ANALYSIS: Revised US Shrimp Import Estimates for Late 2025 Signal Stronger Year-End Supply

Our review of US Customs import manifests, covering roughly 304 million data points across about 13,000 shipments, yielded revised preliminary estimates for October, November, and December shrimp imports. The updated data reveal unexpectedly high volumes in November and preliminary strength in December, resulting in year‑end import totals modestly surpassing previous forecasts.

These revisions help explain the market weakness that began in November, as higher-than-anticipated supply flowing into the system likely exerted downward pressure on spot prices in recent months. Despite significant increases...

US Court of International Trade Ruling Preserves Countervailing Duties on Vietnamese Shrimp

The US Court of International Trade (CIT) has upheld the Department of Commerce’s final determination imposing countervailing duties on Vietnamese shrimp. The January 8 decision keeps countervailing duty (CVD) rates at 2.84% for most Vietnamese exporters and 221.82% for one company, with importers required to continue depositing those duties alongside current antidumping tariffs.

The court rejected Soc Trang Seafood (STAPIMEX)’s challenge to Commerce’s subsidy finding and methodology, declining to overturn the agency’s judgment. The decision was successfully defended by...

SeaPak Rolls Out Trio of New Frozen Seafood Items Featuring Shrimp, Flounder and Scallops

SeaPak Shrimp & Seafood, a major frozen retail seafood brand, unveiled a trio of new products to kick off 2026.

The company debuted Chili Lime Shrimp, Breaded Flounder Tenders and Breaded Scallops, all expected to hit the shelves at select retailers, including Food Lion, Weis Markets, SpartanNash and BJ's Wholesale Club this month.

SeaPak said the new products meet the demands of shoppers seeking globally inspired tastes, greater variety, and high-quality seafood that is simple and quick to prepare at home...

Jessica Simpson Reunites With Chicken of the Sea in a Playful Throwback Campaign

"Is this chicken, what I have, or is this fish? I know it’s tuna, but it… it says chicken… by the sea."

The innocence of Jessica Simpson’s question was famously met with a thoroughly perplexed Nick Lachey in the debut episode of Newlyweds more than two decades ago- and television history was made.

Now, in its latest strategic move, Chicken of the Sea is paying homage to that unforgettable pop-culture moment.

Today, the company announced that Jessica Simpson herself will reunite with the...

SNP Names Gormley, Bedi to Head Seafood Task Force Marketing Committee for National Campaign

The Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP) announced  Daryl Gormley, CEO of Aquamar, and Vnay Bedi, Senior Vice President at Cox’s Seafood, as co-chairs of the National Seafood Council Task Force (NSCTF) Marketing Committee.

SNP explained that Gormley and Bedi bring unique perspectives that reflect the full scope of the seafood industry. SNP said its leadership will help ensure the NSCTF is formed around insights from throughout the supply chain and allow it to be responsive to the needs of consumers, retailers, and foodservice partners...

Caleta Bay Launches “Authentically Raw, for Real Life Cooks” Campaign; Eyes US/Canada Expansion

Chilean steelhead trout producer Caleta Bay has debuted a new campaign, “Authentically raw, for real life cooks,” as it targets expansion in the US and Canada.

The company already has a standing in North America, but it is making a more significant push with the help of Nutrisco. The partnership will open the door for Caleta Bay to deliver its products to chefs and restaurants across the continent.

The campaign is focused on the “real heroes of the kitchen.” It highlights street food carts...

NWAA Expands Board Leadership Now, Honored Wally Pereyra With Lifetime Award Last Month

The Northwest Aquaculture Alliance (NWAA) expanded its leadership team last week, after honoring Wally Pereyra, former Board Member, with a lifetime achievement award last month.

The election of new officers and directors from across the Pacific Region and the Americas established Dick Jones, global seafood industry leader, as President and Alaska seafood veteran Jeff Hetrick as Vice President. New Directors include Marcela Paz Delgado, DVM, founder and CEO of Sudvet Corp., and Landen Talbot, Global Sales Manager of Troutlodge, Inc...

