Captain Fresh Acquires Frime, Bolstering European Tuna Production and Sourcing

Captain Fresh, the India-based global seafood company, has completed its acquisition of FRIME S.A.U. (Frime), a leading tuna processor and distributor in Spain. The deal broadens Captain Fresh’s portfolio and strengthens its presence in Europe, described by the company as a “processing stronghold.”

Frime operates four production sites across seven factories with an annual capacity of 5,000 tons of frozen, 9,000 tons of fresh, and 3,800 tons of semi-preserved products. The acquisition also adds €50 million invested into state-of-the-art facilities in Barcelona, which...

ANALYSIS: Brazil Lobster Tail Exports to China Surge, US Imports Fall

Historically, the United States has been the primary destination for Brazil-origin lobster tails, consistently accounting for the largest volume share. However, in recent years and especially since the imposition of tariffs in 2025, trade flows have been dramatically altered, with China emerging as the dominant market. 

From 2020 through 2024, US imports of lobster tails from Brazil have been in decline, dropping sharply in 2025 to just 829 thousand pounds — a 60% decrease versus the prior year and 65% below the 5-year average...

US-Spain Seafood Trade Faces Uncertainty as Trump Threatens Sanctions Over Military Base Dispute

The key seafood trade between Spain and the United States is under potential threat as US President Donald Trump has threatened to cut off all trade with Spain over the country's refusal to allow US military use of its bases for strikes on Iran.

For the seafood sector, such a move would have significant consequences. According to US Customs data compiled on Expana's Foreign Trade Data platform, Spain exported roughly 65.6 million pounds of seafood to the US in 2025, valued at over $300 million...

US‑Israeli Strikes on Iran Enter Fifth Day as Shipping Companies Divert Vessels 

The United States and Israel have launched strikes against Iran for a fifth day, targeting military, government, and nuclear-related sites in and around Tehran. In response, Iran has launched retaliatory missiles and drones, striking energy infrastructure and diplomatic compounds across the Gulf.

The conflict is expanding regionally, with heightened security alerts across Gulf states and reports of damage to civilian and economic infrastructure. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy chokepoint, has experienced significant disruptions threatening worldwide oil flows...

ANALYSIS: Asian Shrimp Exports Face Delays Due to Middle East Turmoil

The severe armed conflict that started this weekend in the Middle East is not reported to have directly impacted the production or demand of shrimp globally.  

Indirectly, India, Indonesia and Vietnam are major sellers to the Western customers. In 2025, the US and Europe accounted for over half of India’s shrimp export revenue, markets noted for their competitiveness and sensitivity to price. 

Consequently to the conflict between Israel, the US and Iran, the closure of the Red Sea access will induce an estimated two-week delay and additional...

Patricio Melero Leads SalmonChile into a New Era

Today, SalmonChile announced the appointment of Patricio Melero as its new President, succeeding Arturo Clément, who led the organization for the past eight years. Melero, a former minister and parliamentarian, brings extensive experience, including two decades on the Aquaculture Commission.

In his farewell, Clément emphasized the importance of trust among those involved in salmon farming. He noted that growth requires legitimacy and that trust must be actively built. Clément highlighted that transparency and dialogue are essential for operations, and that the industry's efforts focused on...

Alaska Board of Fish Charged with Conflict of Interest in Area M Chum Salmon Issue

The Aleutians East Borough and regional tribal governments filed a formal ethics complaint against members of the Alaska Board of Fisheries last week. The complaint was centered on a 4-3 vote that dismantled the Area M adaptive management program aimed at avoiding migrating chum salmon that spawn in the Yukon and Kuskokwim River systems. The complaint calls the program “the most successful in-season salmon conservation program in Alaska history.”

The vote was taken at the February 18-25, 2026, Board of Fisheries meeting...

NASA Scientists Join SCEMFIS Industry Advisory Board 

The Science Center for Marine Fisheries (SCEMFIS) has announced the addition of researchers from NASA’s Earth Science Division to its Industry Advisory Board (IAB). This partnership creates new opportunities to integrate NASA’s Earth observations into future SCEMFIS research, enabling closer collaboration with NASA scientists and advancing SCEMFIS’ mission to support groundbreaking marine science research.

