SENA 2026: Sea Port Products Reflects on 45-Year Journey While Embracing Strategic Reinvention

Sea Port Products Corp is marking its 45th anniversary at Seafood Expo North America with a family leadership team that views the milestone as both validation of past decisions and a launching pad for strategic reinvention in an evolving trade landscape.

President Bill Dresser admitted he has to "pinch myself that it's even real" when reflecting on the company's journey from its 1981 founding by his father, James Dresser. "When you're celebrating, you reflect, and a lot of times you don't do that," he said from...

SENA 2026: Vičiūnai Group Targets Major US Retail and Foodservice Growth with Market Entry Push

Vičiūnai Group is leveraging a landmark $100 million salmon processing investment to accelerate its US market expansion at Seafood Expo North America, with production capacity tripling to over 110 million pounds annually as the European processor targets American retail and foodservice growth.

CEO Egidijus Stankus, leading the company's new US subsidiary VG Trading Inc, described the strategic shift from the Lithuanian company's traditional Central and Eastern European focus toward what he called "the biggest seafood market across the world." Building on years of SENA...

Day 19 of Iran War: Middle East Supply Fears Boost Oil 6%; US Eases Shipping Rules

The US-Israeli war on Iran is spreading regionally on its 19th day, with missiles and drones targeting Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Jordan. Israel bombed central Beirut early Wednesday, killing at least six people and marking an expansion of the US-Israeli war against Iran. Iran carried out further retaliatory attacks on Israel, causing significant damage, and vowed revenge after Israeli strikes killed security chief Ali Larijani and Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani.

Global markets remain volatile as US diesel prices climbed past $5 per gallon on Wednesday, marking their highest level since 2022. Meanwhile, the national average price for...

SENA 2026: Mowi Unveils Unified Booth Design, Expands Flavor Innovation and Digital Marketing Push

Mowi Consumer Products is using SENA 2026 to debut its most ambitious booth presence yet, combining a unified brand concept with expanded flavor innovation and a comprehensive digital marketing strategy targeting younger salmon consumers.

Diana Dumet, senior director of category and marketing for CP Americas, said the new booth design at #217 reflects the company's evolution from operating separate brand presentations to a cohesive approach. "Before we had this concept where Mowi was on one side, Ducktrap was on another side, and it was...

Norwegian Food Safety Sets a Restricted Zone for ISA North of Trondheim

For the second time in five months, infectious Salmon Anemia (ISA) has been found in several Mowi aquaculture sites in Trøndelag county, about 240 miles north of Oslo. On 17 March 2026, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority adopted regulations on a restricted zone for the control of ISA in aquaculture animals in the municipalities of Nærøysund and Namsos, Trøndelag. 

The tick disease ISA has been detected in fish at the sea locality 31357 Geitryggen (Barenswatch) in Nærøysund municipality, Trøndelag county. The site is operated by Mowi Seawater Norway...  

Lawsuit Targets Aqua Star Over Shrimp Sourcing Claims

Corporate Accountability Lab (CAL) and GMO/Toxin Free USA have filed a consumer protection complaint against Aqua Star, alleging its Seafood Forever™ branding falsely promotes its shrimp as responsibly sourced.

The complaint points to third-party reports linking Aqua Star’s suppliers in India, Indonesia, and Vietnam to systemic issues including labor abuses, environmental damage, and contaminated shrimp products. A 2024 CAL investigation, Hidden Harvest: Human Rights and Environmental Abuses in India’s Shrimp Industry, documented widespread exploitation—particularly involving female workers at supplier Nekkanti Sea Foods...

SENA 2026: Aquamar Debuts New Sushi and Cod Line as “Protein Smackdown” Puts Fish in the Ring

Aquamar is using Seafood Expo North America 2026 to spotlight new sushi innovation and a convenience-focused retail seafood launch, while working to limit downstream disruption from shifting tariffs and broader geopolitical uncertainty, CEO Daryl Gormley told Expana.

At the company’s booth, Aquamar is featuring new California roll flavors, including Thai, Mexican, and curry-inspired profiles. Gormley said the California roll remains a strong platform for product development because it “lends itself so well to innovation,” giving Aquamar an opportunity to introduce new...

SENA 2026: ProChile Showcases $2.9 Billion US Trade Partnership with Expanded Boston Presence

Chile's trade promotion office is leveraging its largest-ever presence at Seafood Expo North America to reinforce the country's position as a cornerstone supplier to the US seafood market, with exports reaching nearly $2.9 billion in 2025.

ProChile Trade Commissioner Andrea Sapag highlighted the country's comprehensive strategy at SENA 2026, where six companies anchor the official pavilion at Booth 715 while approximately 15 Chilean companies exhibit across the show floor—both within and outside the ProChile presence...

