Pescanova Introduces New Toss & Serve Shrimp as Convenient, Healthy At-Home Dinner Option

Pescanova USA is expanding their U.S. retail range. The company announced on Thursday that they’ve introduced new Toss & Serve Shrimp products featuring sustainably farmed white shrimp. 

“We are very excited to make shrimp dinners accessible to anyone who wants it, regardless of their cooking skills or time constraints,” said Pescanova USA CEO Chris Maze. “At Pescanova USA, we believe sustainable seafood should be a part of everyone’s diet, and this is just one expression of that goal...

Gulf of Mexico Shrimp Landings Show February Increase; Change in Reporting May Help the Boost

The Southern Shrimp Alliance noted this week that Gulf of Mexico shrimp landings in February 2020 were 36.1% above historical averages.

The National Marine Fisheries Service Southeast Fisheries Center released February Gulf of Mexico shrimp landings earlier this week.

In February, commercial fishermen landed 2.9 million pounds of shrimp in the Gulf of Mexico. This was a significant increase from the 2.1 million pounds of shrimp harvested in February of 2019 and was above the prior 19-year historical average for ...

Ecuador's Shrimp Sector Assessing Export Markets Amid Coronavirus Outbreaks

Ecuador’s National Chamber of Aquaculture (Cámara Nacional De Acuacultura) noted that the country’s shrimp sector is monitoring the impact that COVID-19 (coronavirus) will have on its exports.

With countries implementing travel bans and imposing other public health regulations, the sector said that the consumption of products, including Ecuadorian shrimp will be limited. The chamber noted Italy, which announced a general quarantine until April 3.

“Italy today within the European Union is the most affected country and this country acquires 30% of our exports to the European Union..."

You Can Now Order Coconut Shrimp Fried Rice Baby Food Thanks to Square Baby

Forget about the mashed peas! Square Baby, a baby food company created by a registered dietitian, has just launched an exciting new product: Coconut Shrimp Fried Rice baby food.

The introduction of Square Baby's Coconut Shrimp Fried Rice baby food rounds out their Early Allergen Introduction Menu, which means that the company is now the only baby food company offering "all of the Top 8 Allergens with whole, fresh foods."

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents introduce...

Mexican Shrimp Council Remains Committed to Protecting Vaquita Following NMFS Ban

The Mexican Shrimp Council says that they remain committed to protecting the endangered vaquita porpoise and other marine mammals following the National Marine Fisheries Service's (NMFS) decision to expand their ban on Mexican seafood.

As SeafoodNews reported last week, NMFS is revoking the comparability findings for the following fisheries authorized by the Government of Mexico:

-Upper Gulf of California shrimp trawl fishery for both small and large vessels
-Upper Gulf of California shrimp suripera fishery
-Upper Gulf of California...

ANALYSIS: European Demand Continues to Support Red Argentine Shrimp Sales, Despite Cautious Buying

While European supply of wild caught Pleoticus Muelleri—better known as Argentine red shrimp—remains somewhat insulated from the COVID-19 outbreak, economic and geo-political uncertainty continue to influence trade dynamics.

In a bid to protect the growth of juvenile Argentine red shrimps, carefully considered measures, including adjustments to harvest schedules, have been taken in recent years. As a result, the Argentine red shrimp industry is the most profitable fishery in the Argentine Sea.

Between 2012 and 2015 the Argentine red shrimp fishery was...

NaturalShrimp’s Stocking, Production on Schedule With 1 Million Postlarvae Shrimp Received

Texas-based shrimp aquaculture company NaturalShrimp said its stocking and production schedule of Postlarvae (PL) shrimp is “proceeding according to plan.”

The company received two separate 500,000 shipments of PLs to its Pilot Plant in La Coste, Texas in February. Each PL is about the size of an eyelash at a quarter inch in length.

The deliveries are the first since the company announced a 12 million PL shrimp contract with Sea Products development hatchery. The company will continue to receive a million PLs per month for the...

