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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Kura Sushi Features Authentic Japanese Ingredients in New Kura Reserve Menu

Kura Sushi USA, a pioneer in US revolving sushi restaurants, is showcasing Japanese flavors for a limited time with its latest menu innovations. This Kura Reserve menu is crafted with authentic ingredients sourced from Japan and expertly paired for six new offerings.

The new additions include:

Shima Aji: White trevally fish layered over Kura's specialty rice.

Kanpachi: Known as Almaco Jack or Longfin Yellowtail, this fish from Kagoshima offers a subtly sweet flavor with a tender, smooth texture atop Kura's specialty rice.

Seared Yuzu Infused Albacore...

Thai Union Feedmill to Build $55M Aquaculture Facility in Ecuador, Boosting Capacity by 80%

A subsidiary of seafood giant Thai Union, Thai Union Feedmill has approved a major overseas investment, committing up to $55 million (about THB 1.71 billion) to construct a new aquaculture facility in Ecuador, the company announced on February 12.

The investment will be carried out through a newly established Ecuadorian subsidiary, with land acquisition, factory construction, utility installation, and machinery procurement scheduled for completion this year. Upon completion in 2028, the plant is expected to increase Thai Union Feedmill’s total production capacity by approximately...

FLIP Report of Small-Operator Foodservice Sector Shows Optimism and Concern in 2026

A new report finds that nearly 82% of restaurants, food trucks, chefs, and caterers surveyed are confident in their business outlook despite economic pressures.  

The highest level of concern is over food prices. Over 80% of respondents say food prices have the greatest impact on their profits. 

Food Liability Insurance Program (FLIP) released its third annual 2026 Food & Beverage Industry Trends Report last week. FLIP is a national insurance program designed for small to mid-sized operators in the food and beverage industry...

Wynn Resorts and Chef's Table Announce Global Partnership Debuting This Fall

Wynn Resorts and Chef's Table, the brand behind the award-winning Netflix culinary documentary series, are embarking on a new global partnership with a culinary tour-de-force celebration this fall. The partnership will combine world-class dining offerings with an impressive lineup of talent from the renowned series to create and produce original and meaningful programming.

In September, Chef's Table will transform Revelry, the tasting experience at Wynn Las Vegas, into Wynn Revelry by Chef's Table – bringing together...

Global Seafood Alliance at Seafood Expo North America 2026

Seafood Expo North America (SENA) is almost here, and Global Seafood Alliance is gearing up for another energizing few days in Boston. Taking place March 15–17, 2026, SENA brings together the global seafood community for connection, collaboration, and conversations that shape the future of our industry.

Throughout the show, the GSA team will be on site (come say hi to us at Booth 2065!) and ready to connect — whether you’re stopping by to learn more about our certification programs, explore what’s new...

Ireland: Ministers Launch Food Vision Seafood Sector Group

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, together with Minister of State with responsibility for Fisheries and the Marine, Timmy Dooley TD, have today jointly launched the Food Vision Seafood Sector Group.

Ireland’s seafood sector is vital to maintaining the economic viability of our rural coastal communities. The seafood sector also underpins the social fabric of coastal communities and helps deliver on environmental sustainability.

The Group, which has been established in response to significantly reduced fishing opportunities for the Irish fleet in 2026, will operate under the auspices...

Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun Signals More Restaurant Closures Amid Brand Turnaround

Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun said the company may close additional restaurant locations as it works to recover from its 2024 bankruptcy.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Adamolekun cited third-party data showing improved consumer sentiment, higher visits, and a 10% increase in sales compared with last year. “There’s a lot of positive signs, but we inherited a very damaged brand, so there’s still work to do to repair all of that,” he told the publication...

Sernapesca Says Invermar Mass Mortality Tied to Oxygen Depletion in Quinchao, Chile

Last Thursday, Chilean salmon farmer and processor Invermar S.A. activated its emergency response to a mass mortality event due to low oxygen levels in the ocean at their Traiguén 2 farming center at Quinchao near Chiloé Island.  

Inspectors from the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca) are on the ground, confirming that all activities outlined in the contingency action plan are being adequately addressed. 

So far, 283 tons of salmon have been reported affected, equivalent to 10% of the biomass at the farming facility...

Hokkaido Herring Fishery Opened Well, up 53% Year-On-Year at the End of January

As of the end of January, herring fishing along Hokkaido's Sea of ​​Japan coast reached 498 tons, a 53% increase over the same period last year. Although it's still early in the season, it's off to a good start compared to last year. 

