ANALYSIS: US Shrimp Import Estimates Show Modest Gains in November and December

Imports for November 2025 will be released this Thursday morning. Below are the October tables (for reference), along with our forecast estimates for November and December. Pricing continues to show sporadic downward pressure on HLSO, PDTO, EZ-Peel and PDToff (naturally, less pressure on peeled). These fluctuations suggest the market may be near a bottom, but ongoing data collection will confirm if these marginal price declines persist...

2025 Survey: Pollock Biomass Down by 30%, Snow Crab Up by 51% in Eastern Bering Sea

The walleye pollock biomass dropped by 30% from 2024, according to results of the annual eastern Bering Sea trawl survey, but a much smaller portion found in the northern Bering Sea rose by 50.6% YOY. 

Pollock is the largest contributor of biomass in both the eastern and northern Bering Sea. It accounts for 28% of the EBS and 23% of the NBS, making it the largest US commercial fishery.  

Even with a 30% drop in biomass, there is enough for the conservation-led...

California Reaches Settlement with PAFCO Over Prop 65 Violations in Seafood Products

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced on January 26 a settlement with Pacific American Fish Company, Inc. (PAFCO) following allegations that the seafood distributor and manufacturer sold frozen products with high levels of lead and cadmium in California without the required warnings, thereby violating Proposition 65 and California's Unfair Competition Law (UCL).

State-identified toxic heavy metals, cadmium and lead, accumulate in the body over time, posing significant health risks.

Cadmium exposure can lead to reproductive harm and birth defects, while lead exposure is associated...

Three Dead, Three Missing After Vessel Serving Salmones Austral Sinks in Chile

Chilean salmon farmer Salmones Austral confirmed that a vessel it uses sank Jan. 27 in the Reloncaví Estuary in Chile’s Los Lagos region, leaving three crew members confirmed dead and three missing, local media and the Chilean navy reported.

Salmones Austral said the Koñimo I sank while anchored about 70 meters from shore and under normal weather conditions. The company noted that the vessel, owned by Koñimo, provides sporadic services to Salmones Austral and that the crew had finished work at 6 p.m. local time the previous day...

Chili’s Extends Growth Streak to 19 Quarters in Brinker’s Q2 Results

Brinker International, parent company of Chili’s Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy, reported financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2026.

For the period ended December 24, 2025, Brinker posted a 7.5% increase in comparable restaurant sales, driven by strong performance at Chili’s, where comparable sales rose 8.6%. Comparable sales at Maggiano’s declined during the quarter.

Chili’s growth was fueled by continued menu innovation, competitive pricing, and disciplined execution, allowing the brand to expand its customer base and remain the company’s top performer.

Valentine’s Day Dining Trends Show Shift Beyond Romance According to OpenTable

Restaurants are gearing up for the next major dining holiday: Valentine’s Day.

According to global restaurant tech company OpenTable, this year the industry continues to see a shift as consumers celebrate more than just romantic relationships. From friendships to family and self-love, Valentine’s Day is becoming more inclusive, and restaurants are at the center of it.

"Gen-Z is leading the charge in making Valentine's Day more inclusive," said Cheryl Paniagua, VP of Restaurant Sales & Services at OpenTable.

The data shows that 60%...

BioMar Says it Delivered Solid 2025

Based on the preliminary results from its owner, Schouw & Co., BioMar concluded 2025 with a revenue of DKK 16.5 billion as well as an EBITDA of DKK 1,517 million.

The owner of BioMar Group, Schouw & Co., has today announced the preliminary unaudited financial figures for 2025. These includes that BioMar recorded a revenue in 2025 of DKK 16.5 billion, compared to guidance of DKK 16.3–16.7 billion, and an EBITDA of DKK 1,517 million, compared to guidance of DKK 1,490–1,530 million.

“I am very pleased to conclude the year with such strong results.

ADF&G Predicts Strong Prince William Sound Pink Run, Average Copper River Sockeye

Alaska’s Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) issued its 2026 forecast for the returning salmon runs in Prince William Sound and nearby Copper River last week, with positive news for pink salmon harvesters this summer and less positive for the wild sockeye salmon caught by the Copper River drift fleet, whose season opens in mid-May for Alaska’s first-of-the-year Chinook and sockeye salmon.

Returns to the Copper River this year are predicted to be “average” for sockeye salmon at 1.455 million fish...

GSMC 2026: Farmed Salmon Faces Growing China Demand as Buyers Adjust Sourcing

Buyers and producers at GSMC 2026 painted a picture of a salmon market in flux: wild runs are tight and commanding premiums, while farmed volumes and shifting trade flows, notably surging demand from China and other Asian markets, will largely determine where product lands in 2026. Panelists warned US buyers to expect constrained farmed supply, price pressure and the need for proactive sourcing decisions as Chilean and Norwegian harvests flatten after strong 2025 performances.

