ANALYSIS: Tariffs Squeeze Shrimp Farmgate Margins as Import Dynamics Shift

Farmgate prices overseas, particularly in India, face significant margin pressure once reciprocal tariffs are factored in. After adjusting for yield and exchange rates—and applying tariffs alone without added landed costs—the effective landed cost for Indian 30–40 count HOSO shrimp plus a 25% tariff approaches that of 21–25 count HLSO product. This aligns with current US importer bids showing Indian offers often priced above Ecuadorian equivalents.

While Ecuador’s farmgate prices remain comparatively lower, higher labor and other onshore costs, especially amid rising demand for value-added peeled...

Lent 2026: Restaurants Push Shrimp and Fish Sandwiches as Retailers Ramp Up Seafood Features

With the Lenten season underway, seafood has taken center stage across foodservice. Restaurants and quick-service operators are promoting fish sandwiches, shrimp items and more as millions of Americans abstain from meat on Fridays over the coming weeks.

Expana’s Courtney Shum covered the retail sector’s shift to Lent, with grocers leaning into features and promotional pricing to drive traffic. Seafood feature volume is building momentum, projected to account for nearly 37% of total protein ads next week. This week, seafood claimed the top spot at 34%...

New Aquaculture Study Says Shift From Wild Fish to Plant Feed is Less Environmentally Sustainable

In a stunning new study from the Institute of Aquaculture at the University of Stirling in Scotland, scientists have found that over Europe’s twenty-year reduction of using wild fishmeal and fish oil as an ingredient in farmed fish food, while good for the sustainability of forage fish, has had unintended consequences on the overall environmental footprint of European aquaculture. 

From 2000 to 2020, the European aquaculture industry reduced its overall use of wild‑caught fish as feed by 13%...

Expana Weekly Top 10: Trade Turbulence, Retail Shifts, and Weather-Driven Market Disruption

Welcome to this week's edition of the Expana's Weekly Top 10, where we dive into the latest developments across global markets and industries. This week, we explore insights from Fruit Logistica 2026 with Thess Mostoles, highlighting resilience in fresh produce markets amid supply chain challenges. The impact of extreme weather on European agriculture and shifts in retail amid Lent's seafood demand also take center stage. Additionally, we cover significant trade and economic issues, from Wendy's planned closures and Hormel's divestiture...

SATS Unveils Video Series Championing Open Ocean Aquaculture in the US

Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS), an offshore aquaculture advocacy group, announced a three‑video series aimed at making the case for federal legislation to enable open‑ocean aquaculture in US waters.

The videos collect firsthand accounts from leaders across the seafood and broader agriculture supply chains who say the absence of a clear federal legal framework prevents the US from producing more farmed domestic seafood.

“The nation’s top environmental organizations, along with seafood leaders, chefs, and academics in the US agree that sustainable fish farming is essential to...

Frank O’Hara III Takes Helm at Wild Alaska Sole Association

The Board of the Wild Alaska Sole Association (WASA) elected Frank O’Hara III as the group’s new president, it announced on February 18.

Currently, O’Hara serves as the Executive Vice President of the fishing company O’Hara Corporation, which harvests flatfish and other groundfish species in Alaska’s Bering Sea. He will succeed Jim Johnson of North Star Fishing Company, who served as President of WASA since it was created in 2023.

“I’m looking forward to working with WASA and growing markets for our Wild Alaska Sole...

Cousins Maine Lobster Launches First Permanent Food Truck

Cousins Maine Lobster has officially expanded into South Carolina with the launch of its first permanent food truck in the Columbia market. Expana first reported on the company's plan to expand in the Southeast in December of last year.

This venture is spearheaded by long-time friends turned business partners, Dave Blosser and Matt Cobb. The pair are planning to introduce another truck in the Midlands community by 2027. Both Bloseser and Cobb have strong backgrounds in multi-unit operations, team leadership, and customer-focused...

