Kura Sushi Features Authentic Japanese Ingredients in New Kura Reserve Menu

Kura Sushi USA, a pioneer in US revolving sushi restaurants, is showcasing Japanese flavors for a limited time with its latest menu innovations. This Kura Reserve menu is crafted with authentic ingredients sourced from Japan and expertly paired for six new offerings.

The new additions include:

Shima Aji: White trevally fish layered over Kura's specialty rice.

Kanpachi: Known as Almaco Jack or Longfin Yellowtail, this fish from Kagoshima offers a subtly sweet flavor with a tender, smooth texture atop Kura's specialty rice.

Seared Yuzu Infused Albacore...

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...

Daniel Suddaby Departs Global Tuna Alliance Following Board Direction Shift

The Global Tuna Alliance (GTA) parted ways with Executive Director Daniel Suddaby, the group announced on February 9.

Suddaby wrote on LinkedIn that his time with the alliance has ended, citing a Board decision to change direction.

The Board thanked Suddaby for his efforts in managing global tuna fisheries.

“Over the past three years, it’s been a privilege to work with an outstanding team and a committed group of Partners to help grow GTA from a small...

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...

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...

Tri-Union Seafoods Issues Urgent Recall of Select Tuna Products Due to Distribution Error

Tri-Union Seafoods has announced a critical recall of certain tuna products after a third-party distributor inadvertently released quarantined items associated with a previous February 2025 recall.

Expana reported that the initial recall was prompted by manufacturing defects in the "easy open" pull tab can lids, which posed risks of product leakage and potential contamination with clostridium botulinum, a severe form of food poisoning that can be fatal.

The current recall was triggered once Tri-Union Seafoods discovered the unauthorized distribution...

Jessica Simpson Reunites With Chicken of the Sea in a Playful Throwback Campaign

"Is this chicken, what I have, or is this fish? I know it’s tuna, but it… it says chicken… by the sea."

The innocence of Jessica Simpson’s question was famously met with a thoroughly perplexed Nick Lachey in the debut episode of Newlyweds more than two decades ago- and television history was made.

Now, in its latest strategic move, Chicken of the Sea is paying homage to that unforgettable pop-culture moment.

Today, the company announced that Jessica Simpson herself will reunite with the...

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...

Japan: September Exports Surged 82% to 60,243 MT; Scallops Fall by 23%

According to trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance, Japan's exports of fishery products (fish and shellfish and their preparations, fishmeal, and fish oil) in September totaled 60,243 tons, an 82% increase compared to the same month last year, and amounted to 31.91 billion yen ($207.21 million), a 22% increase. Scallop exports saw a 23% decrease in volume but a 10% increase in value. While shell-off scallops increased in both volume and value, scallops with shells decreased in volume but increased in value. Yellowtail exports...

VARPE, VASEP Pact Aims to Expand Russian Seafood Exports to Vietnam 

Russia and Vietnam have agreed to significantly expand joint fish trade under a memorandum signed by the Russian fish association VARPE and the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) during an international forum in St. Petersburg.

The memorandum commits both sides to expand trade volumes, simplify cross-border procedures, and develop scientific cooperation in the fisheries sector. For Russia, the agreement opens greater access for Russian fishermen and processors to Vietnam’s large and growing seafood market.

Herman Zverev, head of VARPE, said Vietnam...

Japan: August Fishery Products Imports Down 5% to 147,875 MT, the Value Increased 4% to JPY 151.5B

According to trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance on September 26, preliminary figures for August fishery product imports (including seafood and seafood preparations, fishmeal, and seaweed) showed a 5% year-on-year decrease to 147,875 tons, while the import value increased by 4% to 151.569 billion yen ($1.02 billion). Fresh and frozen tuna imports increased 4% to 16,643 tons, while salmon and trout imports increased 7% to 12,589 tons. However, shrimp imports were down 7%, crab imports were down...

Annasea Foods Recalls Costco Fresh Ahi Wasabi Poke Over Listeria Concerns

Western United, doing business as Annasea Foods Group, recalled its Fresh Ahi Wasabi Poke sold at Costco stores on September 18 due to potential Listeria monocytogenes concerns linked to the green onions used in the product.

The affected Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke product is packaged in clear plastic clamshell containers and bears the Kirkland Signature brand label with a Pack Date of 9/18/2025 and a Sell By Date of 9/22/2025, as per a notice published on the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website...