One Year After Genetic Testing Revealed Fraud, More Local Shrimp Are Offered on Menus in Texas

The practice of describing shrimp on restaurant menus as “local” or “American, wild-caught” when in fact, the shrimp is imported and farmed has become less common as a result of genetic testing that verified the seafood’s origin. 

Initial testing in January 2025 of 44 randomly selected restaurants in Galveston, TX, found that only 41% of them accurately stated on their menus that they offered local, wild-caught shrimp. A subsequent test of half of the initial sample group on December 28-30, 2025...

Kroger Announces Executive Leadership Changes, Outlines Vision for 2026

Kroger is making significant changes in its executive team with a series of new appointments.

"We are excited to promote several talented senior executives to key roles that will position Kroger for future success," stated Ron Sargent, Kroger's Chairman and CEO. "Victor Smith, Monica Garnes, Kendra Doyel, and Ken DeLuca are strong leaders with decades of experience, and I look forward to their continued success in their new roles. I also want to thank Colleen Juergensen and Tom Schwilke for their many contributions to our customers, associates, and...

Scott & Jon's Introduce Bold Evolutionary Rebrand

Scott & Jon’s, a growing frozen seafood brand, is taking strategic steps in elevating its brand to reflect increasing consumer demand for higher-protein, premium ingredients, and bold flavors.

The brand describes this rebrand as "an evolution, not a full overhaul," signaling thoughtful refinement rather than a complete redesign.

Scott & Jon’s new visual identity, applied across all packaging and digital platforms, spotlights taste, freshness, and real ingredients.

The updated logo and tagline, "Seafood Expertise, Born in Maine," reinforces the brand’s seafood focus while honoring the founders’ Maine...

The Retail Rundown: Retail Posts Late-Year Gains, but Food Inflation Heats Up

Early 2026 opens with a mixed picture for the food and broader retail sectors.

Retail sales closed out 2025 with solid momentum, as CNBC/NRF data showed holiday sales from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31 rising 4.1% from the year prior. Food and beverage stores also ended the year strong, posting a 0.33% month-over-month gain on a seasonally adjusted basis and a 2.85% increase from a year earlier.

That strength now faces challenges as the industry moves into its usual post-holiday slowdown, amplified by...

NOAA Keeps 2026 Surfclam and Quahog Quotas at Longstanding Levels

NOAA Fisheries announced the final 2026 quotas for Atlantic surfclams and ocean quahogs. Yet again, the quotas remain unchanged, as they have since 2004.

The final quotas are as follows:

- Atlantic surfclams: 3.4 million bushels

- Ocean quahogs: 5.36 million bushels

- Maine ocean quahogs: 100,000 Maine bushels...

Royal Greenland Elevates Tom Kaster to Lead Production Amid Push for Operational Transformation

Royal Greenland named Tom Kaster as its new Executive Vice President for Production, effective June 1, 2026.

The company said Kaster has a strong leadership profile and extensive experience in both the food and pharmaceutical industries. He will oversee Royal Greenland’s global operations, including factories, supply chain, logistics and quality management.

In a prior role, Kaster served as Royal Greenland’s head of land-based production in Greenland, spearheading a significant transformation within the business. The company said he now returns with a new international perspective and broader...

CenSea Launches CenSea Reserve Premium Shrimp Line in Partnership with Minh Phu

CenSea, a leading frozen seafood importer and distributor, has unveiled CenSea Reserve, a premium shrimp sub-brand created to set a higher standard across foodservice and retail markets. The product was developed in partnership with Minh Phu Seafood Corporation, the world's largest vertically integrated shrimp producer.

“CenSea Reserve is the outcome of asking a very direct question: what does premium actually mean, and how do you make it repeatable at scale,” said Nate Torch, Co-President of CenSea. “The Reserve brand was built end to end...

F/V Arctic Sea Leaking Fuel, Cleanup Hindered by Persistent Storm and Freezing Temps 

The 134’ crabber Arctic Sea that ran aground on the shore of Saint George Island a week ago has now started spilling oil. The storm that caused the grounding has not let up and is keeping response crews from the area. The Department of Environmental Conservation said it is not yet clear how much oil has been spilled to date.

“The visually observed sheening extended approximately 6-8 miles long and 200 yards offshore as seen on January 7, 2026. The quantity released is unknown...

