ANALYSIS: US Shrimp Import Estimates and Retail Signals Point to a Tightening, Form‑Specific Market 

Country‑level import estimates through October show a post‑frontload correction: modeled volumes for September and October are down roughly 10% and 18% year‑on‑year, respectively, while year‑to‑date imports are up about 8% but essentially flat (+3.6%) since May. Ecuador’s volumes increase relative to other origins; India, Indonesia and Vietnam display divergent month‑to‑month paths. Model error ranges run roughly 9–18% by origin, depending on data history. Finalized customs data and country export splits remain pending...

Industry Hears What's Working For Retail and Foodservice Sectors at ASMI’s All Hands Meeting

Last week, leaders in Alaska’s seafood industry heard from Circana and Technomic about retail and foodservice trends in seafood, including a deep dive into what motivates consumers to buy more seafood today. 

The audience of seafood executives — from CEOs to vessel captains — are all members of the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, attending the annual All Hands meeting for four days to share research and analysis with real-world experience in harvesting, processing, distribution, and marketing.

“There are five mega trends driving food sales in retail...

OBBBA’s 2nd Oil Lease Sale this March for Alaska’s Cook Inlet, 1st Sale Next Month for Gulf States

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) today announced two major oil and gas lease sales last Friday, as promised in President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

BOEM, part of the Department of the Interior, released the Final Notice of Sale for Lease Sale Big Beautiful Gulf 1 (BBG1), the first of 30 Gulf of America lease sales. The Gulf of Mexico was renamed by Trump to the Gulf of America...

Norwegian Seafood Council Sees Big Opportunity for At-Home Poké as UK Consumers Embrace Raw Seafood

Recent research from the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) points to a potential opportunity for retailers and companies to develop Hawaiian-inspired poke products for at-home consumption.

The NSC reported that 42% of consumers in the United Kingdom are opting to eat poke away from home, with most citing health benefits and taste as their reasons. However, of the 54% who said they have prepared poke at home, only 30% do so on a monthly basis, with half of that total saying it’s something...

Southern‑Style Seafood Arrives in Europe as Captain D's Debuts in the UK

Captain D’s opened its first United Kingdom and European flagship restaurant in Broadstairs, Kent, last month, roughly nine months after the company announced it had signed a 20-unit franchise agreement in the UK, as Expana reported.

The milestone launch marks a major step in the brand's international expansion and introduces British diners to authentic American Southern-style seafood, the company said in a press release.

"This grand opening is a proud and emotional moment for us," said Daryl Stutchbury, CEO of Captain D's UK...

Navigating the Trump Tariff Turbulence: A Comprehensive Timeline

US President Donald Trump and his administration have paused reciprocal tariffs on most countries.

“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown... I am hereby raising the [tariff] charged to China by the [USA] to 125%, effective immediately,” wrote Trump on Truth Social at 1:18 pm ET. 

It’s not clear if this 125% is in addition to the 20% imposed on Chinese imports to the US. In early March, Trump noted that he would add another 10% tariff on Chinese goods...

Oregon Dungeness Crab is Ready for Harvest!

Oregon’s Dungeness crab fleet appears headed for an on-time start to the 2025–26 commercial season, with preseason testing showing strong meat recovery across all sampling areas. The only thing that could hold up an on-time season start for Dec. 1: Elevated domoic acid levels in one or more areas.  

According to coastwide test data, all Oregon areas exceeded the state’s minimum meat recovery criteria, according to results released by the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission – an encouraging sign for harvesters and processors after several...

Red Lobster Launches Fresh Seafood Boils and Seasonal Delights

The popularity of the seafood boil has reemerged recently, fueled by food content creators and social media.

Armed with a relentless CEO and rebounding from bankruptcy, Red Lobster has embraced the trend in an effort to heat up its menu, and amplify foot traffic.

Expana first announced the addition of the new seafood boils in June . Following their successful debut, Expana later reported in September that the restaurant made the boils a permanent part of its menu.

Most recently, the company has added three new flavors...

ICFA Urges COP30 Negotiators to Recognize Critical Role of Fisheries in Climate Action

The International Coalition of Fisheries Associations (ICFA) reminds climate change negotiators of the critical role fisheries play in both climate mitigation and adaptation. ICFA emphasizes two key points: (1) the fisheries sector’s contribution to mitigating climate change; and (2) the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems and fish stocks. Related to both is the critical role blue foods play in global food security and nutrition. 

