ANALYSIS: US Shrimp Retail Prices Drop as Market Enters Recalibration Mode Amid Lent Season

Consumer shrimp prices have declined noticeably over the past week, reflecting what appears to be a market recalibration rather than a fundamental collapse in demand. While some of this softening aligns with typical Lent promotional activity — evident in historical seasonal patterns, see the blue line in the chart below — the broader dynamics suggest inventory and cost pressures are finding a new equilibrium after months of elevated pricing...

Red Lobster Considers Bringing Back Ultimate Endless Shrimp Promotion

Red Lobster's Ultimate Endless Shrimp promotion, which played a role in sending the brand into bankruptcy, could return as soon as this month, according to a Bloomberg report.

The infamous promotion may return as a limited-time offer as the brand continues to mount a comeback following its 2024 bankruptcy. The publication spoke with people familiar with the potential return of endless shrimp who were not authorized to speak publicly.

Red Lobster sent a statement to the Orlando Business Journal saying it has no announcements at this time and is listening...

Northern Cod Stock Surges 20% in Single Year, Reaches 'Healthy Zone' Status

Canada's Northern cod stock has grown by approximately 20% in a single year and now sits firmly within the "Healthy Zone" under Fisheries and Oceans Canada's precautionary approach framework, according to the latest science assessment released April 1.

The milestone marks a dramatic turnaround just two years after the commercial fishery returned following a 32-year moratorium. At 540,000 tonnes, the Northern cod stock now represents the largest spawning stock biomass of any cod stock globally.

The assessment, covering the stock off the northeast coast of Newfoundland and Labrador...

FFAW Walks Out of Snow Crab Price Talks Days Before Season Start

FFAW-Unifor, the union representing crab harvesters in Newfoundland and Labrador, has walked away from price negotiations just days ahead of the scheduled start of the snow crab fishing season.

The union said no crab will be processed in the province "until a fair price is agreed upon," after 13 hours of talks failed to reach an agreement with processors.

FFAW rejected the Association of Seafood Producers' (ASP) latest offer of $5.22 per pound, which came in below the 2025 final price of $5.25 per pound...

Peru Opens First 2026 Anchovy Season with 1.91 Million Metric Ton Quota

Peru's Production Ministry has authorized the start of the first 2026 anchovy fishing season in the North-Central zone with a total allowable catch of 1.91 million metric tons (MT), down 36% from the 3.0 million MT authorized for the first 2025 season.

The significant quota reduction reflects current stock conditions and aligns with scientific recommendations from the country's marine research institute, IMARPE. The season for anchovy (Engraulis ringens) and white anchovy (Anchoa nasus) was approved based on hydroacoustic surveys conducted between February 16 and March 23 using...

Erling Haaland Renews Norwegian Seafood Ambassador Deal Until Autumn 2028

Norwegian football (soccer) star Erling Haaland has signed a new contract, and no, not for a new team in the Premier League.

Haaland has extended his partnership with the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC), where he will continue to serve as an ambassador and partner for Norwegian seafood.

Haaland’s work alongside the council began in 2024, and the new agreement will see Haaland work alongside the council through autumn 2028.

“I’m very happy to continue the partnership with Norwegian seafood. It feels natural to me, and it’s something...

BSF Links Lenten Seafood Price Increases to Import Challenges

According to BSF (formerly Beaver Street Fisheries), in an interview with News4JAX, tariffs, shipping delays, and supply chain disruptions have led to higher-than-usual prices for frozen seafood in the southeastern United States.

BSF said current consumer prices for staples like cod and shrimp reflect global market conditions amid the spike in demand for Lent. 

The interview was framed around consumers noticing rising seafood prices amid the Lenten season in the southeastern US.

During the interview, Mark Frisch, the company's owner...

