RAS Farmer NaturalShrimp Signs Deal with Distributor Gulf Seafood for 25,000 Pounds of Shrimp

NaturalShrimp, a U.S.-based RAS shrimp farmer signed an agreement with Gulf Seafood Inc. (GSI), a distributor in the Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida region for a three-month trial and delivery of 25,000 pounds of live shrimp which GSI will purchase, distribute and market.

GSI is a Florida corporation formed in 2013 that specializes in the production, packaging, and distribution of live wild caught shrimp with extensive knowledge and experience in the U.S. live shrimp market, NaturalShrimp explained...

Mexico Receives Green Light to Export Wild Shrimp Into United States

Mexico’s Conapesca (National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries) said the U.S. government has granted certification for Mexican shrimp to again be exported to the U.S. market.

The U.S. determined that Mexico’s program to protect sea turtles through Sea Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in its shrimp fisheries, is comparable to its own protection measures.

The U.S. announced a ban on Mexican shrimp imports on April 30, as SeafoodNews reported.

“The Department suspended the certification of Mexico because its sea turtle protection program is no longer comparable to that of the United...

China's White Shrimp Prices Dip as Shopping Season Comes to an End

After the holiday shopping frenzy, farm gate prices of white shrimps have contracted in most regions of China at the start of October; though price increase has also been seen in a few. And the reduction is more obvious in southern China than in the northern and eastern regions, as statistics from HAID Group show.

In the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region, the decrease ranges from 0.5 yuan/jin (1 jin=0.5 kilo) to 4 yuan/jin. The price of those weighing at 40 shrimps/jin have...

USDA Makes Pacific Seafood Purchases; Bornstein, Dulcich, Ocean Gold Net Contracts

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveiled purchase awards for pacific seafood products following a September 1 solicitation.

The USDA noted these products will be used in the National School Lunch Program and other Federal Food and Nutrition Assistance Programs, with deliveries expected to be made between October 16, 2021 and January 31, 2022.

In all, the USDA purchased 121,500 cases of pacific seafood products including pacific rockfish, pacific shrimp, and pacific whiting for $16,474,671.90.

Bornstein Seafoods (WA), Dulcich, Inc. (OR) and Ocean Gold Seafoods (WA), earned...

CDC Ends Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Frozen, Cooked Shrimp for Second Time

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) salmonella outbreak investigation linked to frozen cooked shrimp that began in May 2021, ended on September 21.

The investigation led to multiple recalls of frozen, cooked shrimp from Thai Union subsidiary Avanti Frozen Foods and other firms throughout the summer.

Initially, Avanti issued a recall on June 25 which included shrimp with brands including Censea, Hannaford, Open Acres, Waterfront Bistro/, Honest Catch, Chicken of the Sea, 365 and Meijer. On the same day, the CDC confirmed the salmonella...

Future Looks Bright for Ecuadorian Shrimp in China

Under the influence of COVID-19, some shrimp suppliers have struggled and have encountered great challenges in China. However, a few lucky countries such as  Ecuador have seen obvious market rebound and strong shrimp demand in the Chinese market. And their near future also looks optimistic...

Shrimp industries in countries like Vietnam and India have been hit hard by the epidemic, while recently Ecuador has enjoyed steady price increase of its shrimps in China. Now it is even hardly possible to bargain with Ecuador’s suppliers...

FDA to Refuse Most Antibiotic Contaminated Shrimp Since 2016

The Southern Shrimp Alliance (SSA) shared that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published 126 total seafood entry line refusals in August, of which 6 (4.8%) were of shrimp for reasons related to banned antibiotics.

Alongside July reported refusals, the FDA has refused a total of 61 entry lines of antibiotic-contaminated shrimp. This marks the highest number of results for shrimp related to eterinary drug residues since 2019 and the ultimate total in 2021 will be the highest since at least 2016, per the SSA...

USDA Looking to Buy Various Pacific Seafood Products

The USDA is looking for offers to sell Pacific seafood products, per a September 1 solicitation.

The products are set to be used in the National School Lunch Program and other Federal Food and Nutrition Assistance Programs. Acceptances are to be announced by midnight on September 29 and deliveries are to be made between October 16, 2021 and January 31, 2022.