The conversation, moderated by Richard Barry of the National Fisheries Institute...

Captain D’s Expands US and UK Footprint With Gainesville and Maidstone Openings

Captain D’s opened a pair of restaurants in recent days as the company continues to grow its footprint in both the US and the United Kingdom.

On January 21, the company announced its new end cap location in Gainesville, Florida. The new site is a 2,172-square-foot restaurant that features a drive-thru and dining room seating for 36.

"Gainesville is a dynamic city, and if you're in the food business, you have to have a presence here," said Achebe. "We know Captain D's will quickly become...

Maine's Elver Fishery Lottery Offers New Opportunities for the 2026 Season

Twenty lucky Maine residents will soon have the chance to join the state's lucrative elver fishery.

The Department of Marine Resources is holding a lottery from January 26, 2026, through February 20, 2026, where winners will have the opportunity to apply for an elver license for the upcoming 2026 season beginning March 22 through June 7.

When the lottery was established, the legislature also set a cap of 425 state-issued licenses. The twenty available licenses result from licenses not renewed...

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...

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...

The Retail Rundown: Protein Movement Gains from Championship Game and Severe Weather 

February is typically a sluggish period for protein sales, but demand tied to the season’s championship football matchup is delivering a timely lift for retailers. As shoppers prepare for watch parties and at-home gatherings, meat cases are seeing an uptick in interest for value-oriented, crowd-friendly cuts.

This week’s promotional mix leans toward beef, which accounts for 26% of total features. Seafood follows closely at 25%, while pork represents 24%. Chicken promotions eased to 17.5%, and egg features held steady at 4%. Turkey ads account for 2% of total ads, led by ground turkey features...

China’s Fish Exports to Russia Reach Decade High in 2025

China increased its fish supplies to the Russian market to a ten-year high in 2025, with export growth continuing into 2026.

The latest figures, reported by Russian newswire RIA Novosti and based on Chinese customs data, show Chinese companies exported fish to Russia worth US$188.3 million in 2025 – up from US$141.1 million in 2024. The 34% year-on-year increase marked the highest level since 2015...

Kaldvik Appoint Interim CFO

Kaldvik AS announced today the appointment of Hjalti Hvítklett as interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective February 1.

This follows the Company's December 2025 announcement regarding the resignation of the current CFO Róbert Róbertsson, who is now exploring an opportunity with Arnarlax.

Hjalti Hvítklett brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously served as CFO and finance director at Nordic Aqua Partners and as CFO at P/F Pelagos.

In his new role, Mr. Hvítklett will play a crucial role in supporting Kaldvik AS's...

ANALYSIS: Orange Roughy Outlook Constrained by Tightening Quotas and Whitefish Supply Pressure

Although orange roughy represents a relatively small-volume fishery, it plays a critical role in serving a niche segment of the market that values premium whitefish. Amid tightening global supplies and firm pricing across the broader whitefish complex, the reduced availability of orange roughy only amplifies overall supply constraints, especially for buyers seeking alternatives to cod, haddock, and similar species.

The market is entering a period of heightened pressure as New Zealand, the dominant supplier, moves toward substantial quota reductions for the 2026...

Sysco Delivers Solid Q2 Performance, Driven by Volume Growth and Margin Expansion, Raises Outlook

Sysco Corp. reported solid financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2026, driven by improved volume performance, margin expansion, and continued execution of company-specific growth initiatives.

The company posted second-quarter sales of $20.8 billion, up 3.0% year-over-year (YOY). Gross profit increased 3.9% to $3.8 billion, with gross margin expanding 15 basis points to 18.3%, reflecting effective management of product cost inflation and strategic sourcing efficiencies. Operating income declined 2.8% to $692 million, while ...

Chilean Authorities Arrest Suspect in Million-Dollar Salmon Theft Investigation

A man was placed under arrest by Chilean Maritime Police after being charged with involvement in a massive salmon theft between Los Lagos and Aysen, according to local media outlet El Insular.

The publication said the arrest took place at a cultivation center in Puerto Chacabuco, following court orders. The arrest stems from an investigation carried out by the Los Lagos Regional Prosecution Office...

IPHC Lowers Pacific Halibut Quota in Canada, Maintains Low Levels in US for 2026 

At its annual meeting last week, the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) announced 2026 harvest quotas that maintained the status quo in all US areas and a 7.2% cut for British Columbia. That puts the total catch for 2026 at 29.33 million pounds, with the US portion at the same as last year (24.27 million pounds) and British Columbia at 5.06 million pounds (mlbs). The new total is 1.3% below the 2025 coastwide quota.  

The six-member panel also set this year's season dates, with an...

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...