RL Investor Holdings LLC. The firm also officially announced Damola Adamolekun as its new CEO.

Earlier this month, a federal court approved Red Lobster’s bankruptcy plan, paving the way for RL Investor Holdings to snatch up the company and keep its over 500 locations in operation, along with the...

The Retail Rundown: September's Seasonal Shifts

Although there are about two weeks left to enjoy summer, many consider the season unofficially over following Labor Day. The retail landscape is starting to reflect this shift, where factors like cooler weather and football season are already influencing consumer demand. 

The frozen/convenience aisles and deli counters benefit from back-to-school needs and provide quick meals for busy households. Circana data indicates that prepared dishes/kits earned $18.1 million in total sales last week, up from $17.7 million the week prior. Over in lunchmeat, fresh packaged turkey retailed at $7.21 discounted, an 18-cent year-over-year decrease.  

Mowi CEO Announces Strategic Review Of Canada West Business

Salmon giant Mowi is making its next move in the battle over aquaculture in B.C.’s Discovery Islands. This week CEO Ivan Vindheim announced a “strategic review of the Canada West business unit in response to continuing uncertainty with respect to the government of Canada’s policy on salmon farming in British Columbia.” 

Just this past June current Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Diane Lebouthillier announced a 5-year license term to transition from open-net salmon farms. As part of the plan, open net-pen salmon aquaculture will officially be...

Captain D’s Expands into Maryland and Texas

On February 5, American fast-casual seafood restaurant Captain D’s announced its expansion into Maryland and Texas.

Over the next seven years, Captain D’s will develop five new restaurants in Prince George County, Maryland. This marks the company’s expansion into the Northeast and its 24th state, thus building on more than 530 existing locations.

To achieve its Maryland development, Captain D’s is partnering with Shahid Raza and Ahmed Fawad, who represent an experienced team already operating successful restaurants and franchise businesses in New York, Maryland and Virginia Beach.

For Captain D’s Texas expansion...

Tassal and Visy Collaborate on Sustainable Cardboard Boxes for Australian Shrimp

Seafood producer Tassal recently partnered up with Australian food and beverage manufacturer Visy to create new sustainable cardboard boxes for Tassal’s shrimp products.

The boxes, which are made from 74% recycled material, are made locally at Visy’s Carole Park site in Ipswich, Queensland, before being sent to Proserpine for packing.

According to Adrian Dalgleish, Executive General Manager for Fiber Packaging at Visy, keeping the manufacturing within Australia ensures Australian jobs while also maintaining proximity for any customer needs as they arise.

Together, Visy and Tassal ran numerous market trials...

The Retail Rundown: Arctic Blast Supports Egg Demand While Seafood Leads Ads

Seafood continues to lead the retail protein category for the fourth consecutive week, accounting for 29% of all featured advertisements. Beef comes in second with 25%, while pork and chicken are tied at 20% each.

Arctic air across much of the country and an unusual winter storm in the South have influenced product movement and demand this week. Expana reports that the frigid conditions have boosted egg demand as consumers stock up on essentials.

Wholesale egg prices have ascended to a fresh all-time high, with Expana’s Midwest large quotation at...

Næra® Snacks to Unveil New Crunchy Salmon Bites at Winter Fancy Food Show 2025

Næra® Snacks (a brand by Responsible Foods, ehf.) recently launched a new salmon snack line, Crunchy Fish Bites.

The all-natural salmon bites are batch-crafted and gently dried and come in the following flavors: wasabi, jalapeno, and ranch.

Næra® Snacks will be showcasing additional Crunchy Fish bite varieties at the Specialty Food Association’s (SFA) Winter Fancy Food Show 2025, Booth 941, which takes place this Sunday, January 19, 2025.

“Næra® Crunch Fish Bites are truly snackable and conquer hunger without sinking..."

Norway’s 2024 Seafood Exports Rank as Best Year Yet

According to a statement from the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC), Norway experienced its highest ever seafood export value in 2024, with a total of 2.8 million tonnes of seafood products exported, amounting to NOK 175.4 billion (approximately $15.4 billion).

Upward trajectory for Norwegian seafood exports

This marks a 2% increase from 2023, when the Scandinavian country experienced a seafood export value of NOK 171.7 billion (approximately $15.08 billion). The NSC recorded seafood exports of more than 60 different species to over 150 countries worldwide...

S&P Global Ranks Blumar as Best Fishery in Chile

S&P Global recently gave Chilean seafood producer Blumar a high rating of 73 points in the Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA)’s Food category.