This collaboration is particularly significant as NASA has pioneered satellite research measuring the biological and physical characteristics of the world’s oceans. Such data has been integral to scientific research broadly, and fisheries research specifically. NASA’s...

Spain’s Congalsa Secures Vietnam Processing Base with Lenger Seafoods Acquisition

Spanish seafood industry leader Congalsa has officially completed the acquisition of Lenger Seafoods Vietnam Ltd., a seafood processing company based in Nam Dinh, Vietnam. This significant move marks a decisive step in Congalsa’s strategy to deepen its footprint in the Asian market, one of the world’s fastest-growing regions for seafood consumption.

The acquisition provides Congalsa with enhanced access to critical raw materials and strengthens its industrial operations in Asia, complementing its established global seafood supply chain. By securing Lenger Seafoods, Congalsa gains a strategic production base in Vietnam...

National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) Spotlights March Frozen Food Month

As American eating habits evolve, the frozen food aisle does as well. With the rise of flexible, unstructured meals and a growing demand for snacking options, frozen foods are stepping up with innovative offerings, from globally inspired flavors to air-fryer-friendly formats and portion-smart choices.

In honor of March Frozen Food Month, the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) is spotlighting how frozen foods meet contemporary consumer needs. "Frozen foods have always been a trusted solution for busy households, but the aisle...

Pokeworks Unveils Black Garlic Aioli and Exciting March Promotions"

Pokeworks, renowned for introducing Hawaiian poke to the fast-casual scene, has launched its new Black Garlic Aioli. Guests can enhance their favorite orders with this savory addition and showcase their creations using #PokeworksBlackGarlicAioli.

"Our new Black Garlic Aioli brings a modern, savory twist to every bowl and burrito, delivering a flavor experience that's truly next-level," said Ha Ly, Head of Marketing at Pokeworks. "This umami-packed sauce reflects where Pokeworks is headed next: bold flavors, elevated taste and modern comfort that hits...

Silver Bay Seafoods Pauses Processing in Cordova, AK, Blaming Low Salmon Forecasts in 2026

Last Friday, Silver Bay Seafoods, a leading processor in Alaska, announced that it will not be processing fish in Cordova, home port for the fleet of more than 800 gill netters and seiners that harvest salmon from the Copper River and Prince William Sound, due to low forecasted returns in both areas.  

But the Sitka, AK and Seattle, WA-based processor will be buying fish from the Cordova fleet, transporting the catch to either Valdez or Seward for processing at Silver Bay's facilities there...

ANALYSIS: Middle East Conflict Could Shift Global Tuna Demand

The Middle East has shown a sustained increase in demand for canned tuna. According to industry sources, in 2025, import market activity in Libya, Egypt and Jordan, among others, increased.

Since canned tuna is considered an affordable source of protein with a long shelf life, ease of transport, high nutritional value, and minimal preparation requirements, the recent escalation in the Middle East is likely to drive further growth in demand.

Thailand, the world's largest supplier of canned tuna, shipped 567,191 MT through December 2025. The total export from Thailand to Libya...

How the US‑Iran Conflict Is Affecting Global Commodity Markets

US and Israeli strikes on Iran over the weekend, which killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have sparked significant disruptions in energy, freight, and wider commodity and agricultural markets.

Oil surged at the start of the week, global stock markets wavered, and the energy and shipping sectors have become central to an escalating crisis as commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has halted to a near standstill. 

On Monday, the US-Israeli air campaign against Iran escalated, extending the conflict to Lebanon as Israel responded to strikes by...

Brinker International Promotes George Felix to Lead Marketing for Chili's and Maggiano's

Brinker International has promoted George Felix to Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, where he will spearhead marketing efforts for both Chili's® Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy.

Felix, who joined Brinker in 2022 as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Chili's, has been praised for his success in revitalizing legacy brands.

In this expanded role, he will now bring his strategic vision to Maggiano's as part of their "Back to Maggiano's" initiative. Felix...

