Highwood Harbor Acquires Major US Importer Eastern Fish Company

Highwood Harbor, a seafood holding company owned by Jordan Mazzetta, has acquired Eastern Fish Company, one of the largest US importers of shrimp and frozen seafood. The move expands Highwood's sourcing, marketing and distribution capabilities across North America and globally.

Eastern Fish Company, which marked its 50th anniversary in 2024, has grown into a significant supplier of shrimp, scallops, crab, salmon and other seafood to major retail chains, foodservice operators, and distributors.

Following Highwood's acquisition model, Eastern Fish will operate as a standalone entity, preserving its existing business structure. Eric Bloom...

Ag Coalition Highlights USMCA Strength in New Report, Sees Big US Economic Benefits

The Agricultural Coalition for USMCA has released a new report underscoring the pact’s importance to the US farm and seafood sectors. The analysis positions the USMCA as a stabilizing force for rural economies amid rising input costs and volatile markets, noting that exports to Canada and Mexico generated significant US economic activity in 2024.

The report found that agricultural and seafood exports to Canada and Mexico produced $149 billion in total US economic output in 2024, supporting about 493,000 full-time jobs and $36 billion...

Japan: 2025 Surimi Product Exports Increased 5% to JPY 11.2 Billion

According to the Ministry of Finance's trade statistics, exports of surimi products (excluding fish sausages), such as kamaboko, totaled 10,352 tons in 2025, down 0.5% from the previous year and the sixth-highest on record.

Due to the trade embargo, exports to China remained zero, as in the previous year. Meanwhile, exports to the United States, the largest market, increased 2% year-on-year, despite the headwinds posed by Trump's tariffs. Exports to Hong Kong, the second-largest export market, and the...

Kroger Anchors Valentine’s Day Strategy Around Fresh Surf & Turf Offers

For consumers celebrating Valentine's Day at home, surf and turf remains a go-to meal solution, and Kroger is leaning into the occasion with BOGO promotions and limited-time offers across meat, seafood and other complementary categories.

"Quality ingredients are the foundation of any romantic dinner and Kroger consistently delivers on quality and affordability," said Carlo Baldan, Group Vice President of Fresh Merchandising at Kroger. "Our meat and seafood counters feature premium cuts and fresh selections that feel like a night out...

Smashburger Rolls Out Shrimp Menu In Time For Lent

Smash Burger is ready for Lenten season and prepared to offer consumers variety with its new shrimp lineup available for a limited time.

"Our new shrimp lineup is more than a seasonal addition. It reflects our commitment to meeting guests where they are and giving them fresh reasons to choose Smashburger," said Jim Sullivan, CEO of Smashburger. "Taste has always been at the heart of our brand and our greatest competitive advantage. By introducing high‑quality, flavor‑forward seafood options for Lent, we're reinforcing our leadership...

Cracker Barrel Leans Into Spring with New and Returning Seasonal Items

Cracker Barrel is looking ahead to spring with a refreshed menu that blends returning guest favorites with strategic new additions, reinforcing its focus on familiarity and comfort. The update highlights the brand’s continued emphasis on core flavors while layering in limited-time variety to drive traffic.

"Spring has always been a season of coming together, and that sense of connection is at the heart of who we are," said Thomas Yun, Vice President of Menu Strategy and Innovation at Cracker Barrel. "Our spring...

IFFO Announces its 2026 Members’ Meeting in Madrid

The Marine Ingredients Organisation is pleased to announce thatits 2026 Members’ Meeting will take place 27–29 April 2026 in Madrid, Spain, marking the second consecutive year that the Spanish capital hosts this flagship gathering of the global marine ingredients value chain.  

The meeting will bring together industry leaders from across the world to discuss the latest developments related to marine ingredients, market trends, sustainability challenges, innovation, and global supply dynamics... 

ANALYSIS: Europe’s Frozen Squid Imports Increase on Robust Peru and China Output

Frozen squid imports into Europe (EU and UK) grew 7.5% year-to-date (YTD) for January–November. This increase was mainly driven by Peru, which rose 6.0% YTD, followed by China, up 34.0%.

Peru had a successful 2025 season for Humboldt squid (Dosidicus gigas), with the total allowable catch (TAC) set at 609,935 mt. At the beginning of 2026, the Peruvian Sea Institute (IMARPE) reported that oceanographic conditions remain favorable, leading the Peruvian Ministry of Production to set the initial maximum permissible total catch limit (LMCTP)...

Northern Wind to Roll Out Bon Cuisine Frozen Seafood Line at SENA

Northern Wind will introduce Bon Cuisine, a retail-focused frozen seafood line, at Seafood Expo North America in Boston next month, positioning the line as a ready option for retailers targeting protein-driven shoppers.

