Expana Announces CEO Transition as Julie Harris Appointed Chief Executive Officer

Expana, the world’s leading agrifood-focused Price Reporting Agency and market intelligence provider, today announced that Julie Harris has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective January 26, 2026. She will succeed Spencer Wicks, who has decided to retire after more than seven years of leadership.

Julie joins Expana with an extensive track record in the global data and analytics sector. Most recently CEO of IWSR, the beverage-alcohol data and insight provider, she led the company through major product expansion, platform modernization

Albertsons Delivers Strong Q3 Results Amid Shutdown Challenges

Albertsons released financial results for its third quarter on Wednesday, reflecting improvements in key metrics while noting impacts from the temporary US government shutdown and delayed SNAP funding.

CEO Susan Morris described the company’s performance as “solid,” saying, "Our investments in technology and AI are fundamentally reshaping how we operate and serve our customers, driving smarter decisions, greater efficiency, and more personalized experiences." She added, "As we look ahead, I am confident that our modernized technology foundation, relentless focus on productivity, and commitment to innovation will enable...

Coast Guard Rescues Nine Crew of Crab Vessel Arctic Sea Near St. George Island, Alaska

Early in the morning of Monday, January 5, the 134-foot crab vessel Arctic Sea lost power and began drifting toward the shallow north shore of St. George Island, part of the Pribilof Islands in the central Bering Sea.  

At 4:11 a.m., watchstanders at the Coast Guard Arctic District Command Center in Juneau received a call that the vessel was taking on water and had run aground with nine people aboard.  

At the same time, Eric Deakin, CEO of Coastal Villages Region Fund...

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Raw Oysters Reported Across 22 States, Growers Frustrated

On December 23, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released a report on a recent outbreak of a strain of Salmonella likely linked to raw oysters and initiated an investigation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to find the source. 

The report identified 64 cases of Salmonella Telelkebir infection across 22 states, with 20 hospitalizations. Since then, another two cases have been reported in Maryland by state officials, according to the Baltimore Sun. That brings the total number of cases in Maryland to three, up from... 

Norwegian Seafood Council Flags US Tariffs Impact, Highlights China and Salmon as Growth Drivers

The Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) reported that US tariffs weighed on seafood exports in the second half of 2025 but emphasized that the United States remains a vital market with strong growth potential for Norwegian seafood.

“The USA's new tariffs created a lot of noise and turmoil for Norwegian seafood exports. From being a market with record growth and an almost insatiable appetite for salmon and crab from Norway in the first half of 2025, US trade throughout the year was characterized by tariffs...

A Year of Change, Value, and Growth in Foodservice

As we closed the month of December and ushered out the year 2025, we look back at some of the most memorable moments in foodservice. From corporate controversy to shifting consumer behavior, the year delivered no shortage of headlines.

Controversy erupted when a popular chain restaurant walked back a logo redesign that ultimately spilled into the political arena. "Value" emerged as the buzzword of the year as restaurants competed to give consumers more for their money. Meanwhile, beef prices climbed to historic highs, pushing chicken into the spotlight as diners...

Russia Continues Supplies of its Cod and Pollock to EU Despite the Existing Restrictions and Duties

Russia continues the supplies of its cod and pollock to the EU despite the existing restrictions and duties although this does not lead to decline of fish prices in the European market.

In fact, the European Union banned imports of caviar from Russia after the beginning of Russian-Ukranian war, but other fish products, including cod, still remained on the market being not a subject of bans. In 2024, the EU revoked Russian fisherman their tariff exemptions, but purchases of Russian

Midcoast Lobsterman was a Thoughtful and Persuasive Advocate for Industry

Chris McIntire was content. He had made goals — to live on Orr’s Island, to fish for a living, to raise a family — and by working hard, he had achieved them. Maybe more than anything else, he wanted to make sure his children could also have the life that satisfied him so much, if they wanted it.

McIntire, an emerging voice in the community and in Maine’s lobster fishery, died unexpectedly on Nov. 24 at the age of 32.

McIntire followed paths worn in by his parents...

2025: A Pivotal Year Reordering Global Seafood Trade and Policy

The year 2025 marked a watershed in seafood trade and policy with transformative impacts felt across international supply chains, domestic regulations, and industry competitiveness. At the center was President Trump’s sweeping reciprocal tariff regime, reshaping sourcing and pricing dynamics from shrimp to crab, while high-profile regulatory actions, from the FDA's radioactive shrimp recalls to NOAA’s Marine Mammal Protection Act import bans, reverberated through global markets. Domestically, the Trump administration launched bold initiatives, including an executive order to cut regulatory burdens and a strategic roundtable...

Expana to Observe New Year Holiday on January 1, 2026

Expana will be observing the New Year holiday on Thursday, January 1, 2026.

As previously announced, Market Insights and Market Updates were suspended beginning December 22 through January 2 with normal publishing to resume Monday January 5, 2026.