BioMar Expands Wuxi Facility with New Production Line

BioMar is expanding its production footprint in China, announcing plans to add a second production line at its Wuxi facility in 2026. The move follows several years of growth in partnership with joint venture partner Tongwei.

The expansion will increase capacity at Wuxi by 50,000 tonnes and introduce new technological capabilities, allowing the facility to produce specialty products for early growth stages and additional high-end species. Today, the Wuxi site primarily serves farmers producing trout, salmon, sturgeon, largemouth bass, turbot and yellow croaker. With the...

ANALYSIS: Salmon Retail Promotions Approach Record Highs; Europe Gains on Chile in US Imports

The farmed salmon fresh fillet market is navigating a period of modest volume growth alongside some potentially significant shifts in supply patterns. Global shipments totaled approximately 36.2 million pounds in December, just 0.2% higher than in November. Total year-to-date volume for fresh salmon fillets ended the year at 454.9 million pounds, which is 2.9% higher than the previous year.

Yet, beneath the stable headline figures, Chile’s longstanding dominance is facing renewed competition from a strengthening European presence, as Norway, the largest global salmon producer...

King & Prince Seafood Names Steve Yung Incoming CEO as Michael Alexander to Retire April 17

Nissui-owned King & Prince Seafood said Steve Yung, the former CEO of Sealord Group, will succeed Michael Alexander as president and CEO. Alexander, who led the company for 15 years, will retire effective April 17, 2026.

King & Prince credited Alexander with playing a pivotal role in the company’s growth, strengthening customer and supplier relationships and helping “cement the company’s service.”

"We are deeply grateful for Michael's contributions to King & Prince Seafood," said Takashi Matsumoto, President, Nissui USA. "His impact on our people, our partners...

Norwegian Seafood Exports Slip in February; Salmon Rises but US Demand Falls Sharply

Norway exported seafood worth NOK 13.8 billion ($1.4 billion) in February, a 2% decline from the same month a year earlier, the Norwegian Seafood Council reported on March 4. Exports for January–February totaled NOK 28.5 billion, down NOK 777 million (2.7%) versus the same period in 2025.

“Lower supplies of shellfish and wild-caught fish due to quota reductions, combined with a still troubled world and trade barriers, are affecting the market, product flows and prices even more strongly than we have experienced before...

Judges Order Columbia and Snake River Dams to Help Salmon Migrate Through the Rivers This Year

Last week, a federal judge in Oregon issued a decision that essentially reversed President Trump’s June 2025 withdrawal from the Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement.  

Although the agreement has not been reinstated, U.S. District Judge Michael Simon ordered a series of emergency operations at eight dams on the Lower Columbia and Snake Rivers to aid in salmon and steelhead passage. 

In his decision, he also noted that the current case had its origins thirty years ago...

Chile’s Sernapesca, Carabineros Shut Down Illegal Seafood Processing Plant

Chile's National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (SERNAPESCA), working with the Carabineros police, shut down an illegal seafood processing facility after a probe triggered by a citizen complaint, the agencies announced Feb. 27.

The regional prosecutor’s office in La Araucanía asked the Police Investigation Section (SIP) of the Carabineros’ 2nd Police Station in Temuco to investigate a processing plant in the city’s eastern sector. During a joint inspection, Carabineros and Sernapesca personnel found and seized large quantities of marine resources of illegal origin and operating without the permits required to run...

The Retail Rundown: 21st Annual Power of Meat Report Sees Sales Soar to Fresh Record

Meat sales climbed to a new record of $112 billion in 2025, up 2% from the prior year, according to the 21st annual Power of Meat report released at the Annual Meat Conference by the Meat Institute and FMI—The Food Industry Association.

The report found meat remains a near-universal staple, with 98% of US households purchasing meat. For retailers, this underscores the importance of keeping meat and poultry front and center to capture consumer spending, especially as health and wellness trends continue to drive demand for protein...

Mowi Partners with Culinary Expert Alex Trim to Transform Home Dining

Mowi has entered a  partnership with Michelin-trained Chef Alex Trim.

