ANALYSIS: Retail Shrimp Volume Down 12% Year-Over-Year as Prices Reach 12-Year Highs

Current retail shrimp market data reveal a significant shift in consumer purchasing patterns: volume is down 12% year-over-year, while prices have reached levels not seen since 2012. Dollar sales have remained relatively stable at 0.8% growth, indicating that price increases have largely offset volume declines in aggregate revenue terms.

Volume and pricing dynamics

The 12% volume decline reflects reduced shrimp imports into the US market, influenced by elevated costs throughout the supply chain. Despite the volume contraction, retail dollar performance shows minimal change...

Federal Judge Halts Extended Recreational Red Snapper Seasons in Four States

A federal judge granted a preliminary injunction on May 21, halting extended recreational red snapper fishing seasons across four South Atlantic states after finding NOAA Fisheries acted "arbitrarily and capriciously" in approving permits that could allow catches up to 20 times the annual recreational limit.

US District Court Judge Rudolph Contreras ruled that the National Marine Fisheries Service failed to address public comments warning of potential overfishing and violated its own regulations by approving incomplete exempted fishing permit applications...

US Targets Illegal Fishing With Visa Bans to Boost Seafood Industry

The US State Department has taken its first enforcement action under a new, tougher approach to combating illegal fishing, moving to restrict visas for dozens of individuals linked to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

On March 20, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau announced that the US would impose visa restrictions on 26 foreign nationals accused of being responsible for, complicit in, or benefiting from illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and related activities. The action follows President Donald Trump’s 2025 executive order...

Norway's Seafood Industry Splits Over "Production Fish" Export Ban Reversal

Norway's seafood sector faces a deepening divide after Sjømat Norge, the Norwegian Seafood Federation, announced it would support lifting the country's longstanding ban on exporting uncorrected "production fish" to increase its market access in the European Union.

The industry group informed members of the decision in an internal email on May 15, according to Dagens Næringsliv. Production fish refers to farmed salmon with wounds, injuries, or other defects that currently must be corrected through filleting before export under regulations dating to the early 1990s...

Channel Fish Positions Seafood as SNAP Compliance Solution

Channel Fish Processing is targeting SNAP-authorized retailers with a strategic pitch: value-added seafood can help meet the USDA's expanded "real food" requirements while driving profitability. Starting fall 2026, SNAP retailers must stock at least seven varieties across four staple categories—more than double current requirements—with snacks no longer counting toward compliance.

The processor argues seafood fits perfectly into the protein staple category while offering advantages over fresh meat: extended shelf life through freezing, reduced labor complexity, and broad SNAP eligibility for cold, frozen, or packaged products...

Putin Visit Reinforces Russia-China Fisheries Partnership Growth Plans

Russia plans a significant expansion of its fisheries trade with China as demand for Russian fish among Chinese consumers continues to grow steadily.

The expansion of joint fisheries trade was discussed during Putin's recent visit to China. Both countries believe they have significant potential to expand mutual fisheries trade. Current trade dynamics remain positive, and most analysts expect continued improvement in the second half of this year.

According to the latest trade statistics from the Russian Fish Union, fish and seafood trade between Russia and China...

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Returns to Profit, Upgrades FY26 Earnings Guidance

New Zealand King Salmon Investments swung back to profit in the first half of FY26, helped by stronger fish performance, higher sales volumes and improved operational efficiency.

The salmon producer posted net profit of $13.8 million for the six months ended March 31, reversing a $20.8 million loss reported in the prior comparable period. Revenue rose to $100.3 million from $94.5 million, while sales volumes increased to 2,799 metric tonnes from 2,624 metric tonnes.

Pro-forma EBITDA...

Federal Court Battle Erupts Over South Atlantic Red Snapper Permits

A federal lawsuit filed in Washington, D.C., has sparked a high-stakes legal battle over exempted fishing permits that dramatically extend recreational red snapper seasons in the South Atlantic, pitting commercial fishing interests against state fisheries agencies and NMFS.