See the publication schedule for the 2025 Holiday Period here. 

Additionally, the Editorial Department will not be publishing news on Thursday, January 1 and will resume normal publishing on Friday, January 2, 2026. 

Happy New Year to all from everyone at Expana.

Cermaq Completes $1 Billion Acquisition of Grieg's Finnmark and Canadian Salmon Farming Operations

Grieg Seafood has finalized the sale of its Finnmark, Norway, and Canadian operations to Cermaq for NOK 10.2 billion (USD 1 billion) on a cash- and debt-free basis, with a normalized working capital assumption.

First announced in July 2025, Mitsubishi Corporation–owned Cermaq said the acquisition will strengthen its competitiveness in salmon farming and drive significant growth. Last week, Expana reported that Cermaq would inject fresh equity into three of its holding companies to finance the purchase...

Long John Silver’s Brings Back $6 Fish & Chicken Basket

Long John Silver’s is bringing back its popular fish baskets, harmonizing flavors from both sea and land while delivering the value customers seek. This revival features the $6 Fish & Chicken Basket for a limited time. 

"Guests have been telling us for years that our chicken is a best-kept secret," said Christopher Caudill, Long John Silver's senior vice president of marketing and innovation. "Our hand-battered chicken strips—known as Chicken Planks—are every bit as crave-worthy as our legendary fish. It's time we let that secret...

Today's Top Story: Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Raw Oysters Reported Across 22 States, Growers Frustrated

In today’s top story, a multi‑state Salmonella outbreak linked to raw oysters has sickened at least 64 people across 22 states (20 hospitalizations), prompting a CDC‑FDA probe but no confirmed source to date. Growers in affected regions say the public alert, issued before traceability was confirmed, has unfairly harmed shellfish businesses and called the announcement premature...

Today's Top Story: US Scallop Import Disconnect as Modest Declines Reveal Deeper Market Pressures

In today’s top story, year‑to‑date scallop imports through September slipped 3.0% to 39.7 million lbs, but monthly volatility hides a tighter market: August plunged to one of the lowest monthly totals in recent years before a partial rebound in September. Country‑level shifts—sharp drops from Canada and Japan, offset partially by gains from Argentina and China—point to constrained harvests, pricing pressure, and seasonal availability shaping buyers’ sourcing...

Today's Top Story: Argentina Sets Early January Start for 2026 Illex Squid Season

In today’s top story, Argentina will open its 2026 Illex squid season south of 44°S on Jan. 9 for most vessels, with staggered earlier starts, Jan. 2 between 49°–52°S and Jan. 7 south of 44°S for boats with at least three days below 49°S, after CAPA requested an early launch. Initial stock indicators are strong, and 2025 landings hit 207,790 mt, up 34.6% y‑o‑y and nearly 60% above the...

Golden King and Tanner Crab Seasons Open in SE AK Mid-Feb. 2026, GHLs Slightly Less than 2025

The six-week season of golden king crab and tanner crab in Southeast Alaska will open on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with a slightly lower guideline harvest limit for golden king crab and a lower biomass recorded for mature tanners.    

Last summer and fall’s crab survey data produced a biomass estimate of 3.05 million lbs. of mature male Tanner crab, about 250,000 lbs. lower than the 2024 estimate of 3.30 million lbs. This puts the biomass in a conservative position...

$400K Costco-Bound Lobster Shipment Hijacked in Cargo Theft

A $400,000 shipment of shelled lobster destined for Costco stores in Illinois and Minnesota was hijacked en route, with Rexing Companies claiming the theft was carried out by a driver impersonating a legitimate carrier, in what the company calls a targeted act linked to organized cargo crime rings.

Dylan Rexing, the head of Indiana-based The Rexing Companies, said his company was managing the lobster shipment from a Tauton, Massachusetts facility that was destined for the Costco locations.

“It is pretty safe to say that this...

Japan's Ministry Targets JPY5 Trillion Food Exports by 2030

Atsushi Suginaka, Director-General of the Export and International Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, expressed "2026 New Year's Thoughts" to Minato Shimbun.

The government has set a goal of increasing agricultural, forestry, and fisheries products and food exports to JPY5 trillion ($31.97 billion) by 2030. To achieve this goal, relevant ministries and agencies are working together to promote exports. From January to October 2025, agricultural, forestry, and fishery product and food exports totaled approximately JPY1.3 trillion ($8.31 billion), of which...

Winding Glass: Trump Policies of Tariff and Weak Dollar Damaged Seafood in 2025, Likely to Continue 

Tariffs and a weak dollar created artificial seafood supply shortages in the US in 2025. The result: higher prices for consumers, reduced consumption, and a reorientation of global trade flows away from America.

Supply is the ultimate driver of seafood pricing, as any boat captain landing in New Bedford, Gloucester or Maine will tell you. On days with more boats, prices are down.

The same dynamic holds at the stock level. When a population expands or contracts, it changes the...