Lent 2020: What 15 QSRs and Fast Casual Restaurants Are Offering on their Menus this Year

February 26 is Ash Wednesday and the first day of Lent. Those who observe the Christian holy day refrain from eating meat on Fridays during the six weeks of Lent, as well as on Ash Wednesday. In an effort to accommodate those who abstain from eating meat, many restaurants add seafood to their menus.

Because of this, the Lenten season tends to be a big time of the year for the seafood industry. The NPD group, a leading global information company, reported that...

The Winding Glass: Industry Must Prepare as Coronavirus Rapidly Changing Supply Chain Behavior

With the spread of the coronavirus to new countries, I now believe the seafood industry is going to face its worst crisis since the economic collapse of 2008.

That was difficult and frightening. From October to December of 2008, fresh whole salmon prices dropped 20%. From August 2008 to January 2009, shrimp prices in the Urner Barry farmed shrimp index fell 16%. Cod loins, which were at record prices in November of 2008, fell 34% over the next 11 months, in a continuous price decline...

Seafood Consumption at Highest Level Since 2007, According to NOAA's 2018 Fisheries Report

NOAA released their annual Fisheries of the U.S. Report for 2018. According to the numbers, seafood consumption was up compared to 2017 – although very slightly.

According to the government agency, seafood consumption jumped to 16.1 pounds, which is up 0.1 pounds from 2017. This number represents the highest consumption level since 2007, when total per capita consumption was at 16.3 pounds. Looking at the top consumed item, shrimp once again holds that title with 4.6 pounds consumed. That's a 0.2 jump from 2017...

Noodles & Company Makes Shrimp Scampi Dish a Permanent Menu Item

Shrimp is now a permanent menu item at Noodles & Company after debuting last year as a limited-time offer.

In 2019 the fast-casual restaurant introduced a Zucchini Shrimp Scampi dish, as well as a Penne Rosa with Shrimp dish, as a light and protein-rich option for diners hoping to reach their New Year's resolution goals. The menu items were also added to the menu right before Lent, giving those who abstain from eating meat during that time another menu option...

Seafood Favorites for Valentine's Day

This is Fish Radio. I’m Laine Welch….It’s Valentine’s Day and Seafood helps share the love!

Lovers choose lobster as the top Valentine’s Day dish to share with that special someone.

Crab legs and shrimp also get the nod as ‘romantic meals’ on one of the busiest dining out days for U.S. restaurants. 

In a national survey by Harris Interactive, chefs called lobster an ‘exotic delicacy’  that results in an intimate moment because it is hand-held and shareable.’

They called all shellfish ‘a catalyst for connection like no other food...

Coronavirus Outbreak Brings Many Challenges to the Seafood Industry, But There are Some Survivors

With the catastrophic coronavirus outbreak, China’s previously hustling seafood market has been trapped in depression during this Chinese New Year. This disaster not only influences the country’s imported seafood, but also domestic ones. Industry participants who used to sell out of fresh seafood at high prices in a blink of an eye are faced with large quantities left in stock. The country’s overall seafood sales is estimated to drop by about 2/3 compared with the previous festival...

Alaska Fishing Updates for February 2020

This is Alaska Fish Radio. I’m Laine Welch –

Winter sees a wide array of fisheries out on the water with more to come. Cod and a big mix of whitefish kicked off the year in the Bering Sea and in many parts of the Gulf. 

Alaska pollock, the world’s largest food fishery, opened on January 20 in the Bering Sea with a 3 billion pound harvest. Smaller pollock catches will come out of the Gulf  (250 million pounds) and at Prince William Sound (5 million pounds)...

Chinese Buyers Lose Interest in Ecuador White Shrimp at End of 2019; Uncertainties Follow into 2020

Last year saw Ecuador outrun other competitors and became the largest white shrimp exporter to China. Its export ballooned to 348,044 tons from 98,798 tons in 2018. However, relevant business participants can hardly feel the joy, and many are still recovering from the roller coaster ride of prices and the country’s limited purchases in the December.