Sobico USA Recalls 13,464 Pounds of Siluriformes Fish Products

Sobico USA LLC is recalling approximately 13,464 pounds of frozen, raw intact Siluriformes fish products. These items were imported from Vietnam without the benefit of import reinspection in the US. The issue was discovered and reported by the importer after a review of the FSIS import requirements and establishment procedural guidance.

According to an announcement from the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the Siluriformes fish, both whole/gutted and steak items, were produced on June 24, 2025. They bear the Vietnam...

India's Apex Frozen Foods Sees Recovery as US Tariff Cuts Fuel Export Optimism

Apex Frozen Foods, one of the largest shrimp exporters in India, signaled growing optimism for its shrimp export business following recent reductions in US tariffs, alongside continued growth in European markets and operational adjustments to diversify revenue streams.

In its Q3 2026 earnings call on February 16, the company reported a 15% year-on-year rise in quarterly revenues to INR 264 crore ($32 million), driven primarily by stronger shrimp sales to the European Union and improved price realizations...

American Seafoods Mourns the Passing of Former CEO and Owner Bernt Bodal

American Seafoods Company is deeply saddened to announce the passing of its former Chief Executive Officer, Bernt Bodal.

Bernt was far more than a leader — he was a force of nature. With a larger-than-life presence, unmistakable energy, and a deep love for Alaska’s fishing communities, he left a lasting imprint on the people and places that define our industry. His personality filled every room he entered, and his passion for the North Pacific and its fisheries helped shape the spirit of modern Alaska fishing as we...

Chilean Fisheries and Aquaculture Exports Surge in January, Driven by African Market Demand

Chile’s fisheries and aquaculture sector experienced significant growth in January 2026, boosting the country's export numbers beyond traditional staples like copper and lithium.

According to an Export Report by ProChile and its Intelligence Department, using data from the National Customs Service, exports saw a 2.1% increase compared to January 2025.

Notably, sector-specific exports reached US $954 million, reflecting a 14% rise from US $837 million year-over-year (YOY). While salmon and trout dominated the export charts with US $731 million...

Frozen and PetCare Units Drive Margin Expansion at Thai Union

Thai Union Group PCL reported record profitability for 2025, with a full-year gross profit margin of 18.9% and earnings per share rising 7.2% as the company navigated tariffs, currency pressures and other external headwinds.

Sales volumes grew 2.5% to 908,000 metric tons (MT) and full-year revenues reached THB 133 billion $4.3 billion), while adjusted operating profit (excluding transformation costs) totaled THB 7 billion. The board approved a total annual dividend of THB 0.70 per share, up 6% from 2024 and representing a 57.7% payout ratio...

US Pushes Fisheries Tech at Asia Pacific Economic Council Amid China Rivalry

President Trump’s administration has launched a $20 million fund to support the adoption of American artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to partner with Southeast Asian economies at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings in southern China this week. Those exports, including maritime surveillance technology, are a counterpoint to Beijing’s technological and maritime influence, prior to President Trump’s expected visit to China in April and China's hosting of APEC’s annual leaders’ summit in Shenzhen in November.

The Chinese administration intends to narrow the...

Ottawa Takes Action Against Aquatic Invaders.

Canada’s breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems are integral to its national identity, underscoring the urgency of preserving biodiversity and addressing threats like aquatic invasive species. These invaders can swiftly spread, competing with native species and potentially costing Canadians billions.

In a proactive move, the Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, has unveiled a new aquatic invasive species survey map. This interactive tool offers a comprehensive overview of detections across Canada, empowering partners, academia, and the public with crucial information.

Moreover, Minister Thompson announced a $1 million...

What Restaurants Need to Succeed: Immigration Reform, Competitive Swipe Fees, & Strong Trade Policy

The National Restaurant Association today released ambitious federal policy priorities that when achieved, will help stabilize the industry workforce, support industry employment growth, cut costs for restaurant operators, and preserve the global supply chain. The priorities include:

• Comprehensive immigration reform
• Bringing down operator costs through passage of Credit Card Competition Act
• Favorable renewal of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA)

The restaurant and foodservice industry is the nation's second-largest private employer, with more than 15.7 million people...

