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...

NPFMC Sets New Measures to Reduce Western Alaska Chum Bycatch During Pollock B Season

History was made at last week’s North Pacific Fisheries Management Council meeting convened to address the chum salmon bycatch in the pollock trawl fleets during the summer “B” season.

First, Western Alaska residents who rely on chum salmon as a keystone food in their culture and way of life described their loss to the Council and industry stakeholders who attended the meeting or listened online. Over 200 individuals submitted written comments, testified orally before the 11-member panel, and spoke...

Wild Alaskan Company Acquires Kasilof Buying Station, Moves to Improve Alaska’s Working Waterfronts

Wild Alaskan Company, an industry leader in direct-to-consumer sales, announced its acquisition of the Kasilof Buying Station yesterday, noting that it gives vessels a direct offload point during the summer salmon season.  

Located just upriver from the mouth of the Kasilof River, the station is on Alaska’s road system, enabling seamless integration into Wild Alaskan Company’s national DTC supply chain and improving speed, coordination, and market connectivity. The investment reflects the company’s long-term commitment to improving Alaska’s working waterfronts and seafood infrastructure...

Slade Gorton Recalls Wellsley Farms Salmon Sold at BJ’s Over Listeria Concerns

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Slade Gorton & Co is recalling Wellsley Farms Farm-Raised Atlantic Salmon due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

The affected items are packaged in two-pound bags and were sold at BJ's Wholesale Club from January 31 through February 7. The packaging bears UPC code 888670025963, with the Wellsley Farms logo and "Farm-Raised Atlantic Salmon" printed on the front, per a February 12 notice from the FDA.

This recall pertains to lot number 3896...

FAO Report Flags Widespread Seafood Fraud Across Global Supply Chains

The United Nations’ (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has released a new report warning that seafood fraud remains widespread across global supply chains, with economic incentives driving much of the deception.

According to the report, at least 20% of seafood trade may be affected by some form of fraud. One common example is selling farmed Atlantic salmon as typically higher-priced wild-caught Pacific salmon, generating an estimated $10 per kilogram in added value.

Mislabeling is also prevalent in foodservice. Studies cited in the report...

Expana's Weekly Top 10: Seafood Fraud, Coffee Slumps, and Valentine’s Trends Lead the Week

Seafood fraud concerns, falling coffee exports, and renewed tariff tensions headline this week’s top stories in global food and agriculture. From a new warning by the Food and Agriculture Organization on widespread seafood mislabeling to Valentine’s Day protein promotions and shifting trade dynamics, the latest developments highlight continued volatility across supply chains, pricing, and policy worldwide. Here are the stories to make the list- in no particular order.

10. The Retail Rundown: Beef Leads Valentine’s Protein Features as Lobster...

Seasonal Menu Trends and Promotions Shaping Valentine’s and Lent in Foodservice

The ever-changing landscape of marketable events has shifted from the holidays, and the foodservice industry is now focusing on winter and spring specials.

With Valentine’s Day approaching and Lent on the horizon, restaurants are preparing seasonal menus that balance indulgent treats with meat- and seafood-focused options, keeping consumers engaged from mid-February through spring.

Expana's experts have collaborated to provide a price index for customers in both the United States and Europe. Expana's US Valentine's Meal Index, which includes beef tenderloin, lobster tail...

Russia Targets Growth in Shrimp Imports and Production

Russia plans to significantly increase shrimp production and imports in the coming years as local demand remains strong.

According to the Fish Union, Russia increased shrimp imports by at least 2% in volume last year, while the value of imports rose by 20%.

India, Vietnam, and China are among the largest shrimp exporters to Russia, with India being the top supplier, providing 19,000 tonnes in 2025.

Russia imports shrimp species not produced locally due to climatic conditions, including farmed Vannamei shrimp, farmed tiger shrimp, wild Argentine shrimp, and more than 25 other...

Hokkaido December Surimi Production up 20%, 2025 Production up 12%

According to member reports compiled by the National Surimi Association, Hokkaido's frozen surimi production volume in December 2025 increased 20% year-on-year to 756 tons, marking the first year-on-year increase in four months, driven by higher production of the main species, Alaska pollock.

According to a report in the Minato Shimbun, Alaska pollock increased 21% to 755 tons, the first increase in four months. According to a manufacturer source, while raw fish landings in Hokkaido were sluggish in Funka Bay, down...

Long John Silver's Introduces its Iconic Tartar Sauce to Retail

This month, Long John Silver’s is giving homebodies a way to enjoy its beloved tartar sauce at home.

The restaurant’s tartar sauce has long been a fan favorite and one of the most requested menu items in-store.

Guests can purchase Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce for a limited time, while supplies last, at select Kroger stores- just in time for Lent.

"Bringing our tartar sauce to retail for the first time is an exciting step for Long John Silver’s," said Christopher Caudill, senior vice president...

Smoked Fish Producer Big O’Smokehouse Partners With Meijer for Local Endcap Program in Michigan

Michigan-based smoked fish and sausage producer Big O’Smokehouse has partnered with major US retailer Meijer through a local endcap program.