In the early 2019, China’s white shrimp market was overshadowed by depressing rumors like collapse and the corresponding contraction of prices. But later, due to such factors as...

2019 Gulf of Mexico Shrimp Landings Lowest Since at Least 2000

For the calendar year, 80.8 million pounds of shrimp were landed in the Gulf of Mexico in 2019, about 15 million less than in 2018. The 2019 totals, which were provided by the Fishery Monitoring Branch of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries’ Southeast Fisheries Science Center sat 35 percent below the Southern Shrimp Alliance’s 20-year historical average of 124.6 million pounds.

Since the SSA began tracking data in 2000, this is the worst year on record for landings in the Gulf...

Chinese Shrimp Market Improves, Some Farmers Stock Shrimp Hoping for Greater Market Performance

With China gradually recovering from coronavirus, its shrimp market has rebounded and local prices have been on the rise. Individual consumers show greater preference to small and middle-sized shrimp, while some farmers complain about low demand for large ones with most restaurants either staying closed or limiting business. But many seem satisfied with the current situation or feel optimistic about the near future.

In the Pearl River Delta region, for example, average prices of middle-sized and small ones raise by about 2 yuan/jin...

Thanks to Several Incentives, Hainan Seafood Market Starts to Rebound

Under the influence of coronavirus, China’s seafood industry is challenged by the problem of excessive supply during this Chinese New Year, its most important shopping carnival. Hainan, one main aquaculture province, is among the greatest victims in this catastrophe. As statistics show, in this early March, the province is faced with 45,000 tons of unsold tilapia and over 2,500 tons of shrimp stocked in ponds.

To encourage companies to buy more and help farmers survive this harsh winter, local government has decided to subsidize processing plants if they...

A Look at How China's Seafood Market Grew in 2019

China is an important aquaculture country with its annual aquatic output reaching about 64.5 million tons in 2019. Although its individual consumption is still comparatively low, the country’s seafood market is expanding, and it is of increasing significance in global trade.

As available statistics show, though its seafood consumption was only 14.3kg per person back in 2018, its trade value doubled compared with that of 2009 to reach 373.802 billion yuan. And new retailers like Hema are taking measures to cut middlemen and promote seafood directly to end consumers...

LISTEN: Boston Seafood Show Postponed; Lent QSR Roundup; Maine Lobster Landings and More

Join SeafoodNews managing editor Amanda Buckle and SeafoodNews staff writer Ryan Doyle as they break down some of the biggest stories of the week, including the postponement of the Boston Seafood Show; Maine's lobster landings; Clearwater Seafoods' potential sale; January shrimp imports and more. Plus, find out what QSR and fast casual restaurants are offering for Lent.

The SeafoodNews Podcast is brought to you by Urner Barry's Reporter magazine, the quarterly newsmagazine for the food industry professional...

Mexican Seafood Ban in U.S. Expanded in Effort to Save Vaquita Porpoise From Extinction

Earlier this week the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced that they would be expanding their ban on Mexican seafood in an effort to save the vaquita porpoise. The International Committee for the Recovery of the Vaquita estimates that there are between six and 22 vaquita remaining in the world, with many speculating that no more than 10 remain.

According to the document, which is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on March 9, NMFS is revoking the comparability findings for the following...

Though Still Haunted by Oversupply Problem, China’s Aquatic Farmers are Seeing a Better Tomorrow

China’s seafood industry has undergone a brutal cold season this Chinese New Year due to the coronavirus outbreak. Both market sales and prices have plummeted, while farmers have had great quantities of aquatic products dying in ponds. But luckily, with more processing plants restarting operation and governmental support, things are getting better now and farmers are regaining confidence.

As China’s official statistics show, the market was dull during this early February. Seafood sale volumes dived to only about 10% in 45 wholesale markets of...