Sanford appoints Tony Carter as Independent Director

The Board of Sanford Limited is pleased to announce the appointment of Antony (Tony) Carter to the Board as an Independent Director, with effect from today.

Tony has extensive governance experience across a broad range of sectors, including consumer, technology, agriculture, industrial services, infrastructure and energy. He transitioned into governance after a successful executive career, including a decade as Chief Executive and Managing Director at Foodstuffs.

Sanford’s Chair, Sir Rob McLeod, says he is delighted to welcome Tony to the Sanford Board. “We are...

ANALYSIS: EU–UK Shrimp Imports Hit Record Level in December 2025

Eurostat has released the latest EU–UK trade figures, revealing record shrimp purchases of 67,972 metric tonnes (MT) in December. This marked a slight month‑on‑month decline of 1.2% but an impressive 24.4% increase compared to December 2024, confirming the positive trend throughout 2025. Overall shrimp volumes for the year - including warm water and cold water species - rose 8.7% year‑on‑year and 12.0% above the previous five‑year average...

Japan: Russian Atka Mackerel Price Holding Steady, Price Increase in Prospect Due to High Fat Conten

According to Minato Shimbun, the domestic sales price for frozen dressed Russian Atka Mackerel (540-640 grams) is 620 yen/kg ($4.05/kg) as of early February, unchanged from September of last year. While rising prices for competing fish species are likely to lead to an increase in demand and price hikes in the future, "it's highly likely that prices won't start to move significantly until summer," according to a trading company source.

This year, there has been a global trend...

Norwegian Seafood Council Unveils Insights On Protein Consumption in Italy

A recent report by the Norwegian Seafood Council unveils key insights into protein consumption in Italy, with a special focus on increasing the appeal of salmon, stockfish, saltfish, and clipfish. Italy represents a crucial market for Norwegian seafood, particularly for salmon, which commands over a 90% market share, and stockfish with a full 100% share. The market share for saltfish and clipfish varies significantly, fluctuating between 13% and 85% based on the specific product type.

Country Director Tom-Jørgen Gangsø, based...

National Fisheries Institute Welcomes Gina Mortillaro as Director of Scientific Affairs

The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) has announced the appointment of Gina Mortillaro as Director of Scientific Affairs, succeeding Margaret Malkoski, who is retiring after a decade in that role.

"Margaret leaves an indelible mark on our association and this industry," said NFI’s President and CEO Lisa Wallenda Picard. “We will miss her dedication and deep knowledge. At the same time, we’re pleased to have a regulatory expert with more than twenty years in the business taking the baton."

In her new role, Mortillaro will...

ANALYSIS: Constrained Spanish Octopus Supply Drove Challenges Across 2025

Spanish octopus markets continue reflecting the effects of tariff pressures and constrained overseas supply, with 4-6 categories holding mostly within the $6.50-6.75 range amid significant transaction volatility. The sector maintains a full steady character overall, though individual supplier circumstances appear to be creating substantial differences in marketplace approaches.

Import data reveals underlying supply challenges, with US imports from Spain showing consistent year-over-year declines across virtually every month in 2025 compared to 2024. The reduced import volumes appear to reflect the broader structural challenges facing the Spanish...

High Liner's Sea Cuisine Debuts Guinness Battered Fish and Shrimp in 1,500 Kroger Stores, Costco

Bringing pub classics to the frozen aisle, Sea Cuisine, one of High Liner Foods’ retail brands, introduced Guinness Battered Fish Strips and Shrimp made from wild-caught Alaska pollock and tail-off shrimp coated in a Guinness-infused batter.

The products are now available in roughly 1,500 Kroger-family stores and in Costco club-size packs as the brand eyes broader North American expansion.

Expanding on its existing portfolio of Guinness Foodservice options, High Liner unveiled the Sea Cuisine Guinness Battered Fish Strips and Shrimp...

Echo Falls to Showcase Smoked Salmon Party Slices and On‑The‑Go Salmon Bites at SENA 2026

With one month to go before the seafood industry converges on the Boston Convention Center, Echo Falls Seafoods is gearing up to unveil new products at Seafood Expo North America 2026.