Mexico’s Baja Aqua-Farms Expands into Marine Ingredients with Acquisition of Baja Marine Foods

Baja California, Mexico-based Baja Aqua-Farms (BAF) announced it has acquired Baja Marine Foods (BMF).

BAF is a tuna farmer that produces sashimi-grade tuna products with a history dating back to the turn of the century. BMF was founded in 2010 and is also headquartered in Baja California, Mexico. BMF is a processor of locally caught pelagic species, with a plant capable of processing up to 450 tons per day and a pair of fishing vessels. It produces fishmeal, fish oil, and frozen seafood...

Bumble Bee Seafoods Launches Snackers Single-Serve Tuna Line Targeting Millennials

Bumble Bee Seafoods has launched Bumble Bee Snackers, a new line of single-serve tuna cans featuring flavors aimed at capturing millennial demand for convenient and nutritious snacking.

"People love flavored tuna, but not everyone wants a pouch. The simple solution—a flavored single serve can—we're excited to bring this to shelves," said Andrew Choe, CEO, Bumble Bee Seafoods.

The flavors include Lemon Pepper, Hickory Smoke, Sweet Heat, Thai Chili and Tuna Salad, along with the more traditional Chunk Light Tuna option.

Thai Union Sees Record Margin Gains, Will Leverage Global Footprint Amid 19% US Tariff

Thai Union Group announced its gross profit margin (GPM) reached an all-time quarterly high of 19.7% in Q2, along with a record for the first half of the year at 19.3%.

The company said its results reflected “exceptional resilience and continued growth in profitability” via the record-high GPM, as its earnings per share saw an 18% growth.

The GPM record was linked to a favorable product mix and raw material costs.

The group posted Q2 2025 sales...

Japan's H1 Fishery Products Exports Up 33% in Volume and 27% in Value

According to trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance, seafood exports (fish and shellfish preparations and fishmeal) for the first half of 2025 (January to June) increased 33% in quantity to 281,443 tons compared to the same period last year. They increased 27% in value to 163.374 billion yen ($1.10 billion). Exports of scallops, the main product, decreased 35% to 21,817 tons, while the export value increased 32% to 39.511 billion yen ($266.78 million)...

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...

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...

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...

GSMC 2026: Seafood Volumes Slip in Foodservice, But Sushi, Shrimp, and Deli Items Show Promise

Seafood volumes in US foodservice fell in 2025, with shellfish driving most of the decline, Melissa Rodriguez, VP Perimeter at Circana, told attendees at the Global Seafood Market Conference. Total seafood servings were down year‑over‑year, as a 5.9% drop in shellfish outpaced a 2.1% gain in fish. Restaurants, which account for nearly three‑quarters of total seafood pound volume, saw their volumes decline even as dollar sales increased, a sign that menu price inflation is masking the pullback in consumption...

Baja Aqua Farms Joins NFI Sushi Council, Bringing Pacific Bluefin Expertise

Baja Aqua Farms has become the newest member of the National Fisheries Institute (NFI) Sushi Council.

The company farms Pacific bluefin tuna that is destined for global retail and foodservice customers.

“We are honored to join the NFI Sushi Council and partner with fellow industry leaders who share our commitment to quality, traceability, and responsible seafood production,” said Manuel Vazquez, Chief Executive Officer of Baja Aqua Farms. “Our Pacific bluefin tuna represents the culmination of decades of careful stewardship of ocean resources and innovative aquaculture practices...

Agronomics Limited Announces Further Equity Investment in BlueNalu

The Board of Agronomics announces that the Company has subscribed for US$ 600,000 (approximately £446,500) of Convertible Promissory Notes ("CPNs") issued by BlueNalu, Inc. ("BlueNalu"). Concurrent with the subscription for CPNs, the Company has also subscribed for 1,012,229 new Preferred Shares at a price of approximately US$ 5.93 (total subscription value US$ 6,000,000) (the "Share Subscription"), with consideration for the Share Subscription to be satisfied by the issue of 30,643,003 new Ordinary Shares of the Company, each new share issued at....

Novotel Becomes First Hospitality Brand To Join Seafood Task Force

Global hotel brand expands ocean commitment with focus on sustainable tuna and farmed shrimp sourcing across Southeast Asia

Novotel, a leading global hotel brand with 600 hotels in 68 countries, has become the first hospitality brand to join the Seafood Task Force (STF).