Captain D's, Del Taco and Pancheros Add Shrimp to Menu for Lent

Shrimp lovers, rejoice! While pollock might be a sandwich favorite for QSRs during Lent, other dining establishments are adding shrimp to their menus.

Captain D's announced on Monday that they've launched their new Double Dozen Shrimp, which will be available now through April 26. The new menu option features 24 lightly battered shrimp that are piled high and served with a choice of two sides and Captain D's world-famous Hush Puppies. Or for those that want fish in addition to the shrimp, Captain D's is offering...

These are the Top 10 Seafood Items Consumed in the U.S. for 2018

On Friday the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released their Annual Fisheries of the U.S. Report for 2018, and the report detailed how U.S. seafood per capita consumption has hit 16.1 lbs.  Now, the National Fisheries Institute (NFI) is doing a deeper dive into exactly what seafood items Americans are consuming.

The top consumed seafood item – once again – is shrimp, with 4.6 lbs. eaten per capita. This is a record-high. Second on the list is...

White Castle Brings Back Shrimp Nibblers for Lent, But Crab Cake Sliders Don't Make the Cut

White Castle is adding some more seafood items to their menu —just in time for Lent. The fast food chain announced on Friday that they are now serving a new crispy Panko Breaded Fish Slider and a seasonal Craver favorite – Shrimp Nibblers. However, one seasonal seafood item is missing from their menu … the Seafood Crab Cake Slider.

White Castle added a Crab Cake Slider to their menu back in 2017. The Crab Cake Slider returned in 2018 and 2019, but appears to have...

The Winding Glass: How the Coronavirus Shockwave May Impact the U.S. and Canadian Seafood Industry

A lot of people in the seafood industry are thinking about the coronavirus. The major impact has been on shipping, tourism, and travel, all of which are vital to the North American seafood industry.

The question is whether this is a short-term event like a hurricane or political strike that impacts one area of our supply chain, or if this is a year-long global pandemic, leading to big changes in behavior in our markets.

Clearly we don’t know yet, despite people like...

December Import Numbers, Coronavirus Update, Valentine's Day by the Numbers and More

Join SeafoodNews Podcast co-hosts Amanda Buckle and Lorin Castiglione as they break down some December import numbers for pangasius, lobster and shrimp. Plus, find out what the Boston Seafood Show organizers said about the coronavirus; learn about some mergers and acquisitions within the seafood industry; and check out some Valentine's Day "by the numbers" stats.

This episode is brought to you by COMTELL, which will be receiving a complete redesign this year. Subscribers who utilize COMTELL to track market quotations, analyze trends and...

ANALYSIS: December Shrimp Imports 1.4 Percent Lower, India Paces Shipments with 623 Million Pounds

December imports were released today and mirror last month, with a 1.4 percent decline in total volume. The year-over-year figure narrowed slightly as a result, and 2019 imports edged only 0.4 percent higher than 2018. India crossed over 600 million pounds to nearly 623 million pounds and shattered last year’s record shipments to the United States. Our number one trade partner accounted for over 40 percent of all shrimp imported in 2019. Indonesia, Ecuador, Vietnam, and...

ANALYSIS: Shrimp Market Strained Due to Coronavirus

The coronavirus and what impact it may have on the shrimp market has been a common topic in recent days. We’ve written in our daily comments that China is the largest importer of shrimp globally and any disruption in the flow of product into that country will certainly have market implications. We’ve also suggested that the most immediate concern appears to be Ecuador given its proximity to the U.S., its reliance on the Asian market and the anticipation of a larger harvest next week...

The Winding Glass: China Largest Global Importer of Shrimp; Coronavirus Threatens Price Stability

At the Aqua India 2020 meeting, held in Kochi January 31^st and Feb 1^st, the unexpected outbreak of the coronavirus is seen as a wild card with potential to upend the global shrimp market in the first half of 2020.

China surpassed the US as the largest importer of global shrimp, according to data through the 3^rd quarter of 2019.  Although most people in the industry are familiar with how much Ecuador’s expansion of production has been driven by...