FFAW-Unifor Seeks Dismissal of Price Panel Chair, ASP Backs Murphy Amid Snow Crab Settlement Feud

The union representing snow crab harvesters in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), FFAW-Unifor, has called for the removal of Standing Fish Price Setting Panel Chair Sheilagh Murphy in a letter to NL Minister Mike Goosney.

FFAW criticized Murphy's public comments, which they say effectively rewrote the Panel’s decision by stating that only 30-lb bulk boxes should be used in calculating the end-of-season settlement payment. The union described this as an “unauthorized intervention” occurring after the decision-making process was complete...

ANALYSIS: EU–UK Shrimp Imports Hit Record Level in December 2025

Eurostat has released the latest EU–UK trade figures, revealing record shrimp purchases of 67,972 metric tonnes (MT) in December. This marked a slight month‑on‑month decline of 1.2% but an impressive 24.4% increase compared to December 2024, confirming the positive trend throughout 2025. Overall shrimp volumes for the year - including warm water and cold water species - rose 8.7% year‑on‑year and 12.0% above the previous five‑year average...

Kura Sushi Features Authentic Japanese Ingredients in New Kura Reserve Menu

Kura Sushi USA, a pioneer in US revolving sushi restaurants, is showcasing Japanese flavors for a limited time with its latest menu innovations. This Kura Reserve menu is crafted with authentic ingredients sourced from Japan and expertly paired for six new offerings.

The new additions include:

Shima Aji: White trevally fish layered over Kura's specialty rice.

Kanpachi: Known as Almaco Jack or Longfin Yellowtail, this fish from Kagoshima offers a subtly sweet flavor with a tender, smooth texture atop Kura's specialty rice.

Seared Yuzu Infused Albacore...

Pokeworks Celebrates a Record-Breaking 2025

Pokeworks is celebrating a record-breaking 2025, showcasing exponential growth and achieving the highest level of franchisee and guest satisfaction ever.

The company's success is reflected in its franchise growth, higher consumer demand, and innovations in its menu, technology, and catering business.

These accomplishments helped earn Pokeworks its place as the most reviewed and highest-rated poke brand in the country, with an average 4.8-star rating across Google Reviews.

"2025 was a defining year for Pokeworks," said Peter Yang, Co-Founder and Head of Development of Pokeworks. "We experienced...

Ireland: Ministers Launch Food Vision Seafood Sector Group

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, together with Minister of State with responsibility for Fisheries and the Marine, Timmy Dooley TD, have today jointly launched the Food Vision Seafood Sector Group.

Ireland’s seafood sector is vital to maintaining the economic viability of our rural coastal communities. The seafood sector also underpins the social fabric of coastal communities and helps deliver on environmental sustainability.

The Group, which has been established in response to significantly reduced fishing opportunities for the Irish fleet in 2026, will operate under the auspices...

Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun Signals More Restaurant Closures Amid Brand Turnaround

Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun said the company may close additional restaurant locations as it works to recover from its 2024 bankruptcy.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Adamolekun cited third-party data showing improved consumer sentiment, higher visits, and a 10% increase in sales compared with last year. “There’s a lot of positive signs, but we inherited a very damaged brand, so there’s still work to do to repair all of that,” he told the publication...

Sernapesca Says Invermar Mass Mortality Tied to Oxygen Depletion in Quinchao, Chile

Last Thursday, Chilean salmon farmer and processor Invermar S.A. activated its emergency response to a mass mortality event due to low oxygen levels in the ocean at their Traiguén 2 farming center at Quinchao near Chiloé Island.  

Inspectors from the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca) are on the ground, confirming that all activities outlined in the contingency action plan are being adequately addressed. 

So far, 283 tons of salmon have been reported affected, equivalent to 10% of the biomass at the farming facility...

Hokkaido Herring Fishery Opened Well, up 53% Year-On-Year at the End of January

As of the end of January, herring fishing along Hokkaido's Sea of ​​Japan coast reached 498 tons, a 53% increase over the same period last year. Although it's still early in the season, it's off to a good start compared to last year. 

This season, gillnet fishing operations began around January 20th, primarily in the Ishikari and Shiribeshi regions, with the Ishikari Bay Fisheries Cooperative and the Otaru City Fisheries Cooperative. However, a strong cold wave immediately after the fishing season opened...

Canada Recalls TS Brand Sushi EBI Frozen Cooked Shrimp Due to Chemical Contaminants

Last Friday, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued a recall of TS brand Sushi EBI frozen cooked shrimp distributed in Quebec to hotels, restaurants and institutional foodservice operations.  

“Do not use, sell, serve or distribute the affected product,” their online notice warned. The product is in 155g packages with a UPC number of 8 16553 00490 3 and the code number: 2027 JN 02; VN499VIO29CAN. 