To kick off the solicitation, the USDA is eyeing to purchase 23,400 cases of frozen Pacific Rockfish fillets. Next up, it wants to land 9,900 cases of Pacific salad shrimp...

White Shrimp Prices See Uptick in China During Mid-August

During mid-August, China has witnessed a price increase of white shrimp in many regions as other areas see price stability.

Overall, the Chinese market is improving with COVID-19 under control, though there are a few regions, which have been hit hard by various shrimp diseases leading to price contraction.

In southern China, prices have mostly risen although the growth rate is limited. For example, as statistics from Shuichan.cc show, on August 19 the price of 20 shrimps/jin (1 jin=0.5 kilo) has...

Stop & Shop Recalling Select Store Brand Thawed and Frozen Cooked Shrimp

Stop & Shop is recalling select store brand thawed and frozen cooked shrimp after receiving notification from its supplier of potential for the products to be contaminated with salmonella.

The affected products are:

- 26/30 Cooked Peeled Tail-on Shrimp 1 LB, UPC# 087689100200 or UPC# 68826712345 LOT CODE: AQ-23-2950-1 BEST BY:10/21/2022, LOT CODE:AQ-23-2960-1 BEST BY:10/22/2022

- 31/40 Cooked Peeled Tail-on Shrimp 2 LB, UPC#073114965085 or UPC# 68826712348 LOT CODE:AQ-23-2930-1...

GSA, Bangladesh Shrimp and Fish Foundation Partner to Boost Small-Scale Shrimp Farmers

The Global Seafood Alliance (GSA), formerly known as the Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA), has partnered with the Bangladesh Shrimp and Fish Foundation (BSFF) to boost the country’s small-scale shrimp farmers and “revitalize” black tiger shrimp farming.

GSA explained that pre-2003, black tiger shrimp led worldwide shrimp production but was replaced by specific pathogen free (SPF) Pacific white shrimp.

“By 2018, the white shrimp sector had rocketed to nearly 5 million metric tons — eight times the production of black tigers,” the GSA wrote...

Ecuador’s Aquaculture Chamber Responds to China's Shrimp Import Suspension

After China suspended imports from a pair of Ecuadorian shrimp exporters due to COVID-19 detection, Ecuador’s National Chamber of Aquaculture (CNA) responded to the move, stating that its products are safe and the country’s front-line workers in the shrimp export industry are 100% vaccinated against the coronavirus.

On August 4, Chinese Customs said the coronavirus was detected in four outer packaging samples of three batches of frozen vannamei shrimp imported from Ecuador. Customs said Ecuadorian companies Proexpo and Expalsa would be suspended from importing product for one and two...

Imported Shrimp Facing Roadblocks to Chinese Market as Domestic Product Fares Better

Under the influence of COVID-19, overseas white shrimp have encountered great challenges on their way into China. Some product has been banned at times while other product has sat in ports. Though it is not a good day for imported shrimp, China’s domestic shrimp have fared much better.

Chinese customs announced to halt import from 8 Indian companies in mid-July and another 6 companies later that month due to viruses found on shrimp packages. Meanwhile, according to the customs’ early-August announcement, it has banned shrimp...

Gulf of Mexico Shrimp Landings and Prices Show Ongoing Roller Coaster Ride

The good news in the Gulf of Mexico is that shrimp price are up. The bad news: landings are down.

According to the Southern Shrimp Alliance, reporting data from the Southeast Fisheries Science Center's Gulf of Mexico updated shrimp landings information, Texas landings are the lowest they've been in the first half of a year in the last 20 years. With the updates, shrimp landings in 2021 are reported to have been 25.6 million pounds, down from 26.5 million pounds last year and 38.6 percent below...

NaturalShrimp Hires Seafood Industry Veteran Marco Van Den Berg to Lead Sales and Marketing

U.S.-based RAS shrimp farmer NatrualShrimp appointed Marco Van Den Berg to lead the Company's sales and marketing activities in North America.

To begin, Van Den Berg will work in a consulting role before transition into the Vice President of Sales position.