The Bon Cuisine range pairs premium shrimp and wild-caught scallops with chef-crafted butter sauces designed for consistent flavor and quick preparation. Northern Wind said the SKUs are built for freezer-case visibility and repeat purchase, delivering restaurant-style results from freezer to plate in about 10 minutes...

The Retail Rundown: Beef Leads Valentine’s Protein Features as Lobster Prices Ease

Beef tops protein feature volume this week, accounting for 25.1% of ad space. Seafood follows at 23.6%, with pork at 23.1% and chicken at 22.1%. Egg promotions fell to just 2% of total protein ads, down four points from the prior week amid softening retail demand.

Steaks dominate Valentine’s beef promotions, representing 40% of all beef features. Ribeyes, T-bones, and boneless strip filets lead the lineup, and all at sizable premiums compared to last year.

According to Expana’s US Valentine’s Day Index, tenderloin prices have eased month-over-month...

Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun Named to Washington Post’s Next 50 List for 2026

Red Lobster's CEO, Damola Adamolekun, has been named to the Washington Post’s Next 50 List for 2026. The list highlights 50 individuals who are “reshaping how America thinks, works, connects and creates.” The publication said those included will define the stories of 2026.

Adamolekun, 36, has already made a significant impact at Red Lobster. He spearheaded a major menu update, including a renewed focus on seafood boils and revamped promotions. He was first named CEO in September 2024, ushering in a new era for the seafood...

Daniel Suddaby Departs Global Tuna Alliance Following Board Direction Shift

The Global Tuna Alliance (GTA) parted ways with Executive Director Daniel Suddaby, the group announced on February 9.

Suddaby wrote on LinkedIn that his time with the alliance has ended, citing a Board decision to change direction.

The Board thanked Suddaby for his efforts in managing global tuna fisheries.

“Over the past three years, it’s been a privilege to work with an outstanding team and a committed group of Partners to help grow GTA from a small...

UK Supermarkets See Sales of Sustainable Seafood Soar

UK retailers enjoyed rapid growth in sales of certified sustainable seafood last year (2024-25) thanks in large part to almost two thirds (63%) of wild caught fish and seafood products now carrying the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) ecolabel. There are now almost 1,000 (948) MSC labelled products sold under supermarkets’ own brands.

The £1.7bn consumers spent on 189,000 tonnes of MSC labelled products represents a 14% increase on the previous year, according to the MSC UK and Ireland Market Report which is published today...

Habit Burger Introduces New Baja Crispy Fish Sandwich and Fish Fridays In Time For Lent

Habit Burger is offering something for everyone this Lent with the introduction of its new Baja Crispy Fish Sandwich and Fish Fridays.

From February 18 through April 28, Habit is debuting its Baja Crispy Fish Sandwich, featuring wild Alaskan Cod complemented by cilantro lime coleslaw and finished with Habit’s signature bold Baja sauce.

"This sandwich is all about texture and freshness," said Chef Jason Triail, Director of Culinary Innovation at Habit. "You’ve got that light, crispy crunch from the beer-battered cod...

NOAA Releases 2023 Fisheries of the US and Economics Reports; Seafood Consumption Dips

NOAA Fisheries' two flagship reports — 2023 Fisheries of the United States and 2023 Fisheries Economics of the United States — were released yesterday, presenting data and trends from 2023. 

Key takeaways from the report include: 

- In 2023, U.S. commercial fishing, seafood, and recreational fishing supported 2.1 million full- and part-time jobs, generated $319 billion in sales impacts, and contributed $148 billion to gross domestic product.

- Total landings revenues in 2023 decreased 16 percent to $5.1 billion in inflation-adjusted 2023 dollars, primarily...

Trump Order, US‑India Statement Lock in 18% Tariff on Indian Shrimp Imports

Further details of President Trump's announcement of a US-India trade deal were revealed through a February 7 Executive Order and a joint statement confirming the removal of the 25% ad valorem tariff on India‑origin goods and an Indian reciprocal tariff of 18%.

In the EO, US President Donald Trump confirmed that, effective February 7, 2026, products imported from India will no longer be subject to the additional 25% ad valorem tariff, which was imposed on India for purchasing Russian oil...

Captain D's Debuts Crispy Crunchy Shrimp for Lent

Captain D's introduces its new wonton-coated Crispy Crunchy Shrimp to cater to customers seeking meat alternatives during Lent. Available for a limited time until April 5, these shrimp can be enjoyed as part of the Crispy Crunchy Shrimp & Fish Meal, priced at $5.99 as part of Captain D's Full Meal Deals. These meals include hush puppies and a choice of classic side.

Guests can also opt for the 8 Pc Crispy Crunchy Shrimp & 2 Pc Fish Meal or the Ultimate Seafood Platter featuring Crispy...