National Restaurant Association Cancels Upcoming May Show

The National Restaurant Association Show, which was set to take place in Chicago from May 16-19, has been canceled. 

“After many weeks of monitoring the evolving situation around COVID-19, including guidance from the CDC and the Governor of Illinois, it is with great regret that we announce the unavoidable cancellation of this year’s National Restaurant Association Show,” an update on the show website explained. 

This is not the only food show to be canceled due to the coronavirus. Natural Products Expo West, which was set for...

3 Ways the Coronavirus Stimulus Package Helps Restaurants and Workers

The coronavirus has hit the restaurant industry hard, with the National Restaurant Association reporting that 3% of operators have already permanently closed their doors and 11% anticipate that they will be forced to permanently close within the next 40 days. Meanwhile, 44% have temporarily closed their restaurants.

A survey conducted with more than 4,000 restaurant owners found that sales were down 47% nationwide between March 1-22. Of those restaurant owners, 54% have had to switch to off-premises service only. The reduction in sales has resulted in...

SeaShare Ramps Up Seafood Donations at Food Banks

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

Eighteen truckloads of over half a million pounds of donated breaded pollock portions went to 16 food banks in 12 states two weeks ago, and more seafood is on its way.

“Our donors are so generous and really want to help right now. Everybody’s calling asking how can we help. It’s rewarding to be in this business right now.”

Jim Harmon is director of SeaShare, a nonprofit that works with fishermen, processors, logistics and distribution partners to provide top quality seafood to...

Fishing, Aquaculture and Food Processing Considered ‘Essential’ Services in Maine

With each state making different mandates, it’s unclear what jobs and services are considered “essential” during the coronavirus outbreak. While each state is releasing their own information, Maine has made it clear that they consider those in food processing, fishing and aquaculture as “essential.”

On Tuesday Maine Governor Janet Mills issued an Executive Order mandating that “all non-essential businesses and operations in Maine close their physical locations that are public facing.” The Executive Order also closed non-essential business sites that “require more than 10 workers to convene in...

An Increase in Home Consumption Pushed February Seafood Sales at Japanese Supermarkets

According to supermarket sales statistics released by three small and medium-sized supermarkets in Japan, existing store sales in the seafood division in February were ¥74.552 billion (US$669.39million), up 4.1% year-on-year. It is the first time in four years that the year-on-year result exceeded one point. Sales grew in response to a growing demand for in-home consumption due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection. In marine products, sashimi such as tuna and bonito...

India on 21-Day Lockdown to Contain Coronavirus 

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Tuesday afternoon that the country will be on a 21-day lockdown as they try to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The lockdown will begin at midnight local time and applies to all of India’s 36 states and territories. 

As of this writing there are 519 confirmed coronavirus cases in the country that is home to 1.3 billion people.

According to the guidelines, the Offices of the Government of India will remain closed except for some exceptions...

Pacific Seafoods Maintaining Operations to Meet Retail Demand

While restaurants are closing, retailers are struggling to keep product on their shelves. Pacific Seafood is stepping up to help fill that demand. 

“Pacific Seafood is among the select few critical infrastructure companies in the US that are being called on to maintain our nation’s food supply during the COVID-19 pandemic,” President and CEO Frank Dulcich said in a statement.

“Due to our vertically integrated supply chain and geographically dispersed locations, we are in a unique position to solve this critical need...

NOAA Provides Update on Status of Northeast Fisheries Science Center Office Buildings, Operations

NOAA announced on Monday that the have adjusted operations at their Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) facilities due to the coronavirus. According to the agency, the NEFSC buildings are currently restricted to employees, as well as visitors and deliveries that are deemed “essential.” The strict measures are “taken out of an abundance of caution and our commitment to protecting the health and safety of our employees and constituents during the COVID-19 virus pandemic. The policy is for...

Russian Fisherman May Suspend Catch in Northern Basin  

Russian fishermen operating in the Northern basin have warned the national government about the existing risks of the suspension of the further catch in the Barents Sea. 

According to fishermen, due to quarantine measures implemented at foreign ports, the losses of the local fishermen operating in the Barents Sea may reach RUB 70 billion (US$900 million) by May. 

German Zverev, President of the All-Russian Association of Fishery Enterprises, Entrepreneurs and Exporters (VARPE), in an interview to some Russian media, confirmed such risks...

Politicians from Oregon, Maine Seek Relief for Commercial Fishermen During Coronavirus Outbreak

Oregon state Rep. David Brock Smith, R-Port Orford, is hoping Gov. Kate Brown and his colleagues assist Oregon residents and businesses by waiving some fees, loan payments and restrictions to help the economy recover from losses due to COVID-19 closures and isolation.

Specifically for commercial fishermen, Brock Smith said they should be granted a waiver of fees and regulations associated with selling fish, crab, shrimp and other seafood from their boats directly to the public.