This season, gillnet fishing operations began around January 20th, primarily in the Ishikari and Shiribeshi regions, with the Ishikari Bay Fisheries Cooperative and the Otaru City Fisheries Cooperative. However, a strong cold wave immediately after the fishing season opened...

Canada Recalls TS Brand Sushi EBI Frozen Cooked Shrimp Due to Chemical Contaminants

Last Friday, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued a recall of TS brand Sushi EBI frozen cooked shrimp distributed in Quebec to hotels, restaurants and institutional foodservice operations.  

“Do not use, sell, serve or distribute the affected product,” their online notice warned. The product is in 155g packages with a UPC number of 8 16553 00490 3 and the code number: 2027 JN 02; VN499VIO29CAN. 

The TS brand Sushi EBI Frozen Cooked Shrimp was recalled due to 3-amino-2-oxazolidinone, commonly referred...

AquaVision 2026 – Guiding Aquaculture Through Change

The 16th edition of AquaVision will take place in Stavanger, Norway from 8-10 June 2026. Hosted by Skretting and its parent company Nutreco, the biennial aquaculture business conference brings together global leaders to discuss the role of sustainable blue food in feeding a growing world population.

About AquaVision 2026

The two key themes that will be explored at AquaVision 2026 are:

- Navigating the global geopolitical landscape: Impacts and opportunities for the aquaculture industry

- Beyond tomorrow: Pioneering innovations shaping the future of the industry...

The Retail Rundown: Retail Focus Turns to Lent Promotions

This week in retail, attention is focused on Lent and the broader economic landscape, with inflation back in the spotlight following the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) release. Although overall inflation showed signs of cooling, food costs continue to edge higher on a monthly basis, keeping value messaging front and center as grocers work to attract price-sensitive consumers.

With the Christian Lenten season now underway, retailers are pivoting quickly. The 40-day period of fasting and reduced meat consumption among Catholics is traditionally a tailwind for seafood, and grocers are leaning into features and promotional pricing to capture traffic...

Iceland Foods Expands ASC-Certified Frozen Seafood Range to 15 SKUs with Salmon, Sea Bass and More

UK retailer Iceland Foods has expanded its Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)-labeled seafood range with new products launched earlier this month.

The expansion supports the company's goal to increase its ASC-certified products to 25 by the end of 2026, offering consumers a wider selection of sustainable seafood options.

Stuart Lendrum, Director of Product, Process & Sustainability at Iceland Foods, said: “Our customers want reassurance that the products they choose support a healthier planet, and by growing our responsibly sourced seafood range...

Walmart Achieves Record Grocery Growth as Consumer Habits Shift 

According to a quarterly study by dunnhumby, Walmart's grocery penetration in the US has reached a record 72%, driven by the improved financial security of American shoppers aged 18-54. This represents a 6 percentage point increase year-over-year (YOY), the largest growth among all retailers.

Walmart serves over 190 million Americans monthly, 2.5 times more than the second-place Dollar General at 28.6%. The data reveals that mass-channel retailers have, for the first time, equaled traditional supermarkets with a 79% penetration rate...

Russia Boosts Fish Processing Output, Fillet Production Climbs 9%

Russia is increasing fish processing volumes as demand for fish products remains stable, according to the latest data from the Russian Fish Union.

In 2025, Russian companies produced 4.1 million tons of fish and fish products. While frozen fish output declined slightly, production of frozen fish fillets rose. Frozen fish volumes fell 3% to 2.6 million tons, largely due to increased production of more deeply processed products.

Frozen fish fillet output increased by 9% to 253,000 tons. On‑board pollock fillet production reached 102,000 tons in 2025...

Maruha Nichiro Begins Rollout of Umios Brand March 1, 2026; Fisheries Unit to Follow in 2027

Maruha Nichiro’s shift to its new identity as Umios will begin rolling out next month, but not all subsidiaries will make the change simultaneously. Following a Feb. 17 update, the company confirmed that most businesses under the Maruha brand will adopt Umios branding starting March 1, 2026, while its Fisheries Trading Unit companies won’t rebrand until April 1, 2027.

Ahead of the launch, Maruha unveiled 45 new products in spring to help cement the new branding, as Expana reported...

Pokeworks Celebrates a Record-Breaking 2025

Pokeworks is celebrating a record-breaking 2025, showcasing exponential growth and achieving the highest level of franchisee and guest satisfaction ever.