Commercial fishing groups led by the Southeastern Fisheries Association filed suit May 5 against Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and NMFS, seeking to block exempted fishing permits (EFPs) issued May 1 that allow Florida a 39-day recreational red snapper season starting May 22, and Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina...

Scottish Salmon Exports to UAE, Gulf States Set for Boost Under New Trade Framework

Scottish salmon exports are expected to jump after the United Kingdom and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) inked a trade deal on May 20.

Salmon Scotland, which describes itself as the voice of Scotland's farmed salmon industry, said the deal will ensure tariff-free access for UK goods to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, removing 5% tariffs on certain salmon exports.

Last year, salmon exports to the aforementioned countries reached 670 metric tons worth £6.5 million...

Friendly’s Rolls Out Summer Menus, Expanded Drinks and Value Updates to Drive Seasonal Traffic

Friendly’s is rolling out a slate of seasonal menu updates and value-focused offerings designed to drive traffic as summer begins, combining limited-time items, expanded beverages and refreshed in-store value options.

“At Friendly’s, summer is all about families and friends coming together to enjoy a mix of tradition and something new, whether that’s a lobster roll, a fun drink or a simple meal that fits the day,” said Dawn Petite, president of Friendly’s Restaurants. “This menu brings...

Mexico Launches Multi-Agency Crackdown on Shrimp Smuggling Operations

Mexico's National Aquaculture and Fisheries Commission (Conapesca) coordinated sweeping anti-smuggling operations across seven states this week, targeting illegal shrimp imports.

The May 18 operations involved joint inspections with customs agency AGACE, health regulator COFEPRIS, the National Guard, and food safety agency Senasica at 15 strategic locations spanning major commercial hubs from Tijuana to Tapachula. Inspectors verified documentation, sanitary compliance, legal origin, and regulatory adherence for shrimp imports and derivatives.

Notably, Conapesca specifically cited protecting domestic producers from "irregular entry of products from non-market economies" – trade terminology...

Haaland to Play Viking in Norwegian Seafood-Backed Film "ViQueens"

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland will expand his role as Norwegian seafood ambassador into Hollywood, appearing as a Viking in the upcoming film "ViQueens" scheduled for a December 2026 release.

The Norwegian Seafood Council announced May 18 that Haaland will take on the role of a "legendary Viking known as 'Haaland'" in director Harald Zwart's film, which follows two Viking girls on an adventure highlighting seafood's importance to Viking-era global trade.

The seafood marketing tie-in represents an extension of Haaland's ambassador partnership with the Norwegian Seafood Council...

Hilton Foods Maintains 2026 Outlook Despite Seafood Headwinds

Hilton Food Group reported solid trading performance in its core meat and fresh prepared food businesses while Hilton Food Group reported solid trading performance in its core meat and fresh prepared food businesses while acknowledging continued challenges in its seafood, vegetarian, and vegan divisions ahead of its AGM today, extending struggles that prompted a strategic review earlier this year.

The UK-based food processor maintained its 2026 adjusted profit before tax guidance of £60-65 million despite ongoing pressures in its seafood operations, which became "marginally loss-making...

Seafood Nutrition Partnership Launches Fourth Annual Summer Seafood Challenge

Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP) is launching its Fourth Annual Summer Seafood Challenge, a 60-day push from June 20 to August 20 that asks participants to eat seafood at least three times a week which is the recommendation in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, while raising awareness and funds for SNP’s nutrition education work.

Individuals and teams can sign up and create fundraising pages through GiveLively, inviting friends, family and colleagues to join. New this year, SNP is encouraging “Progressive Parties” — virtual or in-person gatherings that...

Canada Launches New Funding Call to Tackle Ghost Fishing Gear

The Canadian government is expanding efforts to tackle abandoned and discarded fishing gear in the country’s waters, announcing a new round of funding aimed at preventing and removing “ghost gear” from the marine environment.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has launched a new call for proposals under the Ghost Gear Fund, Minister of Fisheries Joanne Thompson announced Wednesday. As outlined in Canada’s Strategy to Protect Nature, the federal government will invest $15 million over three years to strengthen efforts to prevent, locate, retrieve...