Echo Falls will introduce Smoked Norwegian Atlantic Salmon Party Slices at the show. The item is described as suitable for appetizer bases and comes in three flavors: Pepper, Traditional, and Dill.

The company will also showcase Smoked Atlantic Salmon Bites, a product it calls “game-changing” in the retail snack category...

SeaPak Bets on Lent With Family-Friendly Campaign, Teams Up with Child Nutrition Expert Diana Rice

SeaPak is looking to become the answer for families with picky eaters during Lent this year.

The company wants to make Fridays during the season, which sees millions of Americans abstain from meat, into a discovery period for families that may turn to seafood more often as the work week winds down.

SeaPak will look to accomplish its goals through a partnership with child nutrition expert Diana Rice, who will provide families with tips and tricks to create seafood-focused meals during Lent...

NOAA Fisheries Annual Aquaculture Highlights 2025 Showcases Federal Research and Outreach

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Aquaculture Program is dedicated to advancing US aquaculture through cutting-edge science, communications, and policies. Its recently released annual report describes the scientific breakthroughs and ongoing support for the nation’s shellfish farmers, finfish, and, now, even plants, in the form of a wide variety of kelp species. 

Compared to farming on land, aquaculture is a far more resource-efficient means to produce protein. It’s also the fastest-growing food production system globally.

“While the United States lags in global aquaculture production...

Walmart Reports Strong Growth in Sales and Revenue in Q4 and Fiscal Results

Walmart has unveiled impressive quarterly and yearly results, demonstrating robust growth across various segments and maintaining its market-leading position.

Walmart President and CEO said, "The pace of change in retail is accelerating. It’s exciting. And our financial results show that we’re not only embracing this change, we’re leading it. For our customers and members, the future is fast, convenient, and personalized.”

Here's a closer look at Walmart's impressive Q4 and fiscal year performance.

Highlights from Q4...

Dr. Jenny Gray Named Monterey Bay Aquarium CEO

Monterey Bay Aquarium has appointed Jenny Gray to lead the organization as Nancy Burgermeister Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Gray is known in the zoo and aquarium industry for her work in animal ethics, welfare, and conservation. She has been Chief Executive Officer of Zoos Victoria, in Australia, since 2007 and served as president of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums for two years. Transitioning from Julie Packard, the Aquarium’s first and only executive director since it opened in 1984, Gray will start in May. Packard will continue to serve...

ASC Appointed To Executive Committee of EU Market Advisory Council

Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) has been officially classified as an Other Interest Group (OIG) and nominated to the Executive Committee of the Market Advisory Council (MAC), marking a significant step in ASC’s engagement with European Union market and policy processes.

Established under the EU Common Fisheries Policy, the MAC brings together stakeholders from across the fisheries and aquaculture value chain to provide structured, balanced advice to the European Commission and EU Member States on market-related aspects of fishery and aquaculture products. Its recommendations contribute...

FFAW-Unifor Seeks Dismissal of Price Panel Chair, ASP Backs Murphy Amid Snow Crab Settlement Feud

The union representing snow crab harvesters in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), FFAW-Unifor, has called for the removal of Standing Fish Price Setting Panel Chair Sheilagh Murphy in a letter to NL Minister Mike Goosney.

FFAW criticized Murphy's public comments, which they say effectively rewrote the Panel’s decision by stating that only 30-lb bulk boxes should be used in calculating the end-of-season settlement payment. The union described this as an “unauthorized intervention” occurring after the decision-making process was complete...

Cooke-Owned Kelly Cove Granted Expansion at Liverpool Bay After Week‑Long Public Hearing

Cooke Aquaculture-owned Kelly Cove Salmon was granted approval to expand its Liverpool Bay salmon farm in Nova Scotia, the company announced Feb. 17.

The Nova Scotia Aquaculture Review Board (ARB) approved changes at the site located offshore from Coffin Island in Liverpool Bay. The decision allows Kelly Cove to add six cages at the site, bringing the total to 20.

Kelly Cove has operated the farm for roughly 15 years in compliance with government regulations, Cooke said...