The company's success is reflected in its franchise growth, higher consumer demand, and innovations in its menu, technology, and catering business.

These accomplishments helped earn Pokeworks its place as the most reviewed and highest-rated poke brand in the country, with an average 4.8-star rating across Google Reviews.

"2025 was a defining year for Pokeworks," said Peter Yang, Co-Founder and Head of Development of Pokeworks. "We experienced...

Taco Cabana Introduces Fan-Created Margarita, Popcorn Shrimp and Fajita Melt Tacos

Taco Cabana, a celebrated fast-casual Mexican-inspired dining chain for nearly 50 years, is introducing a flavorful slate of limited-time menu offerings like new fajita tacos, crispy popcorn shrimp selections and a vibrant seasonal margarita, delivering a cohesive mix of indulgence, variety and value.

“Flavor is a key driver of how guests engage with our brand, and Taco Cabana continues to lead by delivering menu moments that feel accessible, indulgent and worth celebrating,” said Ulyses Camacho, President and COO of Taco Cabana...

ANALYSIS: Illex Squid Supply Surges While Prices Face Downward Pressure

The Illex squid (Illex argentinus) season began on Feb. 2, 2026. After just a few weeks of fishing, market participants reported adequate catch levels.

According to Argentina’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, cumulative landings from Jan. 1 to Feb. 3 totaled 48,987 MT, up 197% from 16,473 MT in the same period in 2025 (Figure 1), aligning with market participants’ reports of very strong catches, similar to those heard a year ago.

Even though catches appear robust, there are concerns about size, with the majority of the catch grading...

Foodservice Chains Roll Out Lent Seafood Push: AYCE Shrimp, Pollock Tacos and Lobster Sandwiches

As Lent begins tomorrow, the foodservice industry is diving into the seafood wave, introducing fresh options to captivate patrons. Numerous specials and limited-time offers have emerged, as reported by Expana last week, while new promotions continue to surface. We remain committed to keeping the industry informed about the latest seafood innovations and trends throughout this season.

Golden Corral is reintroducing its All-You-Can-Eat Butterfly Shrimp & Steak, featuring tender Signature Carved Sirloin and crispy jumbo Butterfly Shrimp, available for a limited time...

FDA Issues Warning Letter to Maui Seafood Over Listeria Contamination, HACCP Violations

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning letter to Maui Seafood LLC of Las Vegas, NV, citing the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in its ready‑to‑eat (RTE) seafood processing facility and multiple violations of federal seafood HACCP regulations.

The inspection, conducted from April 28 to May 16, 2025, found L. monocytogenes on several food contact surfaces, including salmon cutting boards, staging area curtains, and processing room drains. Whole-genome sequencing linked the strain detected at the facility to clinical cases from previous years...

PanaPesca Adds Retail Head Gary Wooten and Veteran Squid Expert Noah Clark to Sales Team

Massachusetts-based PanaPesca USA announced additions to its sales team on LinkedIn last week. The frozen seafood supplier welcomed Gary Wooten as its new director of retail and Noah Clark as its regional sales manager.

Wooten brings 17 years of sales and business development experience with national CPG seafood brands, including leadership roles at Walmart and Sam’s Club. PanaPesca said Wooten has expanded branded distribution and launched new products, leveraging his background in category management, forecasting, trade execution, and private-label retail...

Long John Silver's Brings Back $6 Shrimp Basket for Lent

Long John Silver's, a leading quick-service seafood restaurant, is bringing back its $6 Shrimp Basket for a limited time. Now available in a new Sweet Chili flavor, this offering arrives just in time for Lent.

This initiative aligns with the chain's broader commitment to providing full, flavorful meals at a $6 price point, featuring a variety of rotating basket options planned throughout the year.

"Even as someone who's still fairly new to the brand, I've been...

Arbitrator Upholds ASP on 2025 Snow Crab Settlement Price; FFAW Grievance Denied

An arbitrator has rejected a grievance from FFAW‑Unifor and upheld the Association of Seafood Producers’ (ASP) handling of the 2025 snow crab settlement price, affirming the province’s Standing Fish Price‑Setting Panel outcome and the minimum price paid to harvesters of $5.25/lb, ASP said Friday.

The ruling supports ASP’s position that the settlement should be based on sales of 5–8oz sections in 30‑lb wholesale boxes and that processors follow the FFAW‑agreed formula used by independent auditor Deloitte...