In-Store Grocery Shopping Remains Strong Despite Digital Shift, FMI Report

Americans continue to prefer in-person grocery shopping, even as digital tools become more embedded in the experience, according to a new report from The Food Industry Association (FMI) developed with The Hartman Group.

The US Grocery Shopper Trends 2026 report found that consumers visit an average of 5.4 different grocery store banners each month as they search for different types of value, from bargain shopping to specialty products and entertainment-style experiences.

“In an effort to fulfill their unique definitions of value...

Premier Lantz Announces Senior Staff Changes in Prince Edward Island Government

Premier Rob Lantz announced a series of changes to the senior management team within the Government of Prince Edward Island, naming new leadership for several key portfolios.

Brad Colwill has assumed the role of Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Rural Development, and Tourism, effective May 15, 2026.

In additional appointments, Jodi Zver has been named Deputy Minister of Finance and Affordability, while Jennifer Evans will serve as Chief Executive Officer of Innovation PEI. Both appointments are set to take effect...

The Foodservice Industry Highlights Consumer Trends Leadership Moves and Brand Growth

From anxious drive-thru decisions and nostalgic dining room makeovers to executive shakeups and autonomous food deliveries, the restaurant industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace. This week’s roundup highlights the trends, leadership moves and consumer insights shaping the future of foodservice as brands look to balance innovation, convenience and value in an increasingly competitive market. 

Explore more from Expana’s biweekly foodservice roundups here. 

Consumer Insights & Research

A Global Payments’ survey of 2,000 US QSR customers uncovers widespread “order anxiety” that’s likely costing...

Steakholder Foods To Launch Perfecta Premium Plant-Based Meat in US Later This Year

Steakholder Foods Ltd. (Nasdaq: STKH), a supplier of whole cuts of plant-based meat using 3D-printing technology, announced plans to launch Perfecta™ Premium Plant-Based Meat in the US market in the second half of 2026.  

The campaign will use the slogan “Plant-Based Meat, Perfected!” and position the products as next-generation plant-based protein options, including Marbled Steak, Filet Mignon, Salmon Patties, Chicken Breasts, and White Fish Patties. 

In a statement announcing the campaign...

ANALYSIS: US Frozen Tuna Supply Tightens as Seasonal Demand Window Nears

The frozen tuna market appears to be entering a firmer phase as tightening supply begins to intersect with the seasonal demand window. Year-to-date imports through March were down 14.4%, marking the eighth consecutive monthly decline from the prior year. The pullback has been led in part by two key suppliers, with Vietnam down 19.1% and Indonesia down 14.4%, reinforcing the view that supply is becoming less comfortable as the market moves toward its stronger summer period. At the same time, market participants report tightening current availability...

Red Lobster's Oldest Operating Restaurant to Close After 56 Years

Red Lobster will shutter its oldest continuously operating location on May 24, marking the end of a 54-year run for the Tallahassee, Florida, restaurant that opened in 1970.

The Tallahassee Democrat confirmed the closure on May 18 after speaking with the restaurant's manager and employees. Red Lobster verified the decision to ABC News the following day.

"This restaurant holds a special place in Red Lobster's history and has been a meaningful part of the community for decades," the company said in a statement...

Nova Scotia's LFA 33 Lobster Harvesters Gain Jonah Crab Bait Access in Policy Shift

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced May 21 that lobster harvesters in Lobster Fishing Area (LFA) 33 can now retain Jonah crab bycatch for use as bait, addressing climate-driven bait supply concerns in one of Canada's most valuable lobstering regions.

Minister Joanne Thompson said the decision allows LFA 33 harvesters to keep Jonah crab caught incidentally in lobster traps, bringing them in line with practices already permitted in neighboring Areas 34-38. Previously, retention was prohibited due to the area's directed Jonah crab fishery...

Premier Dixon and Governor Dunleavy Sign Renewed Alaska-Yukon Intergovernmental Accord

Alaska and the Yukon reaffirmed their commitment to several shared issues, including deeper collaboration on research and the ongoing rebuilding of salmon populations in the Yukon River.  