“With much needed focus on the health, life and safety of...

Halibut Fishermen Face Flattened Market, Firesale Prices

The Pacific halibut fishery opened on March 14 amid little fanfare and flattened markets.        

The first fish of the eight month season typically attracts the highest prices and is rushed fresh to high-end buyers, especially during the Lenten season. But that’s not the case in this time of coronavirus chaos, when air traffic is stalled and seafood of all kinds is getting backlogged in global freezers.

Alaska’s share of the 2020 halibut catch is about 17 million pounds for nearly 2,000 fishermen who own shares of the popular flatfish...

Sysco Gives Update on Covid-19 Related Business; Donating 2.5 Million Meals Over Next 4 Weeks

Global foodservice distribution company Sysco has released an update on their finances related to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. According to the company, their “strong balance sheet provides meaningful financial flexibility for the company to navigate current challenges in the ‘food-away-from-home’ market resulting from the spread of Covid-19 and subsequent actions taken across the country to increase social distancing.”

Sysco reports that they have approximately $2 billion cash on hand as of March 20, including a recent...

Does Your Insurance Policy Cover Business Interruptions Brought on by the Coronavirus?

It’s the big question for business owners trying to deal with the fallout from the coronavirus (Covid-19): Does my insurance policy cover my losses? Unfortunately it’s not an easy question to answer. As Michael Lieberman, Senior Vice President, Food and Beverage Division Practice Leader at Foa & Son Corporation explains, “every situation for each company is different.”

“Each situation needs to be vetted on a case-by-case basis because available insurance policies have different coverage verbiage,” Lieberman tells SeafoodNews...

Coronavirus: 3,000 U.S. Jobs Already Publicly Cut, 9 Million More Threatened as Restaurants Close

Outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. reported that coronavirus-related job cuts reached 3,634, with an additional 9 million jobs threatened in the leisure and hospitality sector.

In Challenger’s Job Cuts Report, which tracks publicly announced job cuts through company announcements, media reports, and SEC filings, did not include layoffs from bars and restaurants that were shut down across 13 states.

"We are certainly beginning to see the cracks in the foundation. Slowing demand, brought on by the need for Americans to practice social distancing..."

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...

WTO Hears From G7 Leaders: Cooperate, Share Data, Support Trade

The World Trade Organization’s Director-General Roberto Azevêdo welcomed a co-ordinated statement by G7 leaders on Tuesday that called for closer cooperation to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and minimize its economic fallout.

The group of seven leading industrial countries are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, United States.

“This global challenge requires a global response, on the public health front and in the economy,” said Director-General Azevêdo. “It is only by working together that we will find solutions.”

The March 16 message from the world leaders ...

COVID-19 Relief Bill Provides $300M For U.S. Fisheries Participants

The United States Senate voted 96-0 on March 25 to pass a $2 trillion coronavirus relief package. The bill will now head to the House of Representatives, who are set to vote on the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, HR 748 bill on Friday.

This will mark the largest economic stimulus package in the history of the country and it includes $500 billion in funding for various U.S. industries including $4 billion to cargo carriers, which helps...

An Updated List of Every State That Has Closed Restaurants Due to the Coronavirus 

Editor's note: This story was updated at 12:15 p.m. on Thursday, March 26.

With cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the U.S. continuing to grow, a number of states are taking action to stop the spread. Lawmakers across the country have implemented bans on restaurants and bars, as well as large gatherings. Some states have yet to take such action, but restaurants on an individual level are choosing to shutter for the time being.

Meanwhile, President Trump recommended on Monday afternoon that people avoid... 

ProFish Ventures into New Territory After Coronavirus Outbreak Closes Restaurants

ProFish has been in business for over 30 years, and supplies seafood to over 2,500 restaurants, hotels and caterers in the D.C. area. The company had been considering expanding their offerings with a home delivery service, and when they discovered that their community was having a hard time getting their hands on protein during the coronavirus outbreak, they knew that now was the time to get the program off the ground.

“Grocery stores are empty—no meat, no poultry, no fish,” ProFish’s Glenn Casten told SeafoodNews...

Seafood Leaders Back $4 Billion Aid Request as Fishing Seasons Approach and COVID-19 Spreads

In a last-minute dash to put together a $4 billion aid package for the U.S. seafood industry, a coalition of the nation’s commercial fishing, processing, and aquaculture groups sent three “policy recommendations” using current aid programs to the White House and Senate leadership yesterday. 

The day before, state delegations from Alaska and Massachusetts set the stage by urging immediate support for the seafood industry nationwide. 

Early this morning the Senate passed a $2 trillion aid package that includes $500 billion ...

...

Blue Harvest Ready to Meet Demand for Local Products Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Blue Harvest Fisheries, a seafood supplier with operations in Massachusetts and Virginia, announced it “is ready to meet the demand for locally produced, transparently sourced product.”

