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...

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...

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...

Andrew Jackson Solicitors Advises on Acquisition of Historic Ocean Fish Group by Fortuna Ltd

Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP announces that it has advised Falkland Islands-based fishing business Fortuna Ltd on its acquisition of Ocean Fish Group, a long-established fishing and processing business whose heritage dates back to 1740.

Ocean Fish is one of Cornwall’s oldest fishing and seafood processing groups, supplying UK and European wholesale, retail and, more recently, food service customers.

Fortuna, the largest fishing company in the British Overseas Territories, is taking its first steps into the UK market. Through its subsidiaries and shareholdings...

New Zealand: Consultation on Changes to Rock Lobster Fisheries

Pacific Marine Expo to Move to Seattle Convention Center Arch Building in 2026

Organizers of Pacific Marine Expo (PME), the West Coast’s largest and longest-running commercial marine trade show, announced at the 2025 Expo that the 2026 event will move to the Seattle Convention Center Arch Building in downtown Seattle. Previously held at the Lumen Field Event Center, PME will take place November 19-21, 2026, offering attendees and exhibitors a refreshed experience in one of the city’s most connected and vibrant districts...

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...

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...

St. Andrews Becomes First Chilean Mussel Producer to Earn ASC Multisite Certification

Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) announced last week that St. Andrews has become the first mussel producer in Chile to achieve ASC multisite with management system (MS with IMS) certification.  

St. Andrews is one of the world’s largest mussel growers, overseeing more than 1,500 hectares of cultivation and producing around 60,000 tonnes of mussels each year. The new certification covers seven mussel farms across its operation. 

“St. Andrews has reached an impressive milestone that demonstrates its deep commitment to sustainable aquaculture...

Innovative Vermifiltration Trial Underway for Treating Shrimp Processing Wastewater

Perca, Inc. has announced the launch of a groundbreaking trial using vermifiltration technology to treat seafood processing waste—specifically from shrimp production. This project represents an innovative, nature-based approach to wastewater treatment that aligns with the seafood industry's growing focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, and responsible resource management.

The trial is partially grant funded and brings together a coalition of industry and environmental leaders, including Angee Hunt of the Oregon State University Seafood Research and Education Center, Lori Steele of the West Coast Seafood Processors Association, Tim Greseth...

CDFW Director Appointed to Lead The Nature Conservancy in California

Charlton “Chuck” Bonham, the longtime head of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, has been named Executive Director of The Nature Conservancy’s California program, the conservation organization announced recently. Bonham will begin the role on January 26, 2026, taking the helm of one of what TNC described as one of its most strategically important U.S. operations as climate change and biodiversity loss intensify statewide. 

Bonham’s appointment marks a shift from public agency leadership to nonprofit conservation. He served nearly 15 years as director of CDFW, the nation’s largest state...

ANALYSIS: Tariff Structure Drives Upward Pressure Across US Squid Complex

The US squid market is currently full steady to firm and has maintained this undertone for much of the year. Prices across the complex have either risen or remained unchanged, with no major categories experiencing downward pressure.

Much of this upward pricing pressure can be attributed to the challenging tariff environment, which continues to present obstacles for industry stakeholders. Currently, no origin of imported product enjoys tariff exemption, with Argentina and Peru facing 10% duties, while New Zealand product is subject to 15% tariffs...