ANALYSIS: France Posts Decade‑High Shrimp Imports in 2025

The French National Directorate of Foreign Trade Statistics has released full‑year 2025 figures for shrimp imports. France imported 137,137 metric tonnes of shrimp last year, worth EUR 889.14 million—up 12.2% in volume and 10.5% in value compared with 2024. This is the highest volume in a decade. The totals cover all shrimp species and product forms, but frozen warm‑water shrimp remain the backbone of the trade: HS code 030617 accounts for 84% of import value...

FDA Puts Ecuadorian Shrimp Producer SONGA on Red List for Salmonella Risk

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has added Sociedad Nacional de Galápagos C.A. (SONGA), a prominent Ecuadorian shrimp producer, to its Import Alert 16-81, which targets seafood products found or suspected to be contaminated with Salmonella. The addition, published February 6, 2026, means SONGA’s shipments destined for the United States will face increased scrutiny and potential detention at the border.

Import Alert 16-81 authorizes the FDA to detain without physical examination (DWPE) seafood products from listed companies when Salmonella contamination is known...

NASCAR's Busch Family Reignites Successful StarKist Partnership for a Second Year

In a partnership renewal, the NASCAR family- Kyle, Samantha, and Brexton Busch- is once again joining forces with StarKist, building on a highly successful collaboration last year.

"It's going to be another great year with our friends at StarKist. I grew up with the brand, and I'm a big fan," expressed Kyle Busch. "Daytona sets the tone for a long season with nonstop momentum, and racing 500 miles requires serious focus and energy behind the wheel. I never slow down, so I rely on StarKist's great-tasting...

UNFI Unveils 2026 Spring and Summer Retail Trends 

As the industry shifts out of the holiday season and into the new year, United Natural Foods (UNFI) has unveiled seasonal trends set to take shape as the weather warms.

The company debuted its 2026 Spring and Summer Trends at its latest retail show, held Feb. 11–12 in Orlando, Fla., with more than 3,400 retailers and suppliers in attendance.

UNFI outlined five trends expected to gain momentum this spring and summer:

1. Health is Wealth: Increased adoption of GLP-1 medications and updated USDA guidelines...

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...

Mowi Sees 8.3% Growth in Harvest Volume for 2026, Reaffirms Outlook Despite Market Pressures

Mowi closed 2025 with record-high revenues of EUR 5.73 billion ($6.80 billion) and harvest volumes of 559,000 metric tons (MT), capping a year of consistent operational gains despite industry-wide supply pressures that depressed salmon prices throughout the year.

“I am delighted that we are delivering on our strategy and am impressed yet again by the way this whole organisation constantly strives for both record volumes and record revenues throughout the value chain. It is also pleasing to see that costs...

Canada Launches New Plan For Seafood and Agricultural Sectors to Diversify Markets 

Yesterday, at the annual Policy Breakfast of Food and Beverage Canada, Minister of Agriculture Heath MacDonald announced two new programs to help Canadian food suppliers diversify their markets.

A total of $75 million will be invested in the AgriMarketing Program Market Diversification over 5 years (2026-27 to 2030-31) for the Canadian food sector to better respond to market instability by encouraging greater market diversification.

The action was promised by Canada’s new prime minister, Mark Carney, last September in a speech outlining sweeping economic changes...

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...

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...