ANALYSIS: Pacific Halibut Market Enters 2026 Season With Firm Undertone

The 2026 Pacific halibut season opened on March 26 and will run through December 7, with the market once again entering the year under a tight supply backdrop. The new season follows a sharply reduced 2025 harvest, as commercial landings fell 12.9% year over year, according to IPHC data. That decline marked one of the lowest-producing seasons in recent years and helped drive record-high prices across both the fresh and frozen markets, as reduced landings limited fresh availability and left little opportunity to build meaningful frozen inventories...

Southeast Alaska Troll Chinook Limit Jumps 57% to 146,000 Fish for 2026

Yesterday, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced that the annual all-gear allowable catch limit for Southeast Alaska/Yakutat (SEAK) is 207,400 treaty Chinook salmon, or non-Alaska hatchery-produced Chinook salmon.  

This year’s all-gear catch limit includes a 1% reduction that will serve as a buffer to avoid exceeding the all-gear limit and payback provisions within the treaty.  

The resulting preseason troll treaty harvest allocation for 2026 is 146,000 Chinook salmon, which is 53,200 fish above the preseason limit available in 2025...

18 Pacific Rockfish Species Could Get 'Snapper' Market Name Under FDA Proposal

The FDA announced Tuesday that it is requesting information on a potential update to the acceptable market name for 18 species of Sebastes, commonly known as rockfish. The request follows legislation enacted in November 2025 that directed the agency to engage with stakeholders on an acceptable market name change for certain Sebastes species.

The Federal Register notice says the request will help the FDA make an evidence-based determination that balances food safety, regulatory clarity, and industry interest. The species under consideration are Sebastes alutus...

Avanti Feeds Secures 10% Stake in New Ecuadorian Aqua Feed Venture

India's Avanti Feeds is expanding into South America through a strategic $3 million investment, it said in a filing with the Bombay Stock Exchange.

The company's board has approved acquiring a 10% stake in Thai Union Feedmill Ecuador S.A.S., a newly incorporated entity.

The venture, established in partnership with Thai Union Feed Mill Public Company Limited, will manufacture and distribute aquaculture feed, strengthening Avanti's market presence in Ecuador's aquaculture sector.

Private-Label Brands Surge Across US and Global Markets, Circana Reports

According to two new reports from Circana, private-label brands are rapidly expanding across CPG and FMCG markets, led by food and beverage in the US, where private label holds a 24% value share in those aisles. The data shows the sector has evolved into a strategic growth driver for retailers and has built strong momentum recently.

Circana’s global research, Category Transformation or Simply Competition: A Global Private Label Perspective, explores regional approaches to private brands across the European Union, Australia, and the...

Princes Group Warns of Price Pressures From Middle East Tensions

UK food giant Princes Group is bracing for potential cost increases linked to Middle East geopolitical tensions, particularly around Iran, as the company monitors impacts on energy and raw material markets following its strong 2025 performance.

The Liverpool-based company, which owns brands including Princes, Napolina, and Branston, highlighted ongoing uncertainty in international markets stemming from Middle East conflicts in its preliminary results released Monday. Management specifically cited "the situation in Iran" as a key concern for commodity price volatility...

Kaldvik Secures Financing Relief as Losses Mount

Kaldvik, the fully integrated company which controls the value chain from hatchery to sales, said in an Oslo Stock Exchange statement that it had successfully concluded negotiations with its lenders, who accepted several measures for the current fiscal year.

In the last quarter reported, it revealed a loss of €10.6 million (£9m) following a lackluster winter. 

The company said its lenders agreed to increase availability under the revolving facility for 2026 by applying a less conservative borrowing-base calculation, though the facility...

Day 33 of Iran War: US, Israel Intensify Strikes on Iran Amid Diplomatic Deadlock

US and Israeli airstrikes have continued across Iran, targeting industrial and civilian infrastructure, including steel plants and pharmaceutical factories, according to Iranian state media and officials.

US President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to deliver a White House address this evening, said the war could be wrapped up within two to three weeks even without a formal agreement. He warned he might reconsider America’s commitments to NATO if European allies do not play a larger role in countering Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz...