Alex began his career at Alinea in Chicago and advanced to Sous Chef at Tru, both renowned for their Michelin stars. He then joined the LEYE Restaurant Group, significantly contributing to menu development and launching high-profile concepts. In 2021, Alex transitioned to private dining, offering Michelin-level cuisine in personalized settings.He is now celebrated for making fine dining accessible and holds a reputation as Naples, Florida's premier private chef...

ANALYSIS: Salmon Exports to Middle East, North Africa Face Potential Halt Amid Regional Crisis

Salmon exports to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region grew steadily through 2025, with Norway dominating the market and Chile holding a smaller but notable presence. This expansion may now face a severe disruption following the outbreak of conflict in the region, which could significantly impair maritime trade and reshape global seafood supply chains. 

Norway's salmon exports to MENA climbed steadily from roughly 43,000 metric tons (MT) in 2023 to 50,000 MT in 2024, reaching about 58,000 MT in 2025...

Iran War Enters Fourth Day, Driving Higher Crude Prices and Broad Commodity Swings

The US-Israeli war on Iran intensified into its fourth day, with Tehran reporting a death toll of 787 as strikes continue to target leadership and infrastructure. Israel’s campaign, initially described as a two-week operation, is reportedly advancing faster than expected, with no firm end date signaled. US President Donald Trump said the war could last four to five weeks.

Global markets remain on edge. Crude oil surged nearly 4% in overnight trade, while European equities fell sharply. US stock futures also pointed lower, with the three major indices last shedding about 2%...

Red Lobster Strengthens Leadership with Key Executive Appointments Amid Growth Strategy

On March 2, Red Lobster announced new executive appointments aimed at strengthening its leadership team. 

"Red Lobster has made significant progress coming out of a challenging period, and we're now shifting from stabilization to a disciplined, execution-led growth phase focused on optimizing the guest experience, driving operational excellence, accelerating real estate optimization and building a stronger platform for durable growth," said Damola Adamolekun, the company's Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Brad Hill has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of...

Spex Flex: Pacific Fishery Management Council Faces Uncertainty Brought by Climate Change — Part 3

At the same meeting, the Council added an emergency agenda item to consider a change in the 2026 harvest specifications for canary rockfish, shortspine thornyhead, and petrale sole.  

The reduced harvest specifications for these species had led to unusually negative impacts on fishing communities and businesses. At the same time, industry representatives reported that on-the-water observations were not matching the results of the 2023 stock assessments, which were used to set the 2025-26 harvest specifications and management measures...

Japan to Reduce 19 Tuna Longliners in Compliance with IOTC Policy

On February 27, the Fisheries Agency of Japan approved an implementation plan for the reorganization of the deep-sea tuna longline fishery, submitted by the Japan Tuna Fisheries Co-operative Association, in accordance with the International Fisheries Reorganization Measures. The reduction in vessels will be by 19. This measure will strengthen the protection of tuna resources in the Indian Ocean, particularly bigeye tuna, according to Minato Shimbun. 

At its annual meeting in April last year, the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) adopted a plan to reduce fishing capacity...

Kroger Customers Can Enjoy Premium Convenient Meals in Minutes with Private Selection® Expansion

Today, The Kroger Co. is announcing an expansion of its Private Selection® brand with a new lineup of deliciously crafted premium and convenient meals thoughtfully developed and designed to deliver bold flavor in minutes for customers who are short on time. Exclusively available across the Kroger Family of Stores, the 20+ new meals balance globally inspired tastes with ready-to-eat convenience.

"The new Private Selection® line brings high quality and convenience without the premium price tag or hours spent...

ANALYSIS: Frozen Yellowfin Tuna Imports Hold Steady in 2025 as Prices Show Little Volatility

US imports of frozen yellowfin tuna closed 2025 largely in line with recent historical trends, reinforcing the sector's relative stability. Total imports reached 91.9 million pounds, down 3.5% from 2024 but firmly within the established five-year range. Indonesia and Vietnam continue to anchor supply, collectively representing the bulk of total arrivals and maintaining consistent shipment patterns despite shifting trade conditions...