From Restructuring to Revival, TGI Fridays’ Global Growth Strategy

On to brighter days

Home to the infamous Jack Daniel’s–infused whiskey sauce, TGI Fridays has navigated a challenging stretch over the past couple of years, marked by the retirement and return of CEO Ray Blanchette, store closures, and a Chapter 11 filing at the end of 2024.

However, a turnaround has taken shape, as menu innovation and global expansion gained momentum in 2025 and continue to carry the brand forward into 2026.

On November 2, 2024, TGI Fridays announced it had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy , seeking...

ANALYSIS: Argentina's Red Shrimp Faces Market Shifts as Exports Slide

Argentina’s shrimp exports remain under pressure despite strong seasonal sales in September and October.

November volumes fell 34.8% year‑on‑year, according to the Argentinian National Institute of Statistics, leaving the January–November year‑to‑date volume down 22.0% and export value down 12.0% in USD. Disruptions since March — notably strikes in the sea‑frozen fishing sector tied to broader social unrest — have disrupted monthly shipments: every month this year stands below 2024 levels except April, which was flat...

Leadership Shifts Set the Stage in Foodservice for 2026

So far in the new year, we've seen new menus, ad campaigns, partnerships, and emerging trends.

While the industry maintains its focus on consumers, value, and traffic retention, it has ramped up efforts to facilitate growth and expansion.

In this latest foodservice roundup, Expana has assembled a detailed look at the most significant leadership changes shaking up the industry as it welcomes 2026.

Hormel Foods

Hormel Foods announced the upcoming

Hormel Foods

Hormel Foods announced the upcoming retirements of two long-time leaders: Mark Morey, Vice President of Operations for fresh pork, and Paul Peil...

Chilean Salmon Industry Sees 3% Growth YOY in 2025

The Chilean salmon farming sector closed 2025 with a notable 3% growth, achieving US$6,549 million in salmon and trout exports, according to Central Bank data analyzed by SalmonChile.

Arturo Clément, president of SalmonChile, stated, "The 2025 results once again confirm salmon as the undisputed leader of Chile's non-mining exports, reaching 6,549 million dollars."

With salmon farming now representing 6% of Chile's export matrix, it has become a key economic driver, surpassing other non-mining exports such as cherries...

Zaxby's Brings Back Fan Favorites for the New Year

"New year, same saucy cravings" is the catchy motto Zaxby's shared in its latest announcement featuring exciting menu innovations.

The company is reintroducing two of its most iconic creations, back by popular demand for a limited time starting January 19.

First up is Zaxby's Southern Fried Shrimp, returning with flair in three distinct styles:

• ZaxSeas Surf & Turf Meal: Combines land and sea favorites featuring the famous breading on eight Southern Fried Shrimp and three Chicken Fingerz™, served with the legendary Zax Sauce®, Texas...

Baja Aqua Farms Joins NFI Sushi Council, Bringing Pacific Bluefin Expertise

Baja Aqua Farms has become the newest member of the National Fisheries Institute (NFI) Sushi Council.

The company farms Pacific bluefin tuna that is destined for global retail and foodservice customers.

“We are honored to join the NFI Sushi Council and partner with fellow industry leaders who share our commitment to quality, traceability, and responsible seafood production,” said Manuel Vazquez, Chief Executive Officer of Baja Aqua Farms. “Our Pacific bluefin tuna represents the culmination of decades of careful stewardship of ocean resources and innovative aquaculture practices...

In Denying to Hear the Case, the Supreme Court Hands Alaska Natives a Win on the Kuskokwim

The Supreme Court yesterday rejected the state of Alaska’s petition to review a ruling affirming Alaska Native fishing rights in a case tied to a broader legal battle over subsistence fishing that began more than 40 years ago. 

In an article published in Courthouse News, Lloyd Miller, attorney for the Kuskokwim River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, described the petition as the fourth time a court has ruled against Alaska’s attempt to “wipe out the subsistence fishing and hunting rights that rural Alaskans...

Salmon Evolution Updates Korea RAS Partnership With Dongwon, Drops Investment Commitments

Norwegian land-based salmon farmer Salmon Evolution said its joint venture agreement with major Korean seafood player Dongwon Industries has been replaced with a technical advisory agreement.