Strong Demand Drives Cousins Maine Lobster to Open Second Minnesota Truck

Since the start of 2026, Expana has reported on new expansion activity from Cousins Maine Lobster, the fast-casual food truck brand founded by cousins that’s bringing fresh lobster rolls and more to seafood lovers nationwide.

The brand is adding a second truck in Minnesota, where it first debuted in 2025. The new location is set to officially open on April 10. The truck will serve the chain’s signature menu, including it signature Maine lobster rolls, lobster tacos, lobster grilled cheese, and...

Day 32 of Iran War: US–Israel Strikes Continue Across Iran, Trump Issues New Threats

US and Israeli forces carried out fresh air strikes across Iran on Tuesday as the war entered its 32nd day.

US President Donald Trump warned that Washington might strike Iran’s key energy infrastructure, including its main oil export hub at Kharg Island, oil wells, and power plants, if no deal is reached and the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.

Following Trump's comments, Iran set ablaze a Kuwait‑flagged crude oil tanker off Dubai. The fire was extinguished with no reported oil spill or crew injuries...

Quinlan Brothers Plans Fish Waste-to-Value Facility at Bay de Verde Operations

Quinlan Brothers Ltd. wants to build a new facility at its Bay de Verde plant to convert crab shells, salmon scraps, and other seafood waste into fish oil and meal products, rather than dumping the materials at sea or sending them to landfills.

The Newfoundland processor plans to convert the waste materials into ingredients for fish feed, pet food, and human consumption products at the facility adjacent to its existing crab and salmon operations.

Construction would begin in fall 2026, with the facility expected to be fully...

Sernapesca Hosts FDA and Mattilsynet to Showcase Chile’s Salmon Farming Standards

The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca) recently carried out a series of initiatives, including meetings and field visits with international delegations, to showcase the high standards of Chile’s salmon farming industry.

The visit brought together representatives from Sernapesca, the US Food and Drug Administration, and the Norwegian Food Safety Authority.

"We held a series of meetings to strengthen our strategic alliances that go beyond our borders, such as the FDA of the United States and Mattilsynet of Norway, to learn about the high...

Navigating the Trump Tariff Turbulence: A Comprehensive Timeline

US President Donald Trump and his administration have paused reciprocal tariffs on most countries.

“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown... I am hereby raising the [tariff] charged to China by the [USA] to 125%, effective immediately,” wrote Trump on Truth Social at 1:18 pm ET. 

It’s not clear if this 125% is in addition to the 20% imposed on Chinese imports to the US. In early March, Trump noted that he would add another 10% tariff on Chinese goods...

High Liner Slashes 9% of North American Office Staff Amid Tariff, Input Cost Pressures

High Liner Foods laid off roughly 9% of its North American office workforce in a move to "further align its cost structure with current market conditions," the company announced on March 31.

The value-added frozen seafood company said the 35 departures are part of a broader set of moves, including margin management, cost reduction, and supply chain efficiency efforts. The moves are aimed at mitigating the impact of inflation, tariffs and higher input costs and at improving its value proposition to customers and consumers...

DOT Allocates $489M for US Port Improvements to 'Restore Maritime Dominance'

US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy announced a total of $488,628,000 in funding to restore American maritime dominance and revitalize American ports, shipyards and maritime capabilities.

Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) today will allocate the funding through a process of applications.

“Thanks to President Trump and Secretary Duffy, we are investing in much-needed port infrastructure that will strengthen our supply chains,” said MARAD Administrator Stephen M. Carmel. “America’s ports fuel our economy, bolster domestic energy, and cut costs for hardworking families, making them worthy of taxpayer investment...

Lubimar Sea Bass and Seabream Farm is First Certification to ASC Farm Standard

A family-owned sea bass and sea bream farm on the southwestern coast of Spain has become the first farm in the world to receive certification from the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) under their new Farm Standard. 