As the Nielsen Company highlighted, the coronavirus pandemic has led to shoppers steering clear of products with multiple touchpoints and may have traveled long distances. The crisis may lead consumers to become more anxious about origins of products and lead to increased local sourcing.

“Consumers have generally displayed strong preferences for local dairy and fresh produce brands and products versus those...

Virtual Tastings, Meetings Allow Seafood Shows to Continue Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

In the wake of the cancellation of seafood trade shows, Jennifer Bushman, an aquaculture consultant decided to take expos into the virtual world.

Bushman, with a little inspiration, created a virtual trade show environment dubbed, “No Show Fish Show”.

Bushman, via a group on LinkedIn created a hub for those who planned on attending major seafood trade shows like Seafood Expo North America (SENA), a place to connect and share new products and developments. Currently, the group has 215 members, here’s a link to join the...

China's Domestic Market Still Struggling, But Some Progress in Hubei Province

China’s seafood industry has suffered from considerable losses due to the coronavirus outbreak. Industry participants have been upset about the obvious contraction in exports, as well as the depressing domestic market. 

As statistics show, China’s seafood export volume has dropped by 24.5% to 0.484 million tons within this January and February compared with the same period last year, while the value has declined by 20.9%. And overseas markets may get even colder within the coming months due to greater influence of the coronavirus on other countries...

NOAA Temporarily Waiving Observer, At-Sea Monitoring Due to Health Concerns

NOAA Fisheries is temporarily waiving the requirement for vessels with Northeast fishing permits to carry a fishery observer or at-sea monitor. The decision comes after a number of complaints were filed by groundfishermen and sector managers, who said that the requirement put their health at risk.

As of Monday morning there are over 35,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the U.S. Last week public officials began encouraging people to practice “social distancing” as a way to stop, or at least slow the spread of the outbreak...

ANALYSIS: A Look at the Farmed Salmon Market this Week and its Reaction to COVID-19

The farmed salmon market, especially on fresh whole fish, was hit hard by the closure of U.S. restaurants this week. While other protein items that are frozen can weather the storm for a period of time, fresh perishable items, like farmed salmon, do not have that option.

The farmed salmon index at the end of this week dropped 4 percent from the previous week and is down 6 percent from the end of February...

Alaska State Ramps Up Protective Measures Against COVID-19

It was a consequential weekend in Alaska. 

On Friday, Governor Dunleavy issued Health Alert 009 urging Alaskans to return home and “visitors to Alaska return to their home communities now.” 

“Greater than 80% of proven COVID-19 cases have come from out of state, primarily from the Lower 48,” Dunleavy said. He ordered all airlines and airports to immediately post that recommendation, and mandated all returning travelers coming from the Lower 48 “self-quarantine for 14 days.”

Dunleavy has asked tour operators to immediately suspend reservations for out of state visitors...

Blue Apron Stock Soars as Consumers Turn to At-Home Meal Kits During Coronavirus Outbreak

When Blue Apron first went public in 2017, things didn’t turn out so great l for the company. However, as the majority of the global market heads on a downward spiral, Blue Apron’s stock has been on the upswing.

As the markets closed on March 19, Blue Apron’s stock was up an impressive 500%, as the demand for its meal kits has skyrocketed in the past week.

“We are increasing our capacity for future orders and expect to fulfill this increased demand by the next..."

2020 Alaska Fishing Season: How Other Ports and Fishing Organizations Face Similar Challenges

In boardrooms across the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, processors and harvester groups are facing unprecedented challenges about how to keep workers safe while harvesting millions of pounds of Alaska seafood this year. Those crucial decisions are being debated in other boardrooms around the world, and two groups have released their protocols in recent days. 

For plant workers, the FFAW (Fish, Food, and Allied Workers) of Canada released a letter to members on March 17 outlining insurance measures and summarizing decision points that have not yet been made...

Louisiana Fisheries Forward Summit Forgoes Coronavirus For a Day

Louisiana Gulf fishermen have overcome natural and manmade setback after setback after setback. The recent Louisiana Fisheries Forward Summit at the Ponchartrain Center in Kenner, presented by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Louisiana Sea Grant and LSU AgCenter, was subject to one such unforseen setback, Covid-19, also known as the coronavirus.

“With the first case of the virus being reported in the state just two days before the start of the conference, it was inevitable that we were going to see a decreased attendance,” explained Thomas Hymel, the...

More Than 70% of Restaurants in Japan Suffering Sales Loss From COVID-19

CookBiz Co., Ltd. of Osaka conducted an internet survey last month on the effects of COVID-19 on restaurants in Japan. CookBiz operates a recruiting site specializing in the food and beverage industry. The survey results read as follows, according to the press release.

- 70% or more restaurants are affected or are likely to suffer in the future due to COVID-19.

- Half of the restaurants surveyed feel a decrease in guests after news on the coronavirus spread.

- As a countermeasure at the store side, more than...