Van Den Berg brings over two decades of sales, marketing and management expertise to NaturalShrimp. In the past, he has worked in the seafood sector with listed multinationals and private equity-backed companies in all stages of growth, including several successful mergers and acquisitions...

Vietnam COVID-19 Spike Hits Seafood Processors, Causes Problems at Ports 

Vietnam is the latest country to enact emergency restrictions following a new spike in COVID-19 cases. 

Vietnam has been reporting over 4,000 new cases daily since July 15. On July 18 the number of new reported cases reached a whopping 4,853. Now, all provinces in the Mekong Delta region are applying “Directive 16” of the Vietnam government to tackle the rising cases of COVID. Directive 16 mandates the closures of non-essential businesses and restaurants. According to the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Vietnam...

Red Lobster’s Ultimate Endless Shrimp Promo Available All Week

Red Lobster announced that its Ultimate Endless Shrimp special will be available for the entire week, from open until close.

The seafood chain invited its customers to mix and match its shrimp endlessly, all day, every day.

During the Ultimate Endless Shrimp event, guests can choose two of their favorite shrimp preparations, and when they are ready, order additional shrimp dishes one at a time. Each Ultimate Endless Shrimp meal is accompanied by a choice of side and unlimited Cheddar Bay Biscuits®.

The Ultimate Endless Shrimp lineup includes...

Although China Shuts Door on Some White Shrimp Imports, Demand Remains Strong 

According to statistics from Chinese customs, the country has turned down 99 batches of frozen food this August, and 80 batches of them are seafood. The total rejected number has raised by about 33.89% compared with that of July. But white shrimp have still outrun others like they did in July regarding its number on the blacklist.

A closer look shows that the shrimp have mostly come from India and Ecuador. Despite hindrances these shrimp have encountered, in the era of COVID-19, China is still a huge...

USDA Announces Purchase of Domestic Wild Shrimp Worth $24.8 Million 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture purchased 164,250 total cases of wild shrimp products under Section 32 for distribution to the child nutrition and other related domestic food assistance programs for the Fiscal Year 2021.

On September 9, the USDA shared its intention to purchase frozen wild shrimp products. The Department was eyeing 229,800 cases and 4,596,000 pounds of products, as Urner Barry’s Jim Kenny broke down earlier this month.

The USDA did not reach that number. Instead, it purchased just over 164,000 cases, worth $24,777,000...

Majority of China’s Shrimp Markets Reviving, Some Still Battling COVID-19 Impacts

Around the Mid-Autumn Festival and the National Day, China’s shrimp demand has been rising, which in turn is pushing local prices upward. Though recently the shrimp market in Fujian province has been hit hard by the reoccurrence of COVID-19, others have seen a rosy market during the holiday season.

China’s average farm gate price of white shrimps, for example, is said to have ballooned by about 24.2% to 23.9 yuan/jin (1 jin=0.5 kilo) in this mid-September compared with earlier this month...

July Domestic Shrimp Landings Lowest Since 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

The National Marine Fisheries Service reported July 2021 landings of U.S. shrimp (all species, headless) and the total was the lowest on record for the month aside from the devastating 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Through July 2021 landings total 34.714 million pounds, 22% less than the 2020 Jan-July total of 44.587 million.

A quick look at the market from Urner Barry market reporter Jim Kenny described the market direction as “becoming less clear.”

Kenny noted disruptive tropical activity and the USDA’s announcement stating that it was looking...

Shrimp Prices Continue Rise in China

China’s average shrimp prices have been going upward recently. As statistics from Agricultural Wealth show, the country’s shrimp price index has raised by 1 point to 93.5 points from mid-August to the end of last month. And white shrimps, as one important family member, are said to have enjoyed a noticeable price increase even since late July. With the festivals on the way, the market prospect is promising.

In this late August, Guangdong’s farm gate price of white shrimp has risen by 0.5 yuan/jin (1 jin=0.5 kilo) on average...

Siam Canadian Opens New Ecuador Office; Expands South American Footprint

Seafood and meat supplier Siam Canadian, headquartered in Thailand has opened its newest office in Guayaquil, Ecuador, the company announced.

The firm first established itself in South America in 2019 and has expanded with its new operations in Ecuador.