Salmon Evolution said the new agreement will see it provide technical advisory services on market terms. The company said this would allow Dongwon to advance the project on its own terms and with full responsibility for project financing.

Here are the highlights of the updated partnership model, per Salmon Evolution:

- Salmon Evolution will provide...

Norwegian Skrei Season Begins with Industry Expecting “Excellent” Quality in 2026

The Norwegian skrei season is getting underway, and the industry is expecting a strong season after the species quality was recorded as “excellent” by those leading quality control efforts.

Jonnette Braathen of the Skrei Patrol looks ahead to the 2026 season: “The quality should be excellent as always – the standard stands firm. The most important task of the Skrei Patrol is to keep a good dialogue with the producers, enabling them to make the right decisions when they sort the skrei for packaging with the label...

SalMar Moves to Full Ownership of Oylaks After Controlling Stake Since 2022

SalMar, one of the world’s leading salmon farmers, announced it has acquired a 100% stake in Oylaks, a Norwegian firm that holds one Atlantic salmon license.

The agreed purchase price in the deal will be settled by the issuance of 209,402 new shares by SalMar at a subscription price of NOK 655.20 ($65.21) per share, SalMar said in its announcement.

SalMar first took a controlling stake in Oylaks in 2022. Salmon Business noted that Oylaks noted at the time that, despite stable profitability, the company said it...

TCRS Receives $1.1 Million Grant for Fish Welfare Research from Coefficient Giving

The Center for Responsible Seafood (TCRS) has received a two-year grant of $1.1 million from Coefficient Giving to support research on fish welfare. The grant will allow TCRS to continue work that was initially funded seven years ago by Open Philanthropy, which was recently renamed Coefficient Giving.

The grant will support research into humane slaughter of fish, aiming to minimize pain, fear, and distress before and during processing. A key requirement of humane slaughter is a successful stun, which takes effect immediately and renders...

Southstream Seafoods to Source Sea Harvest's Products Under Exclusive US Agreement

Rhode Island-based importer Southstream Seafoods has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with South African seafood giant Sea Harvest, positioning itself as the sole representative of the company’s products in the US market.

The deal spans Sea Harvest’s entire portfolio, though early efforts will center on deep‑skinned, frozen‑at‑sea Cape Hake fillets — a core species in South Africa’s export mix.

“This is not a brand collaboration — it's a supply‑chain advantage for US buyers,” said Mark Soderstrom, President of Southstream Seafoods...

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UNFI Identifies Key Trends Shaping Fresh Departments for Retailers in 2026

While shoppers are spending more deliberately, the fresh departments are still earning their attention. Categories including produce, floral, bakery, deli, specialty cheese, meat, and seafood are outperforming the rest of the store, with fresh product sales up 3.7% year over year*.

That performance reflects shifting shopper expectations: better taste, stronger nutrition, added convenience, and more transparency from the products they buy.

For retailers, success in fresh now depends on understanding these drivers and partnering with experts who can translate trends into execution on the sales floor.

Ron Selders, UNFI’s President...

Shell-ebration: US and China Crab Markets Soar in 2025

At first glance, 2025 appears to mark a recovery year for global crab markets, with higher volumes, improved availability, and prices that largely held firm. A closer look, however, reveals a market that has become more fragmented and more strategic than at any point since sanctions reshaped global trade.

Demand from the United States and China continues to dominate global flows, pulling supply away from secondary markets and rewarding only those origins able to deliver at scale, in compliance, and with certainty. U.S. imports from Canada and Norway reached...

ANALYSIS: Salmon Harvest Dynamics and Sea Temperature Trends in Norway

The total biomass of farmed Atlantic salmon at sea is trending slightly lower than in November 2024, declining by 0.2% (Figure 1), according to the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries. However, the live biomass increased by 0.7% month-on-month (m-o-m). The accumulated harvest until November grew by 12.3% year-to-date (YTD), despite a slowdown in salmon removals since October. In November, the harvest dropped by 14.5% m-o-m and by 2.1% year-on-year (y-o-y) (Figure 1)...