Pescanova Introduces New Shrimp Products at Seafood Expo North America

Pescanova introduced three new ready-to-cook shrimp products within their Seafood Tapas range while at Seafood Expo North America earlier this week.

Pescanova launched their Seafood Tapas line last year for the U.S. retail channel. The new products launched at this year's Boston Seafood show include raw, extra-large peeled and deveined Argentine Red Shrimp in three flavors: Salted Butter and Garlic; Chipotle Sea Salt; and Citrus Herb. Pescanova boasts that the line is easy to prepare, with consumers simply needing to...

Cooke Inc. Acquires California Distributor All Seas Wholesale, Inc.

Cooke Inc. announced on Tuesday that they have acquired California seafood distributor All Seas Wholesale, Inc.

“Purchasing All Seas allows us to continue to strengthen our vertical integration and distribute our True North Seafood products to additional markets,” said Cooke Inc. CEO Glenn Cooke. “All Seas prides itself on being able to receive an order early in the morning and have it delivered fresh to the customer to serve on their lunch menu that same day, and that fits very well with our drive for high standards in both... 

GAA Combating CBC Exposé on Shrimp, Antimicrobial Resistance

The Canadian Broadcasting Corp. (CBC) is scheduled to air a segment on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and shrimp on Friday, and the Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA) is ready to fight back. GAA is warning its members that due to the nature of the segment, as well as conversations that they had with CBC, that the segment will “insinuate to viewers that imported, farmed shrimp is a food-safety concern when there is no indication that it is unsafe.”

According to GAA, the segment is part of an investigation that CBC conducted in...

China Establishes Research Center Targeting Seafood Smuggling

In order to show determination and strengthen supervision against smuggling, China established its National Anti-Smuggling Coordination Survey and Research Center, also known as NARC, in Nanning of Guangxi on February 23. This center is said to be responsible for studying the smuggling situation, predicting the trend and also providing suggestions about how to tackle the problem. Seafood smuggling is one of the top priorities on its to-do list, according to media reports.

Seafood smuggling has been haunting China for many years now. Even some renowned seafood companies were caught ...

U.S. Shrimp Imports Increased 4.8% in 2018

Due to a delay from the government shutdown, final 2018 shrimp import numbers were released on Wednesday. And according to the U.S. Census, shrimp imports into the U.S. increased 4.8% in 2018.

Peeled shrimp increased 6.2% when looking at December 2018 vs. December 2017. A total of 58,477 pounds of peeled shrimp was imported into the U.S. in December 2018 compared to 55,050 pounds in December 2017. YTD there was 665,745 pounds imported compared to 619,329 pounds in 2017.

Meanwhile, Urner Barry market reporter Jim Kenny reports that there was a...

Pacific Seafood Announces New Sustainability-Related Projects for 2019

Oregon-based Pacific Seafood has published their second annual Corporate Social Responsibility Report, and the 47-page document highlights some of the company’s new sustainability-related projects for the new year.

“When Pacific Seafood was founded more than 75 years ago, it was my family’s goal to deliver the freshest seafood on the planet to our customers every day,” said Pacific Seafood CEO and President Frank Dulcich. “Today, our commitment to that goal remains unchanged and stronger than ever. Protecting the longevity of our oceans and...

Restaurant Report: Lent Makes Waves in Seafood Offerings

Lent begins March 6th, and with it comes the advent of the seafood promotional season at many QSR and fast casual concepts. In anticipation of the season, many restaurants have either launched new LTOs, revived previous offerings, or rolled out tests for new menu items.

NaturalShrimp Completes Testing on Their Patented Technology to grow Shrimp Indoors

Texas shrimp producer NaturalShrimp announced on Thursday that they have completed testing of their patented technology to grow shrimp indoors with Shrimp Lot 180.

NaturalShrimp and F&T Water Solutions co-developed a Vibrio Suppression Technology system for growing aquatic species indoors. The system was designed to not only automatically control ammonia, bacteria and solids, but feed quality as well. It eliminates bacteria and other harmful organisms to allow shrimp to “grow and thrive in an indoor all-natural environment...