Mathieu Bourdeaux, the General Manager for Siam Canadian South America operations, based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, called Ecuador “the natural next step” for the SA business.

“In a very short time we have managed to successfully establish ourselves as reliable, high quality suppliers from Argentina, Chile, Peru and Ecuador...

22 Ecuador Shrimp Farmers Ready for ASC Certification After SSP Improvement Program

The Sustainable Shrimp Partnership (SSP) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) highlighted the 22 Ecuador shrimp farms that participated in the SSP Improvement Program working towards Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) at the AquaExpo in El Oro.

The program began with benchmarking the small-scale farm performance against a number of environmental and social indicators in order to establish their current performance, identifying opportunities for improvements.

Then, the farms were trained in environmental and legal requirements in Ecuador, good aquaculture...

Avanti Frozen Foods Expands June Frozen Shrimp Recall After More Illnesses Reported

Thai Union subsidiary Avanti Frozen Foods expanded a June 25 recall of frozen cooked, peeled, deveined, shrimp (with some packaged with cocktail sauce) because the products may be contaminated with salmonella.

The initial June 25 recall was sparked after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said a salmonella outbreak has been linked to frozen cooked shrimp.

The CDC said on June 26 that six illnesses and two hospitalizations have been linked to the outbreak in Arizona and Nevada. The illnesses began on dates ranging...

White Shrimp Prices Rise in China Despite Hindrances

Early August has witnessed price increases of white shrimps in several Chinese regions mainly due to limited supplies, most notably large ones. Though the situation looks promising in these regions, some other farmers are still challenged by rising disease incidence and lowered prices.

In such Guangdong cities as Zhongshan, Taishan and Maoming, shrimp prices have been on a steady rise recently. For example, in Zhongshan where around 90% of shrimp have been sold out, the average price has raised by about 1 yuan/jin (1 jin=0.5 kilo)...

China Suspends Seafood Imports from 2 Ecuadorian Firms After Detecting COVID-19

China’s General Administration of Customs announced it will suspend fishery imports from a pair of Ecuadorian companies, Proexpo and Expalsa (Procesadora Y Exportadora De Mariscos SA and Exportadora de Alimentos SA) after detecting COVID-19 on packaging samples.

On August 4, Chinese Customs said the coronavirus was detected in four outer packaging samples of three batches of frozen vannamei shrimp imported from Ecuador. Customs said Proexpo and Expalsa would be suspended from importing product for one and two weeks, respectively...

ANALYSIS: Shrimp Farmgate Prices Fluctuate in Mekong Delta with Factories at One-Fifth Capacity

The severe consequences of a prolonged lockdown are weighing on Vietnam’s manufacturing and export orientated industries.   

With 114,260 official infections as of Tuesday, Vietnam's economy is faltering.   

New orders to curb the spread of the Delta variant have led to sharp reductions in factory output. Vietnam's Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) - a measure of manufacturing performance (above 50 representing an expansion, below 50 representing a contraction) - dropped sharply to 44.1 in June from 53.1 over the previous month, ending a six-month period of growth...

Shrimp Industry Shares Concerns Over Offshore Wind Energy in the Gulf of Mexico

The winds of change are coming to the Gulf of Mexico -- and, similar to scallopers in the New York Bight, groundfish fishermen in the Mid- Atlantic and New England, and fishermen on the West Coast, shrimpers are feeling the pressure.

The Southern Shrimp Alliance recently filed comments with the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management in response to its request for input regarding potential commercial wind energy leasing on the Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf.

BOEM is in the midst...

Piscaria Shrimp Farms Hires New CTO, Advisor

The team at Piscaria Shrimp Farms in South Carolina is expanding. The company announced on Tuesday that they’ve hired Rick Sheriff to serve as their new Chief Technology Officer, and Dr. Joan Priestley to serve as an advisor.

Sheriff holds a shrimp tank patent and has over 30 years of experience in the aquaculture industry. Piscaria Shrimp Farms CEO Richard L. Armstrong said in a statement that Sheriff’s mechanical technical support has been “crucial in all aspects of making Piscaria a success.”

Meanwhile, Armstrong credits...