Whole Foods Market’s Top Food Trends to Watch in 2026

Whole Foods Market has released its annual forecast of the top food and beverage trends expected to shape shopping carts, kitchens, and consumer preferences in 2026. Developed by the retailer’s Trends Council, a group of buyers, culinary experts, and industry scouts, the list reflects emerging patterns in health, convenience, sustainability, and food culture.

One notable shift is the resurgence of beef tallow, a traditional cooking fat prized for its rich flavor and high smoke point. Once a staple of classic kitchens, tallow is being rediscovered by consumers interested in...

ANALYSIS: US Scallop Import Disconnect as Modest Declines Reveal Deeper Market Pressures

The 2025 scallop import story presents a nuanced picture that demonstrates how monthly volatility can obscure underlying market trends. While year-to-date imports through September totaled 39.7 million lbs, down 3.0% compared to 2024, this modest decline masks significant supply disruptions that have characterized much of the year...

ANALYSIS: YTD Canadian Lobster Exports to EU-UK See Double‑Digit Growth

This year, Europe has emerged as a growing destination for live and frozen lobster from Canada. According to Eurostat, year-to-date imports of Homarus americanus from Canada to the EU and the UK rose 18.2% in volume to 8,947 MT (January–October). While Canadian lobster sales to China have declined due to China’s 25% tariff on Canadian seafood, industry contacts reported an increased focus on the EU–UK, which could present an opportunity for the sector...

ANALYSIS: Argentina Sets Early January Start for 2026 Illex Squid Season

According to the Chamber of Argentine Potero Shipowners (CAPA), an early opening of the squid fishing season south of the 44° South parallel has been agreed, following a request from CAPA to the Federal Fisheries Council (CFP).

The CFP has decided to commence the 2026 squid (Illex argentinus) fishing season south of the 44° South Latitude parallel at 00:00 hours on January 9, 2026, for vessels that have not operated south of the 49° South parallel.

Additional staggered opening...

No 2026 Deal as Russia–Japan Fisheries Talks Stall

Russia and Japan have failed to reach an agreement on fisheries for 2026. The two countries hold annual negotiations to set quotas, identify target species, and establish catch conditions. These arrangements have governed operations in the Southern Kuril Islands since 1984.

Japanese Minister Norikazu Suzuki said the prospects for further dialogue remain unclear, with Tokyo seeking a solution that protects national interests.

Contacts between the parties may continue. For Russia, the Japanese market is relatively minor in terms of imports. According to Kommersant, citing industry sources, Japanese seafood...

The Retail Rundown: New Year's Resolutions Sustain Protein Demand 

January ushers in seasonal headwinds that typically temper consumer spending, as post-holiday budget pressures encourage more cautious purchasing behavior.

While retail traffic generally softens after the holidays, protein demand remains resilient, supported by early-year wellness goals. Protein also continues to anchor merchandising strategies across foodservice as operators adjust to shifting consumer habits, including the growing use of GLP-1 weight-loss medications.

The Winding Glass: Trump Policies of Tariff and Weak Dollar Damaged Seafood in 2025, Likely to Continue

In today’s top story, John Sackton argues that 2025's tariff blitz and weak dollar created an artificial US seafood shortage, pushing prices higher, cutting consumption, and redirecting global flows. Shrimp bore the brunt (significant tariff premiums and supply shifts), salmon flows tilted to China despite modest tariffs, and new MMPA import restrictions add fresh disruption in 2026...

Today's Top Story: A Pivotal Year Reordering Global Seafood Trade and Policy

In today’s top story, 2025 reshaped global seafood trade and policy, driven by President Trump’s sweeping reciprocal tariff regime that disrupted sourcing and pricing across shrimp, crab, and other exports. The year saw regulatory upheavals, including the FDA’s Cs-137 shrimp recalls and NOAA’s MMPA import bans restricting fisheries from entering the US starting in 2026...

Russian Far East King Crab Price Dropped 6% to $37.50 per Kilo at the Second Bussan Auction

The second bidding round of the year for frozen king crab from the Russian Far East took place on December 18th in Busan, South Korea. According to one trading company, 14 tons of cooked, air-blast-frozen crab (10kg fixed weight) produced in mid-November was up for bid. The winning bid (M-3L single price, EXW Busan) was $37.50/kg, 6% lower than the initial bid, and it appears that a single South Korean trading company won the entire...

ANALYSIS: October Marks the Second-Highest Month on Record for EU‑UK Shrimp Imports

October proved the strongest month of the year for EU‑UK shrimp imports, according to Eurostat, with volumes up 9.2% year‑on‑year and 15.9% above the five‑year October average. Purchases totaled 72,381 metric tons, the second‑highest monthly volume on record (behind November 2021 at 72,866 MT). The surge reflects robust summer consumption that prompted substantial replacement buying and strengthened year‑end stocking. Year‑to‑date imports since January are 7.1% higher than a year earlier, confirming a positive trend across the region...