Next week, during the 30^th Conference of the Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, countries are expected...

Reports of Possible ICE Facility Near Newport, Ore., Stir Concern

City and state officials are seeking clarification after reports surfaced that the US Department of Homeland Security may be evaluating potential sites along the Oregon Coast, including property near the Newport Municipal Airport, for a new US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility.

In a statement released Monday, Newport city leaders confirmed they had received credible information indicating the airport property, currently deeded to the US Coast Guard, was identified as one possible location. The city emphasized that, although details remain unconfirmed, the potential for an ICE facility...

Q3 Results Drive Foodservice Headlines in First Half of November

Major industry players across the business captured attention in the first half of the month as foodservice providers released new insights from their quarterly reports.

Many restaurants are facing challenges in the third quarter as US consumers cut back on frequent dining. This compilation provides a thorough overview of key players' performance results and the latest in the most notable company news.

QSR's

McDonald's Q3, FY 2025

McDonald's reported a 3.6% increase in global same-store sales for the third quarter, surpassing analysts' expectations...

Veramaris Unveils Leadership Changes as It Enters New Expansion Phase

Veramaris recently announced leadership changes in alignment with the company's next phase of strategic evolution.

In this phase, the company aims to deepen partnerships, expand its operational footprint, and establish itself as the industry's certified sustainable purveyor of essential Omega-3s.

The focus will be on scaling responsibly, supporting partners with reliable nutrition solutions, and enabling the industry to plan with greater confidence.

As part of these changes, Mark van Nieuwland will succeed Gertjan de Koning as CEO, effective January 1, 2026. He will join...

BioMar Delivers Continued High-Volume Growth and Solid Earnings in Q3

Hitting the peak season, BioMar delivered a record Q3 with an all-time high EBITDA result. Volumes increased by 9% year on year in Q3, while EBITDA increased by 10%. The volume growth was primarily attributable to positive developments in Chile and Ecuador, while biological conditions had an adverse impact on volumes in Norway.

As a continuation of the strong growth in volumes in Q2, the company is well ahead of last year, and with only few months left of 2025, it is looking like yet another good year

ANALYSIS: Atlantic Halibut Reaches Two-Decade Price Highs Despite Familiar Seasonal Trends

Atlantic halibut pricing in 2025 has followed familiar seasonal patterns despite notable volatility throughout the year. The market experienced significant price swings, though many occurred at similar intervals compared to previous years

The market demonstrated its typical rhythm with increases ahead of spring holidays, summer softening, and subsequent recovery. Currently, pricing is climbing heading into the winter holiday season, when some of the year's highest prices typically occur.

This year's price increases began about two weeks earlier than usual, contributing to elevated pricing compared to year-over-year...

Echo Falls Announces Leadership Changes to Drive Continued Expansion

In pursuit of continued expansion, Echo Falls has recently implemented a series of leadership changes.

Nearly two weeks ago, Expana covered the promotions of Jeff Gernand to Director of National Sales – Branded Products and Rachael Minieri to Director of Private Label Sales, respectively.

These promotions created vacancies in the Regional Sales Manager positions previously held by Gernand (West) and Minieri (East).

This week, the company welcomed two leaders to fill those roles. Kimberly Novkov was appointed Regional Sales Manager, Western Territory, while Paul Williams will serve...

The Retail Rundown: A Season of Plenty, Except for Turkey

For retailers, this year’s holiday season is shaping up to be one of plenty. The National Retail Federation (NRF) projects November and December sales to surpass $1 trillion for the first time, underscoring consumers’ continued spending power.

“American consumers may be cautious in sentiment, yet remain fundamentally strong and continue to drive U.S. economic activity,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay.

While foodservice outlets are poised to capture consumer traffic on hectic days, retail prepared foods and frozen entrées are well-positioned to compete for at-home dining occasions as shoppers seek convenient, time-saving meal solutions...

Cousins Maine Lobster Drives Midwest Momentum with New St. Louis Truck

Cousins Maine Lobster (CML), the industry-leading fast-casual lobster roll brand, has signed an agreement with local family entrepreneurs, Sam, Tommy, and Tarik Ramadan, to bring its signature Maine lobster food truck experience to Missouri. The new truck is set to launch in April 2026, marking CML's highly anticipated debut in the St. Louis market and continuing its ongoing Midwest expansion.

Tommy Ramadan will lead the venture, providing strategic direction and management oversight, with support from his younger brother, Tarik, who will oversee...