Final Gulf of Mexico Shrimp Landing Figures for 2018 Released

The National Marine Fisheries Service has released its final Gulf of Mexico landings report for 2018. NMFS is reporting December 2018 landings (all species, headless) of 6.49 million pounds, compared to 6.92 million pounds in December 2017. The annual total is 96.5 million pounds, which is 4.1 million pounds, or 4 percent below the January to December 2017 total of 100.6 million pounds.

In addition to the final figures for 2018, NMFS also released the January 2019 total, which shows...

Uncertainties Shadow Shrimp Aquaculture Worldwide

Shrimp seem to become more popular in the market and also among farmers during recent years. For example, in addition to white shrimp, India has decided to introduce another species, giant tiger prawns. The Marine Products Exports Development Authority (MPEDA) has started to supply several local aquaculture facilities with healthy seed of tiger prawns since February 18.

This is a measure that India has taken in response to rising supply, frequent price reduction and fierce competition in the white shrimp market. According to the president for MPEDA, local farmers actually tried to...

Church’s Chicken Brings Back $5 Seafood Platters for Lent

Those who observe Lent have plenty of seafood options to choose from in the quick service sector. Church’s Chicken announced this week that they’re bringing back their popular $5 Pick-Your-Platter promotion, featuring butterfly shrimp, just in time for Lent.

“In addition to our signature chicken, guests welcome Church’s longstanding tradition of serving seasonal seafood,” said Jennifer Chasteen, VP of Brand Strategy and Activation for Church’s. “We’re excited to bring back some of our most popular dishes and introduce bold flavor innovation in our new...

Phillips Foods Launches 3 New Value-Added Options

Phillips Foods has launched three new value-added options with millennials and foodies in mind: Crispy Dim Sum, Crab Rangoon, and Shrimp & Grits. The three new frozen products were designed with quick and easy preparation in mind – without sacrificing flavor.

Check out the product descriptions below:

Crispy Dim Sum

The perfect option for a party, Phillips Foods’ Crispy Dim Sum features three varieties: Shrimp Spring Rolls, Shrimp Wontons and Shrimp Money Bags. Each item is made with a crisp wonton wrapper and...

India Shrimp Rejections for Antibiotics Spike in January 2019

India shrimp rejections for January 2019 have spiked significantly, according to FDA import refusal data.

This past January the FDA refused 32 shrimp entry lines from India. Of those 32 refused entry lines, 26 were related to banned antibiotics. Looking back to January 2018 there were 14 shrimp refusals from India, however, none of the refused entry lines were due to banned antibiotics. In fact, in 2018 the FDA only refused 15 shrimp entry lines from India for antibiotics. This means that one month in 2019 had...

Noodles & Company Introduce Limited Time Shrimp Dishes Just in Time for Lent

Noodles & Company is expanding their menu. The fast-casual restaurant announced this week that for a limited time they will be offering two new dishes featuring shrimp – and just in time for Lent!

Starting today, diners can indulge in a Zucchini Shrimp Scampi dish or a Penne Rosa with Shrimp dish. According to Noodles & Company, the new options were created with their guests in mind. The dishes, which are a light, protein-rich option, can help diners reach their New Year’s resolution goals...

LISTEN: Right Whale Protection Rules; U.S. Lobster Imports; Tilapia and Cannabis; and More

Welcome back to the SeafoodNews Weekly Podcast!  This episode of the podcast breaks down right whale protection rules in the Gulf of St. Lawrence; how the China tariffs are impacting U.S. lobster importers; November 2018 shrimp imports; pesticide use in Washington oyster beds; and how tilapia is being used to grow cannabis. Plus, find out “Guardians of the Galaxy” actor Chris Pratt’s connection to shrimp!

This episode is brought to you by the Urner Barry Executive Conference, taking place in Las Vegas from April 28...

Kroger, Home Chef Expand Meal Kit Availability and Introduce Customizable Options

Kroger and Home Chef are expanding their offerings to more customers approximately six months after introducing the meal kits in stores in Kentucky, Michigan, Illinois and Ohio. Kroger announced on Wednesday that retail meal kits will now be introduced to 500 additional Kroger Family of Stores across the country.

