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.

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...

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...

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...

ANALYSIS: Vietnam Surges Ahead in China’s CNY 1.84 Billion Lobster Imports

China is a pivotal player in the global lobster market, and shifts in its purchasing patterns often have considerable consequences for exporting countries. Since 2024, the supplier landscape for live and frozen lobster into China has changed markedly. The top spot historically held by Canada has been taken by Vietnam, while Canada now sits in second place, just ahead of Australia...

GAPP Taps Jim Johnson as New Chairman of the Board, Adds New Board Members for 2026

The Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP) announced new Board leadership and a continuation of its work expanding demand for wild Alaska pollock.

“Significant resources will be dedicated to both building demand for Wild Alaska Pollock around the world and protecting the reputation of the fishery in the coming year,” the group said in a statement released today. 

At its annual Board and Membership meetings, the GAPP members voted to maintain its current assessment rate to support broader demand-building work...

EU Continues as Major Market for Russian Fish Despite Sanctions

The European Union remains one of Russia's major sales markets for fish despite ongoing sanctions and strained relations between the EU and Russia.

Herman Zverev, head of the All-Russian Association of Fish Producers (VARPE), told the Russian business daily Kommersant that Russian fish and seafood exports to the EU significantly increased this year after declines in 2023 and 2024.

Since the start of 2025, EU purchases of Russian fish have risen 15%, reaching US$645 million in value. The main driver behind this growth was the abolition...

Huihai Group Launches Aqua Feed Factory in Jiangsu

Chinese agricultural firm the Huihai Group opened a new aqua feed manufacturing facility in Jiangsu Province on December 10, it said in an announcement.

The facility, located in Anfeng Town, Xinghua City, features five production lines with an annual capacity of 300,000 tons, focusing on premium feeds for crabs, prawns, and fish.

The company said it has already generated more than 40,000 tons in feed orders with deposits exceeding CNY 4.6 million ($632,000).

ANALYSIS: US Shrimp Imports Decline Again as Peeled Volumes Reach Record Highs

Official US shrimp import figures for September closely matched our estimates, with total imports exactly measuring 134.9 million pounds. September marked the second consecutive month with a year-over-year decline in imports, accelerating to an 11% decrease compared to the same month in 2024. Declines in shipments from India, Vietnam, and Indonesia drove much of this monthly contraction. Notably, peeled shrimp imports reached record year-to-date levels, exceeding prior highs from 2021 and 2022. Ecuador has marginally increased peeled shipments...

Seafood Connection to Rebrand as Umios Europe in 2026 Following Maruha Nichiro Acquisition

European seafood supplier Seafood Connection will rebrand as Umios Europe, effective April 1, 2026.

Last week, Seafood Connection was fully acquired by Japanese seafood giant Maruha Nichiro, which itself announced a rebranding to Umios earlier in 2025, as Expana covered.

Seafood Connection said the new name was an “important step” to align its group with the Maruha Nichiro parent company and its 176 sister companies worldwide.

“The new name reflects not only stronger unity within the group, but also a forward-looking vision of sustainability...

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...

Two Indonesian Shrimp Shipments Pass US Cesium-137 Tests; 600 More Containers En Route

Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) says two shrimp containers have successfully entered the US after passing inspection for Cesium-137 (Cs-137) contamination, according to Indonesian outlet Antara News.

“On December 9, the first containers arrived with certificates confirming they were free of Cesium-137. Two containers have entered, passed inspections, and the results have now been released,” said Ishartini, Head of the Marine and Fisheries Products Quality Control and Supervision Agency, during a press conference last week...

WCPFC Backs New Southern Albacore Management, Boosting Outlook for American Samoa Longline Fleet

The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission wrapped up its 22nd Regular Session on last week with a win for American Samoa longline fishermen.

The Commission was unanimous in its decision to adopt a new regime aimed at securing the long-term sustainability of the South Pacific albacore fishery — a move widely seen as a win for small island fleets and the American Samoa longline sector. The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council oversees the American Samoa fishery.

By consensus, WCPFC...

Western Pacific Regional Council Scientists Deliberate Impacts of Monument Fishing Prohibitions

Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council scientists started off with a bang when it met last week, tackling national monument issues.

On the first day of its 158th meeting, the Scientific and Statistical Committee reviewed the best available science on the potential benefits and costs of restoring commercial fishing in U.S. Pacific marine national monuments.

A presentation by SSC member University of Washington Professor Dr. Ray Hilborn examined the limited data available from within existing monument closures, new information from recent re-openings and economic...

Captain D's Moves into NYC Market with Grand Opening in the Bronx 

With more than 530 restaurants across 23 states, Captain D’s, a leading casual seafood restaurant brand is bringing its iconic concept to the New York City market for the first time.

On December 8, Shahid Raza, in partnership with FSR Group, celebrated the grand opening of Captain D’s at its 763 E. Gunhill Road location in the Bronx while developing three additional locations in New York City.

Earlier in the year, Expana reported the team planned on opening five other locations in the Baltimore metro...

Ace Aquatec Reaches Landmark with First African Installation as Sanlei Introduces Humane Innovation

Ace Aquatec is set to deliver its first-ever installation in Africa as Lesotho-based Sanlei Premium Trout adopts the company’s state-of-the-art humane stunning system. This advanced technology will support Africa’s largest trout producer in setting a new benchmark for fish welfare, while enhancing operational efficiency across its production processes.

The installation of the in-water Humane Stunner Universal (A-HSU®) will render fish unconscious within one second and allow Sanlei to humanely process 10–15 tonnes of fish...

ANALYSIS: What a Record-Low Spread in North American Lobster Tail Prices Says About Market Behavior

Over the past year, the North American lobster tail market has experienced a significant shift, driven by pronounced buyer preference for smaller tails and mounting pressure to manage unit costs. That shift is clearly captured in the narrowing price spread between the smallest and largest sizes. Historically, the delta between the smallest 2–3 oz and large 20–24 oz tails has averaged $7.335/lb and stretched as wide as $17.125/lb...

Retail Sales Veteran Susan Minck Joins Heartland Catfish to Expand Category Growth

Mississippi-based catfish farmer Heartland Catfish Company hired Susan T. Minck as its Director of Retail Sales, the company announced on December 9.

Heartland said Minck has a strong track record of working with top retailers, including Walmart, Kroger, Publix, Target, ALDI and Albertsons. The company highlighted her reputation for improving customer relationships and working with teams across organizations to achieve success.

“Adding Susan to our sales team allows a more focused approach in managing our retail customer portfolio and achieving goals of expanding our retail customer...