Big O’Smokehouse is a third-generation family-owned business based in the Grand Rapids area. It produces summer sausage, salmon jerky and whitefish dip.

Grandpa O’ and his son, Keith Osterhaven, started Big O’ Smokehouse in 1997, and Keith’s son, Bruce, now leads the company. Bruce’s daughter Ellie manages the operations, and Kendra Higgins leads sales and marketing, Meijer noted in a press release...

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...

ANALYSIS: France Posts Decade‑High Shrimp Imports in 2025

The French National Directorate of Foreign Trade Statistics has released full‑year 2025 figures for shrimp imports. France imported 137,137 metric tonnes of shrimp last year, worth EUR 889.14 million—up 12.2% in volume and 10.5% in value compared with 2024. This is the highest volume in a decade. The totals cover all shrimp species and product forms, but frozen warm‑water shrimp remain the backbone of the trade: HS code 030617 accounts for 84% of import value...

US Department of Commerce Sets Preliminary AD Rates for Vietnamese Frozen Fish Fillet Exporters

The US Department of Commerce (Commerce) preliminarily found that two major Vietnamese pangasius exporters, Bien Dong Seafood Co., Ltd. and NTSF Seafoods Joint Stock Company, sold product at less than normal value during the August 1, 2023, - July 31, 2024 review period.

In total, Commerce found four companies were eligible for a separate antidumping rate in its preliminary review published in the Federal Register on February 11. It also rescinded the review for 16 firms with no shipments, and preliminarily rescinded for 24 others and the...

Mowi Sees 8.3% Growth in Harvest Volume for 2026, Reaffirms Outlook Despite Market Pressures

Mowi closed 2025 with record-high revenues of EUR 5.73 billion ($6.80 billion) and harvest volumes of 559,000 metric tons (MT), capping a year of consistent operational gains despite industry-wide supply pressures that depressed salmon prices throughout the year.

“I am delighted that we are delivering on our strategy and am impressed yet again by the way this whole organisation constantly strives for both record volumes and record revenues throughout the value chain. It is also pleasing to see that costs...

Canada Launches New Plan For Seafood and Agricultural Sectors to Diversify Markets 

Yesterday, at the annual Policy Breakfast of Food and Beverage Canada, Minister of Agriculture Heath MacDonald announced two new programs to help Canadian food suppliers diversify their markets.

A total of $75 million will be invested in the AgriMarketing Program Market Diversification over 5 years (2026-27 to 2030-31) for the Canadian food sector to better respond to market instability by encouraging greater market diversification.

The action was promised by Canada’s new prime minister, Mark Carney, last September in a speech outlining sweeping economic changes...

UNFI Unveils 2026 Spring and Summer Retail Trends 

As the industry shifts out of the holiday season and into the new year, United Natural Foods (UNFI) has unveiled seasonal trends set to take shape as the weather warms.

The company debuted its 2026 Spring and Summer Trends at its latest retail show, held Feb. 11–12 in Orlando, Fla., with more than 3,400 retailers and suppliers in attendance.

UNFI outlined five trends expected to gain momentum this spring and summer:

1. Health is Wealth: Increased adoption of GLP-1 medications and updated USDA guidelines...

Broad Coalition Urges Congress to Reject Offshore Aquaculture Bill

More than 420 organizations, businesses and community leaders this month sent a joint letter to Congress urging lawmakers to reject the Marine Aquaculture Research for America Act of 2025 (MARA Act). The signatories include commercial fishing groups, conservation and advocacy organizations, farmers and local community leaders.

Critics say the bill’s emphasis on “research” would effectively open the door to industrial‑scale fish farms in US federal waters. “MARA creates a one‑way road to permanent, large‑scale offshore fish farms, with no off‑ramps,” said Don’t Cage Our Oceans (DCO2)...

Hundreds of Louisiana Restaurants Cited, Fined for Not Disclosing Imported Seafood

Louisiana law requires restaurants to clearly indicate when they serve imported seafood, but hundreds have failed to do so, according to a review of state enforcement data from 2025.

In response to a public records request, the Louisiana Department of Health compiled spreadsheets listing every restaurant cited and which ones were fined.

State law requires all food establishments using imported shrimp or crawfish to indicate it clearly on their menus or on a sign at the entrance if they don’t use menus. Another law applies to any statements, written...

Expana will be observing President’s Day in the US on Monday, February 16

Expana will be observing President’s Day in the US on Monday, February 16.

This will impact publication of some Expana Benchmark Prices, as well as news- in the Americas.

Daily assessments falling on this date will not be published including Market Insights and Market Updates  (Americas region only).

FDA Posts Alert on Norovirus Risk in Certain Oysters from British Columbia

The FDA is warning restaurants and retailers not to serve or consume certain oysters from British Columbia.

Expana first reported on the situation on Tuesday, highlighting that an illness prompted the initial recall by the California Department of Public Health. 

The recall involved Kusshi, Chrome Point, Stellar Bay, and Stella Bay Gold Oysters harvested from British Columbia, Canada, specifically from harvest area BC 17-20 (Nanoose Bay) CLF #1401656 on January 26 and January 29 by S&M Shellfish.