Premier Currie Dixon and Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy met during the fifth annual Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference, where they discussed shared northern energy priorities and the Arctic’s growing strategic importance.

Both Dixon and Dunleavy emphasized the close, longstanding relationship between Alaska and the Yukon, including cross-border family and friendship connections, ties among Indigenous communities and a shared commitment to...

Expana Publication Schedule for the Memorial Day Holiday Period

Expana will be observing the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, May 25, across its Americas offices, which will impact the publication dates of several Expana Benchmark Prices. The closure will also impact news publications across all platforms.

The European and APAC offices’ publication schedules will be unaffected by this holiday.

The Memorial Day holiday period will affect the following markets:

Circle Seafoods Sets 2026 Alaska Seine Prices, Holds Pink Base at $0.61

Circle Seafoods announced its 2026 Southeast Alaska seine season base prices, setting pink salmon at $0.61 per pound, chum at $1.07 per pound, and sockeye at $2.50 per pound, with payments processed within weeks rather than months.

The company is maintaining its 2025 final pink price of $0.61 as the 2026 base, citing retail demand built through its Ultra Low Temp Pink Salmon Fillets, now available in 4,000 US stores, including Publix, Whole Foods, H-E-B, and Sprouts Farmers Market...

Alaska's Attorney General Voids 5 Board of Fish Regulations on Area M, Due to Ethics Violation 

Alaska's highest law enforcement authority sent a letter to Alaska's Lieutenant Governor, Nancy Dahlstrom, yesterday, “disapproving” of the Alaska Board of Fisheries' actions on five proposals that were adopted into regulation at its February 18 – 24, 2026, meeting.

The regulations, all affecting Area M salmon fisheries, would have taken effect on June 1, 2026. 

Acting Attorney General Cori Mills, a 14-year veteran of the AG's office, acted under the Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act as a matter of state government accountability, independently...

Study Finds Juvenile Fraser River Chinook Exposed to Hundreds of Contaminants

A new study focused on juvenile Harrison River Chinook finds the fish are feeding and growing in a cocktail of contaminants including common medications, personal care items and industrial chemicals.

"We've shown there's a mixture of chemicals in the Lower Fraser, which not only presents potential risks to juvenile Chinook, but also other aquatic life," says Bonnie Lo, environmental scientist and lead author of the study.

Unveiled by Simon Fraser University, the research tested samples for more than 595 contaminants across up to...

Terra Medi Recalls Smoked Herring Over Botulism Risk

Terra Medi LLC of Long Island City, NY, is recalling all imported Hellas Meze Golden Smoked Whole Herring due to improper evisceration that poses a potential Clostridium botulinum contamination risk. The vacuum-packaged product was distributed to retail stores and wholesale distributors in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Illinois, and New York.

The recall affects single whole smoked herring with production date 4/12/2025, best before 4/12/2026, lot code L120425F54. New York State Agriculture and Markets inspectors identified the violation during sampling, with subsequent analysis confirming the issue. Under New York...

Vancouver World Cup Matches to Anchor New BC Investment Initiative

British Columbia (BC) is using the global spotlight of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to court investment and promote local industries through a new initiative called BC Business House, a business networking hub timed to Vancouver’s World Cup matches.

The networking venue will host seven events in Vancouver between June 12 and July 7, 2026, bringing together investors, business leaders and government officials to spotlight key BC industries including tourism, energy, life sciences, mining, agriculture, technology and trade infrastructure.

“Major global events, like...

Kazakhstan Inks $50M Deal for 5,300-tonne Shrimp Farm, Location TBD

Between 2021 and 2024, Kazakhstan has increased its aquaculture and processing capacities for seafood, with total investments reaching US$43.5 million, according to Ministry of Agriculture estimates. The combined annual capacity of the newly launched facilities exceeds 20,000 tonnes of fish products.

Today, May 20, Kazakhstan’s Agriculture Ministry added a new project, larger than all of the earlier smaller projects. The ministry announced the government investment of approximately $50 million in a large-scale shrimp farming complex with annual capacity of...