“Kroger continues to redefine the customer experience and provide new ways to shop for, prep and cook meals through exciting brick and mortar and digital experiences,” Robert Clark, Kroger’s senior vice president of merchandising said in a press release...

Legal Seafoods and CP Foods to Introduce Legal Branded Shrimp Products for National Distribution

Legal Seafoods is adding more products under its own brand for national distribution.  At the Boston Seafood Show, they announced a partnership with Charoen Pokphand Foods (CP Foods) to co-pack premium shrimp products for distribution in North America.

With both companies sharing the same view of expansion in the US branded shrimp market,  Mr. Roger Berkowitz, CEO of Legal Sea Foods, and Dr. Sujint Thammasart, COO (Aquaculture Business Unit) of CP Foods, say it is a proud moment for both companies to jointly introduce...

U.S. Attorney’s Office Sells Shrimp Boat Seized After Fraud Conviction

The Assistant United States Attorney with the Southern District of Georgia’s Asset Recovery Unit has completed the sale of a shrimp boat that was seized in a federal fraud investigation.

The shrimp boat initially belonged to Tybee Island shrimper and fisherman Michael Brian Anderson. According to the Department of Justice, Anderson submitted “multiple false claims to Customs & Border Protection (CBP) seeking millions of dollars in subsidies under the Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act of 2000 (CDSOA).” The CDSOA protects American shrimp producers by imposing...

VIDEO: Farmed Salmon Update; Lent Seafood; MSC Gulf Snow Crab; SeaPak Budweiser Partnership

SeafoodNews Weekly Recap's Lorin Castiglione is back! Watch Lorin and co-host Amanda Buckle reunite on screen as they talk about the latest farmed salmon market update; Lent seafood offerings; the MSC Gulf Snow Crab Certificate; and SeaPak's partnership with Budweiser.

This video is sponsored by the Urner Barry Executive Conference, now the premier event for the seafood industry. The Executive Conference, taking place at the Bellagio in Las Vegas from April 28th to the 30th, is expanding this year and...

Shoney’s Kicks Off Seafood Season with New Menu Items, Enhanced Seafood Fresh Food Bar

Shoney’s has some new seafood offerings – and just in time for Lent.

The Lenten season begins on Wednesday, and now through April 21 Shoney’s is offering their guests the best seafood prepared with “Shoney’s signature quality.”

“Shoney’s prides itself on giving our valued guests what they want when they want it,” said Shoney’s Chairman and CEO, David Davoudpour. “And now, it’s the season for seafood and we’re serving the finest the ocean has to offer. This year’s Seafood Fest will satisfy our guests at every level...

Panda Express Adds Wok-Fired Shrimp to Wok Smart Menu for Limited Time

For a limited time, Panda Express fans can now get Wok-Fired Shrimp from the Wok Smart menu.

The Asian dining restaurant brand announced the latest addition to the better-for-you menu on Monday. The new option combines premium shrimp and fresh cut vegetables for a sweet, savory and spice entrée.

“The complex components of Wok-Fired Shrimp, such as the three hot peppers, bring a whole new experience to the flavor profiles our guests know and love,” said Chef Jimmy Wang...

Alabama Lands Largest Amount of Shrimp in January

As we reported earlier this week, NOAA released the final Gulf of Mexico shrimp landings for 2018, as well as landings data for January 2019. Taking a more in depth look at the data for January, Alabama landed the largest amount of shrimp in the Gulf, while Louisiana landings were below historic norms.

Total landings for Alabama came in at 843,000 pounds. According to the Southern Shrimp Alliance, that’s more shrimp landed in the state than in any prior January going back to 2017...

Tru Shrimp Company Brings on Strategic Partner for Marketing, Communications Program

Tru Shrimp, an aquaculture company headquartered in Balaton, Minnesota, announced on Wednesday that they have selected Padilla and its Joe Smith brand consultancy as a “strategic partner for its marketing and communications programs.”

As part of the strategic partnership, the Joe Smith team will develop an “insights-driven brand strategy.” In addition, the communications company will work on naming and packaging design, as well as develop media relations, social media, sponsorships, and more.

