GSMC 2026: Sourcing Flexibility, Daypart Expansion Seen as Keys to Seafood Foodservice Resilience

A wide-ranging discussion featuring executives in the seafood foodservice sector drilled into how operators are managing tariffs, shifting dayparts and evolving menu tactics to keep seafood relevant and profitable.

Panelists included Michael Seidel, VP of procurement at Performance Food Group; Matt Livesay, chief supply chain officer at Red Lobster; Janet Duckham, chief supply chain officer at Captain D’s; and Melissa Rodriguez of Circana.

Tariffs, the panel agreed, have forced another layer of supply planning, but for many operators the shock has been manageable because “nimbleness...

GSMC 2026: Keynote Barton Seaver Urges Industry to Own Seafood’s Positive Story

Award-winning chef and author Barton Seaver delivered a compelling keynote urging the seafood industry to embrace and own a positive narrative about seafood’s role as a climate-smart, nutrient-rich protein at the National Fisheries Institute’s Global Seafood Market Conference 2026.

Moving beyond sustainability as simply a challenge to be managed, Seaver called on the entire industry, from chefs to suppliers, to inspire confidence, celebrate culinary diversity, and position seafood as healthy eating.

Drawing on decades of global culinary experience...

FAO Welcomes New Treaty on Safeguarding Marine Biological Diversity in International Waters

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed the entry into force of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), and looks forward to contributing to its implementation.

Following two decades of negotiations, the BBNJ Agreement, which so far has 145 signatories and 81 Parties, came into force on 17 January 2026. It is a binding... 

Red Robin Delivers Dine-In Flavor at Drive-Thru Prices with New Big YUMMM Deals Menu

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers is introducing its Big YUMMM Deals value menu, designed to deliver the dine-in experience at a drive-thru price.

Launching Jan. 26, the new menu features entrées and specials starting at just $9.99. Guests can choose from fan favorites like Red Robin's hand-breaded Classic Crispy Chicken Sandwich, as well as new offerings such as the Cowboy Ranch Double Burger. Every Big YUMMM Deals meal includes a choice of standard bottomless side...

GSMC 2026: Datassential Reports Sharp Fall of Seafood LTOs as Chains Reframe Promotions

Seafood limited-time offers (LTOs) at major US restaurant chains plunged to 88 in 2025 from pre-pandemic highs exceeding 200 annually, and the 134 mark seen in 2024, according to Datassential’s 2026 Foodservice Trends report presented by VP of Customer Experience Kelley Fechner at GSMC 2026. The sharp reduction, driven by declines across all major seafood species, has raised concerns about promotional momentum for seafood.

Fechner highlighted that shrimp promotions fell by 14 year over year, salmon by 13, lobster by 6, crab by 5, and tuna LTOs...

GSMC 2026: NFI General Counsel DeHaan Unpacks Seafood Tariff Policy Overhaul

Robert DeHaan, executive vice president and general counsel at the National Fisheries Institute, delivered a concise update on US tariff policy at GSMC 2026, outlining how the Trump administration implemented a year of “reciprocal tariffs” and new trade tools. 

DeHaan said today’s framework rests on four pillars. First are the reciprocal tariffs imposed on trading partners to secure leverage in negotiating non-tariff barriers. These levies range from about 10% up to 39% and, DeHaan noted, serve both as bargaining chips and...

GSMC 2026: India Tariff Uncertainty Keeps Shrimp Buyers Nimble as Ecuador Gains Ground

At the Global Seafood Market Conference in Hollywood Beach, National Fisheries Institute’s Richard Barry moderated a shrimp panel featuring Paul Jamieson (Director of Purchasing, Bloomin’ Brands), Gabriel Luna (Founder, Glunashrimp), Dr. Robins McIntosh (EVP, Shrimp Culture Tech, Charoen Pokphand Foods), Pete Palma (EVP, Foodservice, Southwind Foods), and Guy Pizzuti (Seafood Director, Publix).

Panelists said India’s 50% tariff has sharply reduced Indian shipments to the US, while recent FDA actions focused on Indonesia have pushed buyers to diversify, most notably toward Ecuador's expanding value-added capacity...

GSMC 2026: Retail Panel Eyes Meal-Planning Gap, Young Consumer Engagement to Drive Seafood Sales

Retail seafood leaders tackled the perennial challenge of growing consumption, this time with a sharper focus on meal planning, in-store visibility, and creating solutions for younger consumers at the 2026 edition of the Global Seafood Market Conference. The panel was moderated by Ken Pentheny, Director of Retail Sales, F.W. Bryce. Panelists included Anne-Marie Roerink, President of 210 Analytics; Jason Driskill, VP - Seafood, Sushi, Meal Simple at H-E-B; and Guy Pizzuti, Seafood Director at Publix...