This latest announcement adds...

Japan Seizes Chinese Fishing Vessel Amid Increasing Tensions Between the Two Nations

Yesterday, Japan’s Fisheries Agency Control branch seized the Chinese trawler Ziongtong Yu 11998 and arrested 47-year-old captain Chong Nien Lee, a Chinese national, for allegedly defying orders to stop for inspection at sea. 

The incident took place off the shore of Nagasaki Prefecture, 89.4 nautical miles from the Mejima Lighthouse, according to the arresting documents. This is the first incident involving a Chinese vessel since 2022.

Japanese broadcaster NHK was reported to have said the vessel was...

Marine Industries in the Arctic to Get €100 Million EIB Support via Arion Bank

The marine industry in Iceland, as well as in Greenland and the Faroe Islands - autonomous territories within the Kingdom of Denmark, will be eligible for financing to strengthen environmental sustainability under a €100 million loan that Icelandic lender Arion Bank is receiving from the European Investment Bank (EIB). Arion Bank will use the EIB credit to provide long-term loans to small and medium-sized companies engaged in marine activities such as sustainable fishing, seafood processing and fish and algae farming...

TUNACONS Strengthens the Protection of Galápagos Through FAD Recovery, Biodegradable Solutions

The TUNACONS Foundation continues to implement the “Cuidando Galápagos” initiative, which includes a prevention and early-response framework aimed at reducing environmental risks associated with drifting fish aggregating devices (FADs) and strengthening the protection of sensitive ecosystems in the Archipelago.

An operational protocol based on monitoring and local action

“Cuidando Galápagos” is activated through an alert protocol supported by satellite monitoring, trajectory analysis, and direct coordination with the associated fleet. When a potential drift or grounding risk is detected, coordination is triggered with a local recovery team in the...

ANALYSIS: Weather, Trade Dynamics and Seasonal Demand Drive Firm Lobster Pricing

Over the past several weeks, escalating raw material costs have driven lobster market prices steadily higher, with select sizes now trading at 52-week highs. Severe winter weather across much of the US and Canada, among the harshest in recent years, has only intensified supply challenges. While fishermen are no strangers to rough seas, the added impact of extreme cold has led to iced-over ports and dangerous conditions at sea. As a result, harvest activity has been sharply reduced, with most vessels managing just one...

FDA Puts Ecuadorian Shrimp Producer SONGA on Red List for Salmonella Risk

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has added Sociedad Nacional de Galápagos C.A. (SONGA), a prominent Ecuadorian shrimp producer, to its Import Alert 16-81, which targets seafood products found or suspected to be contaminated with Salmonella. The addition, published February 6, 2026, means SONGA’s shipments destined for the United States will face increased scrutiny and potential detention at the border.

Import Alert 16-81 authorizes the FDA to detain without physical examination (DWPE) seafood products from listed companies when Salmonella contamination is known...

Durham Meat & Seafood Debuts as Holding Group for Seattle Fish, Lombardi Brothers and Other Brands

Seattle Fish Company and Lombardi Brothers Meats, along with Flocchini Family Provisions, Durham Ranch and MacDonald Meat Company, have unified under a single brand: Durham Meat & Seafood. The rebrand was announced on LinkedIn on February 9.

Each operating company will continue to run independently to preserve local relationships and service, the announcement said. Durham Meat & Seafood will serve the foodservice and hospitality, grocery and retail, specialty meat, and national distribution sectors across the five businesses...

NASCAR's Busch Family Reignites Successful StarKist Partnership for a Second Year

In a partnership renewal, the NASCAR family- Kyle, Samantha, and Brexton Busch- is once again joining forces with StarKist, building on a highly successful collaboration last year.

"It's going to be another great year with our friends at StarKist. I grew up with the brand, and I'm a big fan," expressed Kyle Busch. "Daytona sets the tone for a long season with nonstop momentum, and racing 500 miles requires serious focus and energy behind the wheel. I never slow down, so I rely on StarKist's great-tasting...

Higgins Urges Trump Administration to Protect US Shrimp Industry in New India Trade Deal

Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins has addressed a letter to President Trump and senior cabinet officials, advocating for enhanced protections of the domestic shrimp industry following the new trade agreement framework between the US and India, which includes lower tariffs on Indian seafood.

In his letter, Congressman Higgins underscores how vital the wild-caught seafood industry is to Louisiana residents, cautioning that lowering tariffs on Indian imports could flood the market with farm-raised shrimp of less quality.

He pointed out...

McDonald’s Reports Strong US Momentum, Sustained Global Comp Growth

McDonald’s reported fourth-quarter results showing broad-based comparable sales growth across all segments, supported by traffic gains and value positioning, while maintaining operating momentum despite restructuring costs.

"McDonald's value leadership is working," said Chairman and CEO Chris Kempczinski. "By listening to customers and taking action, we have improved traffic and strengthened our value & affordability scores. That focus helped increase global systemwide sales by 8% and delivered strong comp sales growth across all segments this quarter. The momentum we've built reinforces the progress we've made with...