This milestone reinforces Novotel’s leadership in sustainable hospitality and builds upon the brand’s comprehensive three-year ocean commitment and partnership with WWF, launched in June 2024.

The collaboration with the STF will initially focus on enhancing supply chain transparency...

Japan: September Imports up 15% to JPY 169.5 Billion; Frozen Coho Surged 51%, Sockeye Dropped by 46%

According to trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance on October 30, Japan's imports of fishery products (preliminary figures, including fish and shellfish and their preparations, fishmeal, and seaweed) in September decreased by 2% year-on-year to 161,274 tons, while the value increased by 15% to 169.494 billion yen ($1.1 billion). Imports of fresh and frozen tuna increased by 34% to 18,330 tons, and salmon and trout increased by 4% to 13,839 tons, but shrimp decreased by 12%...

Amazon Rolls Out Private Label Grocery Brand with Seafood Range

Amazon has entered the private label space with a splash. The company debuted Amazon Grocery, a private label brand featuring over 1,000 food items, including seafood, at the start of the month.

The company said the new private label brand will unite customer favorite Amazon Fresh and Happy Belly brands into one collection, available on both Amazon.com and Amazon Fresh stores.

"With Amazon Grocery, we're simplifying how customers discover and shop our extensive private label food selection while maintaining the quality and value our customers expect and deserve...

Mitsubishi’s Bid to Raise Stake in Thai Union Falls Short, Offer Withdrawn

Thai Union, one of the largest seafood processing and sales firms and a leader in the canned tuna business, filed an announcement with the Stock Exchange of Thailand today, confirming that Mitsubishi’s offer to buy 13.81% of Thai Union’s shares has now lapsed. 

The offer was described on August 4 in a joint announcement from Mitsubishi and Thai Union, as Expana reported. It ran for fifteen business days, ending Friday, September 26, 2025.  

If the offer had been accepted, it would have increased Mitsubishi’s stake in Thai Union...

Japan: North American Bluefins Sees Better Prices at Toyosu Market in August

According to a Jiji Press survey, the number of imported tuna arriving at the tuna section of Tokyo's Toyosu Market in August was 2,251, a 26.8% decrease from the same month last year. While bigeye tuna increased, wild bluefin tuna remained at the same level as the previous year, and southern bluefin tuna decreased. 

Minato Shimbun analyzed that the total number of bluefin tuna was 386 compared with 381 in the same month last year. Canadian bluefin tuna was the mainstay, increasing to 265 from 211 in the same month last year, while Boston tuna halved to 59 from 116. Canadian tuna experienced unexpected issues, including flight cancellations due to an airline strike and "packages bound...

NOAA Highlights US Leadership at IATTC; Advances Tuna Management and Data Initiatives

NOAA Fisheries highlighted the US' work at the annual Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) that was held last week. The IATTC comprises 21 member nations and manages tuna fisheries in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

The US, represented by NOAA’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Fisheries, Andrew Lawler, and NOAA Fisheries’ West Coast Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Ryan Wulff, led discussions on managing bigeye, yellowfin, and skipjack tuna. NOAA Fisheries said the US landed $1.8 million in funding for the Regional Tuna Tagging Program...

Dongwon Ramps Up Global Pet Food Push, Leverages K-Pop Star for Tuna Product Launch

South Korean seafood giant Dongwon Industries has completed its acquisition of Dongwon F&B, setting the stage for a series of bold moves in the global food market, including an expansion of its pet food business and the appointment of K-Pop star, BTS’s Jin, as the face of a limited edition tuna product.

Dongwon Industries announced that it has incorporated Dongwon F&B into a 100% subsidiary through a stock swap.

Dongwon Industries, which is the holding company of the Dongwon Group...

Mitsubishi Boosts Stake in Thai Union Group to 20% in Strategic Seafood Partnership

Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) announced it has agreed to an enhanced business alliance with Thai Union Group. The deal will see MC acquire 13.81% of Thai Union’s total issued shares, increasing its stake in the firm from 6.19 to 20%.

MC highlighted the global rise in seafood demand, led by population growth and shifting consumer preferences. The company sees tuna as an item that stands out for its “widespread appeal” in both developed and emerging markets, the species that is the backbone of Thai Union’s business...