Leadership Uncertainty and Market Headwinds Temper The Kingfish Company’s Q4 Results

The Kingfish Company N.V. has released its Q4 2025 trading and financial update.

Specializing in the production of yellowtail kingfish, the company is recognized as a pioneer in land-based aquaculture.

Just before the holidays, Expana reported that the company would welcome Karl Buiks as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective January 1, 2026 following news of Vincent Erenst's planned retirement. About a month later,  Expana reported Buiks's resignation.

Erenst, whose last day was scheduled for December 31, agreed to...

Japan's Frozen Cod Imports Plummets 80% in January-November Amid Sluggish Global Fishery

According to a Minato Shimbun report, imported frozen cod prices soared last year due to a global catch shortage, causing a sharp decline in imports. Trade statistics for January to November 2025 showed that the unit price was 860 yen/kg ($5.52/kg), up 38% from the same period last year, while the total volume was 838 tons, down 81%. In particular, the unit price of Russian fish rose 46% to 873 yen ($5.61/kg), while volume...

Kelli Valade Appointed President and CEO of Women's Foodservice Forum

Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF) has announced the appointment of Kelli Valade as its new President and CEO. She will succeed Theresa Gearhart, who announced plans to retire last year.

"Kelli is uniquely qualified to lead WFF at this pivotal time," said Dawn Rasmussen, Chief Revenue Officer of Woodland Gourmet and Chair of the WFF Board. "She brings a proven record of leadership, a deep understanding of our industry, and a long-standing commitment to WFF's mission of helping members connect, grow and be...

GSMC 2026: Whitefish Panel Discusses Reshuffling Supply Amid Cod Decline, Growing Pollock Momentum

At GSMC 2026, the Whitefish Panel, led by Expana’s own Angel Rubio and Paul Jewer, CEO of High Liner Foods, underscored a major reshuffling underway in whitefish supply as cod availability tightens globally. Panelists highlighted pollock's rising prominence, greater familiarity, and growing integration into consumer-facing menus, as cod faces persistent supply constraints and higher prices.

Rubio set the stage with data showing continued declines in global Atlantic and Pacific cod harvests over the past decade, driven by strong ongoing demand and constrained supply...

Expana's Weekly Top 10: Stories Making Waves Across Global Markets

Throughout the week, Expana’s team of dedicated journalists connects the industry with the “how” behind market dynamics, providing a comprehensive space for the market-moving stories shaping global headlines.

With so much information to filter through, Expana is connecting the dots with its weekly roundup of the top ten stories making waves — in no particular order.

10. USDA Launches New World Screwworm Grand Challenge

The USDA announced the launch of the New World Screwworm (NWS) Grand Challenge following reports that the flesh-eating parasitic...

Nova Scotia: Tougher Penalties to Combat Illegal Fisheries Activities

Nova Scotia is cracking down on illegal fisheries activities with new, tougher penalties to protect the province’s seafood industry and economy.

Thirty-one new summary offences with higher fine amounts have been designated under the Fisheries and Coastal Resources Act and related regulations.

"We’ve heard the concerns of the seafood industry and are taking strong action," said Kent Smith, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "Designating new summary offences with significant fines reflects our commitment to combatting illegal activities. This step, along with others, will ensure that our seafood industry continues...

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...

Operation River Raid Targets Illegal Catfish Harvest and Pay Lake Operations

Utilizing surveillance and shared intelligence, multiple agencies conducted a collaborative investigation dubbed Operation River Raid. The effort involved Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Game Wardens and Fisheries Division employees from across the state, along with district and circuit courts in numerous counties. The investigation has identified 25 individuals to be charged with violations related to the illegal commercial harvest and sale of catfish from public waters and the unlawful operation of pay lakes across Kentucky.

"This case reflects our commitment to safeguarding Kentucky's natural...

Russia Hopes for Stable Production and Exports of Mackerel This Year

Russia hopes for stable production and exports of mackerel this year, as the demand for this fish steadily grows in both domestic and foreign markets.

In recent years, the migratory range of mackerel has significantly expanded, allowing Russian fishermen to begin harvesting this fish in new areas such as the Sea of Japan and parts of the Norwegian Sea, which are accessible to Russian trawlers. Previously, the Black Sea was a key location for mackerel fishing, but the focus for Russian fishermen has shifted predominantly...