CUPIBAR, known also as Lubimar, produces 2,000 metric tonnes of fish per year in a unique estuarine system built on former salt fields. 

Located in the protected Parque Natural de la Breña y Marismas del Barbate south of Cadiz, Lubimar is an example of farming fish in harmony with nature...

Pure Salmon Japan Secures $180 Million Fortress-Led Funding for Land-Based Salmon Facility

Pure Salmon Japan, previously known as Soul of Japan, announced the completion of a $180 million funding round led by a Fortress Investment Group fund on April 1.

This transaction completes the preferred note financing for this project, marking a significant milestone in the development of the land-based salmon farming facility currently under construction in Japan. The company comprises a group of firms under the 8F Asset Management umbrella.

"Pure Salmon Japan is one of the key projects in our global Pure Salmon platform...

The Retail Rundown: Ham Leads the Holiday Table as Promotions Surge

During Easter week, pork dominates the spotlight, accounting for 30% of all protein promotions. Within this category, ham stands out as the clear leader, making up 37% of all pork features and the highest share in the segment. Promotional activity has surged dramatically, with approximately 13,583 ham-related opportunities this week, a sharp increase from about 1,300 the week prior.

Data from Expana’s US Easter Index shows that wholesale prices for key holiday items have generally declined in 2026. The overall index dropped about 7% year-over-year (YOY)...

Gulf Menhaden Fishery Earns Recertification From MSC, Audit Confirms Minimal Bycatch

The Gulf of Mexico purse seine fishery for menhaden was recertified as sustainable from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) yesterday, after a rigorous audit that looked at the fishery’s stock health, bycatch rates, environmental impacts and regulatory oversight among other management factors. 

The Gulf menhaden fishery was first certified in 2019. 

"Achieving recertification against the MSC Fisheries Standard reflects strong, ongoing stewardship of the resource, including careful monitoring and a clear focus on simultaneously maintaining healthy menhaden populations and protecting the marine ecosystem," said Marin Hawk...

Aquaculture IS Agriculture, Canadian Fish Farms Want Inclusion in the Next Policy Framework

Canada’s fish farming sector has made a case to 13 federal, provincial, and territorial ministers that aquaculture should be recognized more fully as an agri-food sector. The eight leaders of industry aquaculture associations were specific in the areas where their sector should be included. 

First, aquaculture should be eligible for all Federal Strategic Initiatives (in addition to the current AgriMarketing and AgriAssurance programs), with priority given to AgriInnovate. 

Second, aquaculture should be eligible for activities in the Multilateral Framework Agreement between the federal-provincial-territorial governments...

Japan's Salmon and Trout Imports Dropped 8%, but Increased 6.3% in Value in 2025

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, total salmon and trout imports in 2025 decreased by 0.2% compared to the previous year, while the total import value increased by 6.3% due to higher unit prices driven by the weaker yen. The rise in prices for the main species, coho salmon and sockeye salmon, was particularly noteable, according to the Minato Shimbun.

Coho Salmon

According to trade statistics from the Ministry of Finance, imports of frozen...

ANALYSIS: Framework 40 Guidelines Released as Atlantic Scallop Pricing Hits All-Time Highs

NOAA Fisheries' announcement of Framework 40 specifications for the 2026-27 Atlantic Sea Scallop season projects landings of 17 million pounds, representing a notable 5.7% decline from the current season's 18.03 million-pound target under Framework 39. The reduction reflects ongoing resource constraints despite recent management adjustments aimed at maximizing fleet flexibility....

ANALYSIS: Norwegian Salmon Harvest Climbs as Spring Warming Threatens Production

The total harvest of Norwegian Atlantic salmon in 2025 was 11.9% higher year over year (YOY). According to the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries, the harvest level through February 2026 was 12.3% higher year-to-date (YTD). However, a seasonal decrease in biomass has been observed, with the volume of Atlantic salmon alive 3.4% lower YOY. Despite the reduction in biomass, market participants remain positive that production will remain stable in 2026...