Frozen Imported Cod Losing the Japanese Market

According to a report by the Minato Shimbun, the price of frozen imported cod soared last year due to a global decline in catch, drastically reducing Japanese imports. Both US and Russian cod largely disappeared from the domestic market. The unit price for frozen 9/10 counts in 18/19 kg blocks (longline-caught and dressed) from Alaska was "around 1,530 yen/kg ($9.58/kg) if a domestic price were to be assigned," according to a trading company source.

The total annual import volume, including...

FMI Shares Insights from 'The Power of Seafood 2026' Report

The Food Industry Association (FMI) unveiled a new report at this year's Seafood Expo North America (SENA), made possible by the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute.

"The Power of Seafood 2026" report highlights that a relatively small, yet highly valuable group of frequent seafood shoppers plays a significant role in sustaining sales in the category.

"Just 10% of shoppers account for 40% of all seafood purchases, making frequent seafood consumers the primary driver of category performance" said Steve Markenson Vice President of Research and Insights...

SENA 2026: Mowi Unveils Unified Booth Design, Expands Flavor Innovation and Digital Marketing Push

The Aquaculture Stewardship Council is marking its fifth year of North American market investment at Seafood Expo North America, showcasing expanded retail partnerships and consumer recognition that positions the certification program for accelerated growth across US and Canadian markets.

Marketing Manager North America Athena Davis described 2026 as a milestone year, combining ASC's 15th anniversary globally with what she called "really being able to see the results, the fruits of our labor" from sustained North American campaign investments...

The Retail Rundown: Spring Demand Builds as Easter and Grilling Season Approach

Following an extended winter in some areas and disruptive weather in others, sentiment across the food industry is beginning to shift in a more optimistic direction.

As spring approaches, many retailers are counting on a release of pent-up demand, with consumers eager to refresh their routines. The seasonal reset could translate into more frequent dining occasions, while retailers are positioned to benefit from the return of backyard cooking and holiday gatherings.

With Easter now under three weeks away, the calendar itself is acting as a demand catalyst, pulling forward promotional activity and shaping merchandising strategies...

Norwegian Seafood Navigates Changing Tides in the French Market

In recent years, French consumers' shopping habits have shifted dramatically, posing both opportunities and challenges for Norwegian seafood exporters.

The backdrop of political unrest, rising prices, and strained household budgets has impacted the way French people consume fish and other seafood. “That is why we have commissioned a comprehensive report on the French seafood market,” notes Sigrid Louise Philippart, the Norwegian Seafood Council’s Country Director in France.

The report paints a detailed picture of the current trends and future priorities within the French market...

SENA 2026: Boston Day 2 Photo Story Highlights

Day two on the Boston show floor brought deeper conversations with exhibitors showcasing innovation, partnership expansions, and strategic booth redesigns as the seafood industry gathers for its premier trade event.

Pacific Seafood - The company's reimagined booth experience guides visitors through a physical timeline showcasing Pacific's evolution from a single Portland fish market to today's vertically integrated seafood operation. Brand Manager Kady Freeze walks customers through distinct sections—aquaculture, processing, and distribution—emphasizing the company's farm-to-fork capabilities. A centerpiece display features the original storefront photo and authentic signage from their...

SENA 2026: Lineage Sees Surging Demand for Flexible Cold Storage Amid Trade Uncertainty

Lineage Logistics is fielding increased demand for flexible cold storage solutions and bonded warehouse space as seafood companies navigate trade uncertainty and avoid long-term commitments, according to company representatives, including Bridgett Medwid, VP, Regional Sales at SENA 2026.

The cold storage giant is positioning agility and customized solutions as key differentiators as clients shift away from fixed capacity commitments amid ongoing geopolitical and trade disruptions. Lineage officials said seafood companies are specifically requesting flexibility rather than traditional long-term warehouse agreements...

High Liner Foods Unveils Sea Cuisine Skillet Meals at SENA 2026

On Monday, High Liner Foods announced the introduction of its new line of Sea Cuisine Skillet Meals. Attendees at the Seafood Expo North America 2026 were given a first look and taste of the products, with a broader rollout planned for this June.

This latest move enhances High Liner Foods’ premium frozen meal offerings by incorporating responsibly sourced ingredients and a globally inspired menu tailored for busy consumers. These meals are designed to be made in a single pan and ready in just 15...

ASC Launches Updated Label Following Global Consumer Testing

The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) has announced the rollout of a new on-pack label designed to strengthen consumer understanding of the organization’s sustainability mission.

The updated label follows an extensive development process that included trademark registration in the European Union and 20 additional countries, along with quantitative consumer testing across five global markets. By selecting regions at different stages of sustainability awareness, ASC said it ensured the design would resonate with diverse consumer groups. Testing showed the new label matched the performance of the...