“Consumer are interested in knowing that their food is safely-raised...

White Castle Brings Back Seafood Crab Cake Slider and Shrimp Nibblers for Lent

White Castle’s Shrimp Nibblers and Seafood Crab Cake Sliders are back for a limited time – and just in time for the kickoff of Lent on March 6.

While Fish Sliders and Fish Nibblers, both made with Wild Alaskan pollock, are a staple menu item for White Castle, the chain only brings back their Shrimp Nibblers and Seafood Crab Cake Sliders once a year. And this year, the Seafood Crab Cake Slider is an option for White Castle’s new 3 for $3 value deal...

Skretting USA Feed Plant Damaged by Fire in Utah

Local KUTV news reports that a fire broke out Friday night at the Skretting feed plant in Tooele, Utah.  Tooele is the USA headquarters for Skretting.

The plant manufactures shrimp and aquaculture feed.  The local dispatcher said the fire began in a grinder, which began smoking around 7:50 PM.

Firefighters isolated the area to keep the fire from spreading to the rest of the plant. No one was injured, and the fire was put out quickly, said fire chief Rick Harrison...

Smuggling Crackdowns in China Contribute to Country's Seafood Imports Increase

In January, China’s customs cracked down on a smuggling case of frozen seafood that involved 2.68 billion yuan (~$400 million USD). In total, customs staffs in Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Dongxing, Zhangzhou and Haikou have broken up seven gangs consisting of 38 suspects and uncovered roughly 4,000 tons of frozen seafood like shrimps and squid.

Similar operations were carried out last year, which hit seafood smugglers in China hard and greatly influenced seafood trading in China as well as its neighbor, Vietnam. For example, Vietnam’s shrimp export ...

Hendrix Genetic, Nutreco Partner to Offer Sustainable Shrimp Solutions in Ecuador

Hendrix Genetics announced that they plan on establishing a state-of-the-art shrimp laboratory in Ecuador thanks to a partnership with Nutreco and Ecuacultivos. The three companies will be investing capital to modernize the existing Macrobio laboratory, and the facility will focus on providing “local production of shrimp, genetics and advanced breeding technology, in addition to nutritional solutions in food supply for aquaculture.”

“After our entry into shrimp farming in 2017, we have put all our efforts in developing the Kona Bay shrimp breeding program... 

King Crab and Lobster Again Shine for Chinese New Year, 'The Most Important Dinner in China'

China’s largest-scale shopping carnival has come to an end with the ending of its lunar New Year holiday recently. Impressively, its residents spent more than 1 trillion yuan celebrating the holiday. One new feature of festival consumption is that imported commodities have become increasingly popular and affordable for frenzied Chinese consumers.

According to Alibaba, the country’s e-commerce giant, king crabs have become a hot choice for the festival feast. Their sales ballooned by 769% on its T-mall platform around...

LoveTheWild Relaunching Sustainably-Farmed Fish Kits This March

LoveTheWild is relaunching their sustainably-farmed fish kits. The company, which was founded in 2014, confirmed that their new easy-to-prepare meal solutions will be hitting Whole Foods Market locations nationwide this March.

As part of the relaunch, Whole Foods customers will be able to purchase new options, including Barramundi with Mango Sriracha; Shrimp with Cajun Crème; and Rainbow Trout with Salsa Verde.

Meanwhile, shoppers at other retailers will be able to indulge in Red Trout with Salsa Verde; Salmon with Maple Mustard; Shrimp with...

VIDEO: Tariff Impact on Lobster; Siluriformes Recalled; November Gulf Shrimp Landings and More

Watch the latest Seafood News Weekly Recap with host Amanda Buckle. This week on the video we talk about the impact of the China tariffs on lobster imports; the USDA's recall of siluriformes products; November 2018 Gulf Shrimp Landings; and the latest attack on Sea Shepherd. 

This video is sponsored by the Urner Barry Executive Conference, now the premier event for the seafood industry. The executive conference, taking place at the Bellagio in Las Vegas from April 28th to the 30th, is expanding this year...