The TS brand Sushi EBI Frozen Cooked Shrimp was recalled due to 3-amino-2-oxazolidinone, commonly referred...

The Retail Rundown: Retail Focus Turns to Lent Promotions

This week in retail, attention is focused on Lent and the broader economic landscape, with inflation back in the spotlight following the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) release. Although overall inflation showed signs of cooling, food costs continue to edge higher on a monthly basis, keeping value messaging front and center as grocers work to attract price-sensitive consumers.

With the Christian Lenten season now underway, retailers are pivoting quickly. The 40-day period of fasting and reduced meat consumption among Catholics is traditionally a tailwind for seafood, and grocers are leaning into features and promotional pricing to capture traffic...

Russia Boosts Fish Processing Output, Fillet Production Climbs 9%

Russia is increasing fish processing volumes as demand for fish products remains stable, according to the latest data from the Russian Fish Union.

In 2025, Russian companies produced 4.1 million tons of fish and fish products. While frozen fish output declined slightly, production of frozen fish fillets rose. Frozen fish volumes fell 3% to 2.6 million tons, largely due to increased production of more deeply processed products.

Frozen fish fillet output increased by 9% to 253,000 tons. On‑board pollock fillet production reached 102,000 tons in 2025...

Taco Cabana Introduces Fan-Created Margarita, Popcorn Shrimp and Fajita Melt Tacos

Taco Cabana, a celebrated fast-casual Mexican-inspired dining chain for nearly 50 years, is introducing a flavorful slate of limited-time menu offerings like new fajita tacos, crispy popcorn shrimp selections and a vibrant seasonal margarita, delivering a cohesive mix of indulgence, variety and value.

“Flavor is a key driver of how guests engage with our brand, and Taco Cabana continues to lead by delivering menu moments that feel accessible, indulgent and worth celebrating,” said Ulyses Camacho, President and COO of Taco Cabana...

ANALYSIS: Illex Squid Supply Surges While Prices Face Downward Pressure

The Illex squid (Illex argentinus) season began on Feb. 2, 2026. After just a few weeks of fishing, market participants reported adequate catch levels.

According to Argentina’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, cumulative landings from Jan. 1 to Feb. 3 totaled 48,987 MT, up 197% from 16,473 MT in the same period in 2025 (Figure 1), aligning with market participants’ reports of very strong catches, similar to those heard a year ago.

Even though catches appear robust, there are concerns about size, with the majority of the catch grading...

Foodservice Chains Roll Out Lent Seafood Push: AYCE Shrimp, Pollock Tacos and Lobster Sandwiches

As Lent begins tomorrow, the foodservice industry is diving into the seafood wave, introducing fresh options to captivate patrons. Numerous specials and limited-time offers have emerged, as reported by Expana last week, while new promotions continue to surface. We remain committed to keeping the industry informed about the latest seafood innovations and trends throughout this season.

Golden Corral is reintroducing its All-You-Can-Eat Butterfly Shrimp & Steak, featuring tender Signature Carved Sirloin and crispy jumbo Butterfly Shrimp, available for a limited time...

FDA Issues Warning Letter to Maui Seafood Over Listeria Contamination, HACCP Violations

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning letter to Maui Seafood LLC of Las Vegas, NV, citing the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in its ready‑to‑eat (RTE) seafood processing facility and multiple violations of federal seafood HACCP regulations.

The inspection, conducted from April 28 to May 16, 2025, found L. monocytogenes on several food contact surfaces, including salmon cutting boards, staging area curtains, and processing room drains. Whole-genome sequencing linked the strain detected at the facility to clinical cases from previous years...

PanaPesca Adds Retail Head Gary Wooten and Veteran Squid Expert Noah Clark to Sales Team

Massachusetts-based PanaPesca USA announced additions to its sales team on LinkedIn last week. The frozen seafood supplier welcomed Gary Wooten as its new director of retail and Noah Clark as its regional sales manager.

Wooten brings 17 years of sales and business development experience with national CPG seafood brands, including leadership roles at Walmart and Sam’s Club. PanaPesca said Wooten has expanded branded distribution and launched new products, leveraging his background in category management, forecasting, trade execution, and private-label retail...

Long John Silver's Brings Back $6 Shrimp Basket for Lent

Long John Silver's, a leading quick-service seafood restaurant, is bringing back its $6 Shrimp Basket for a limited time. Now available in a new Sweet Chili flavor, this offering arrives just in time for Lent.

This initiative aligns with the chain's broader commitment to providing full, flavorful meals at a $6 price point, featuring a variety of rotating basket options planned throughout the year.

"Even as someone who's still fairly new to the brand, I've been...