This marks Blumar’s newly declared status as the best fishery in Chile and among the country’s top two salmon farms, ranking highest of the two in the CSA’s performance area. This is an impovement of 17 points from last year.

Since Blumar was first evaluated by S&P Global in 2021, its score increased a total of 31 points, or 74%. The 2024 scoring places the...

Eat Alabama Seafood Program Finds New Home in Local Nonprofit Sweet Grown Alabama

The Alabama Seafood Marketing Commission (ASMC) is switching to Sweet Grown Alabama for the marketing of its Eat Alabama Seafood Program.

The Eat Alabama Seafood Program is an effort by the ASMC, which is a governor-appointed, volunteer-based entity created in 2011 for the sole purpose of increasing business for Alabama’s seafood industry.

Sweet Grown Alabama is a non-profit organization that promotes Alabama-grown foods and agricultural products and helps connect consumers with local farmers.

This marketing transition comes one year after the Alabama Legislature...

Norway's November Seafood Exports Reach Highest Value to Date, Says Norwegian Seafood Council

According to information published recently by the Norwegian Seafood Council, seafood exports in Norway reached a total worth of NOK 17.3 billion in November, making it the most successful November seafood export value to date, increased by NOK 1 billion, or 6%, from last November.

At this rate, Norway is headed for a new export record, with already NOK 160.4 billion exported this year, which is 1.5% higher than this time last year.

Christian Chramer, CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Council, said that Norway has been seeing...

Cooke Finalizes Acquisition of Peruvian Fishing Giant Copeinca

Global seafood company Cooke Inc. (“Cooke”) just finalized its acquisition of Corporación Pesquera Inca S.A.C. (“Copeinca”), Peru’s largest fishing company.

This comes after Cooke’s November 7th announcement that Cooke would enter into a binding share purchase agreement with Copeinca Canada Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Cooke, and seller PF Cayman New Holdco Limited, allowing Cooke to indirectly acquire all outstanding shares of Copeinca.

Copeinca, established in Peru in 1994, is one of Peru’s largest anchoveta processors and one of the world’s largest anchoveta fishmeal and fish oil producers and exporters.

Cooke, which entered the marine ingredients...

The Retail Rundown: Holiday Countdown Rapidly Winds Down

With Thanksgiving just three weeks away, the holiday rush is fueling retail traffic as shoppers stock up on essentials. This week, turkey promotions account for 3.3 percent of all protein ads, down from 5 percent the previous week. The number of grocery chains featuring turkeys also declined, with 39 chains participating, compared to 49 chains a week earlier.

Despite fewer promotions, fresh whole turkey sales rose week-over-week, reaching $1.3 million last week, up from $909,368 the week prior, according to Circana...

The Retail Rundown:  Port Strike Sends Shockwaves Throughout Supply Chain 

The strike at East and Gulf Coast ports officially began once the calendar turned to October, following unsuccessful contract negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX).

The strike's impact is being felt throughout the supply chain, causing significant disruptions in the flow of goods ahead of the rapidly approaching holiday season. 

In a statement released on Tuesday, USMX stated that its current offer includes a nearly 50% wage increase. In response, ILA said it has rejected USX's offer "because it fails to address...

The Retail Rundown: Going All-Out for Autumn

Fall is just around the corner, with the official start of autumn this Sunday, September 22. As cooler weather sets in and travel plans wind down, grocers are ramping up their offerings of seasonal favorites to align with the change in consumer preferences. 

According to the Expana Retail Activity Index, seafood continues to lead for the fourth week in a row, making up 30% of total protein ads. Beef and pork are close behind, each at around 25%, while chicken accounts for 14%. Eggs represent 2.8% of retail opportunities, and turkey has 2.3%...

The Retail Rundown: Rising Feature Volume for Roasts

This month marks an ideal blend of seasons for the retail sector, as grilling cuts continue to be featured along with autumn favorites like hearty roasts and everything pumpkin. The shift to cooler weather is already being reflected in increased promotions for pork and beef roasts, which have earned a larger share of circular ad space this week. 

In the beef category, roasts now account for 26.4 percent of total ad space, up from 17 percent the previous week. Steak promotions eased to 36.9 percent, a nearly 10-point decline from...

ANALYSIS: Fresh Whole Salmon Situation

The farmed salmon index has ticked up slightly through the month of August. Much of this can be attributed to the lack of whole fish in the U.S. market. West Coast Canadian whole fish have been unquoted since the beginning of August.

This has applied upward pricing pressure to the market in some areas; one of which appears to be Eastern Canadian whole fish. Pricing on 12–14-pound fish for example has ticked slightly higher during the month of August. Currently, the Canadian product is observing a premium over both...