Other Media | SeafoodSource: Japanese seafood companies keep plants open, adopt telework in response to COVID-19 crisis
JAPAN
Saturday, May 16, 2020
Several major seafood companies in Japan have temporarily changed the ways they operate in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, turning to telework and other methods to keep employees safer.
Maruha Nichiro Co., Ltd.’s domestic and overseas food factories are operating normally, though its customer consultation office is not accepting phone calls. Inquiries are by e-mail only, and the company warns that it may take longer than usual to reply.
Some of the Tokyo-based company’s products are getting a boost from shifting consumer demand related to the novel coronavirus. A consumption style nicknamed "nesting," in which people refrain from unnecessary shopping trips, and eat at home, is increasing.
Author. Chris Loew / SeafoodSource | Read the full articlehere
A total of 38 exhibitors will join the Pavilion of Denmark at Nor-Fishing 2026, presenting Danish solutions for the fisheries, fish processing and maritime industries while strengthening business relationships in one of the Nordic region’s most important markets.
Pavilion of Denmark at Nor-Fishing 2026 will be the place to find Danish innovation and solutions for the fisheries, fish processing and maritime industries.This year, 38 exhibitors will join the Pavilion of Denmark to form a strong presence at one of the leading events in the industry.
Internationally recognised shrimp aquaculture specialist David Kawahigashi has been announced as one of the plenary speakers at the Latin American and Caribbean Aquaculture Congress (LACQUA26) to be held in El Salvador in October.
With more than 40 years of technical and management experience spanning every stage of shrimp aquaculture, Kawahigashi is the founder and director of Vannamei 101, a Hawaii-based aquaculture consulting and training company dedicated to advancing knowledge transfer and innovative technologies throughout the global aquaculture industry.
Source: fishfarmingexpert | Read the full article here
Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia—the Asian edition of the trade show organized by the U.S.-based company Diversified—has kicked off the countdown to its next event, scheduled for September 2–4, 2026, at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore.
Seafood suppliers from around the world and across every link of the supply chain will gather to showcase new products, strengthen business relationships, and analyze the sector's opportunities and challenges. "The addition of new exhibitors and national and regional pavilions from four continents highlights the event's importance as a strategic platform within the growing Asian market."
Source: Industrias Pesqueras | Read the full article here
The global seafood giant Thai Union has made a significant recovery in the second quarter of 2026, after a challenging time last year.
The company said it delivered an all-time high gross profit margin of 21.4% - exceeding the 2026 target range and already in line with the company’s 2030 target.
Two of Thai Union’s main brands include John West and King Oscar.The dividend per share grew 14.3%, the company’s strongest interim dividend for four years and equivalent to an attractive interim dividend yield of 3.4%.
Author: Vince McDonagh / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here
Vietnam’s tilapia exports to Japan reached US$1.4 million in the first half of 2026, up 54%. Fillets, representing 67% of export value, are entering the sushi and sashimi segment, supporting the development of higher-value products.
Compared with the United States and Brazil—which currently account for a larger share of Vietnam's tilapia exports—Japan may not generate dramatic export volumes in the short term. However, the market's strategic value lies in its ability to establish benchmark quality standards and pave the way for premium processed seafood products.
Tilapia exports for sushi and sashimi increase raw-material value and create opportunities for sliced fillets, portion packs, ready-to-eat, seasoned, and other value-added products.
The 54% export growth recorded in the first half of 2026 suggests that Japan is opening a new avenue for Vietnam's tilapia industry.
The sector generated nearly US$1.173 billion in revenue during the first half of 2026.
China led the list with US$406.6 million (34.7%), followed by Spain (US$217.7 million) and the US (US$63.3 million). Sales grew by 19.3%, with squid and shrimp leading the shipments.
Spain ranked second with US$217.7 million (18.6%), followed by the United States with US$63.3 million (5.4%). Rounding out the top ten markets are Thailand (US$44.9 million), Italy (US$43.5 million), Brazil (US$43.5 million), Russia (US$40.7 million), Peru (US$36.8 million), Korea (US$19 million), and Vietnam (US$13.2 million), reflecting the broad geographic diversification of destinations for Argentine fishery products.
The New York steelhead producer could not secure additional water capacity or offset rising operating costs
Operating since 2018, the company shut down its Hudson facility after failing to obtain a dedicated water line needed to reach profitable scale. The closure ends its fresh, smoked and pet-snack supply and renews concerns over the viability of regional land-based RAS projects in the US
The case also serves as a warning for new land-based trout and salmon projects. Initiatives relying on regional markets can command premium prices based on freshness and origin, but they require sufficient volume to absorb fixed costs associated with pumping, filtration, oxygenation, maintenance, and technical staff.
The exit of Hudson Valley Fisheries does not imply that the RAS model is no longer viable in the United States. However, it demonstrates that technology alone does not solve the economic challenges of land-based aquaculture.
The regional gap reaches BRL 1.52/kg, according to Cepea
Tilapia averaged BRL 10.21/kg in northern Paraná, despite a weekly decline of 0.43%. Western Paraná remained at BRL 8.69/kg, the lowest price among the monitored regions. Changes below 1% point to a low-volatility market, while regional supply and processing dynamics continue to shape farm-gate prices.
A report on the Galician economy published by the University of Santiago de Compostela acknowledges the substitution effect that has occurred within the Galician mussel canning industry, where local mussels have been replaced by *choritos* (Chilean mussels). In this regard, the article analyzing the fishing sector—authored by Gonzalo Rodríguez, a researcher in Applied Economics at the University of Santiago de Compostela—explains that "while prior to 2007 approximately two-thirds of production went to the processing industry and one-third to the fresh market, that ratio subsequently reversed, completely altering commercial dynamics and forcing the opening of new markets for fresh consumption."
Source: iPac.acuicultura | Read the full article here
Norway Pelagic Fishing Update Week 31 Norway
North Sea Herring Fishing Continues in the British Zone
North Sea herring catches lead activity in week 31, accompanied by regular landings of mackerel, blue whiting, sprat, and NVG herring
During w...
JAPAN.png)
Several major seafood companies in Japan have temporarily changed the ways they operate in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, turning to telework and other methods to keep employees safer.
NORWAY
A total of 38 exhibitors will join the Pavilion of Denmark at 
EL SALVADOR.png)
Internationally recognised shrimp aquaculture specialist David Kawahigashi has been announced as one of the plenary speakers at the Latin American and Caribbean Aquaculture Congress
SINGAPORE.png)
Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia
THAILAND
The global seafood giant 
Norway’s average export price for fresh salmon rose 21.4% year on year in week 31 as export volumes also increased, official figures showed.
Fillets now enter the sushi and sashimi segment.
ARGENTINA.png)
China led the list with US$406.6 million (34.7%), followed by Spain (US$217.7 million) and the US (US$63.3 million). Sales grew by 19.3%, with squid and shrimp leading the shipments.
UNITED STATES
The New York steelhead producer could not secure additional water capacity or offset rising operating costs
BRAZIL
The regional gap reaches BRL 1.52/kg, according to Cepea
SPAIN
A report on the Galician economy published by the University of Santiago de Compostela acknowledges the substitution effect that has occurred within the Galician mussel canning industry, where local mussels have been replaced by *choritos* (Chilean mussels). In this regard, the article analyzing the fishing sector—authored by Gonzalo Rodríguez, a researcher in Applied Economics at the University of Santiago de Compostela—explains that "while prior to 2007 approximately two-thirds of production went to the processing industry and one-third to the fresh market, that ratio subsequently reversed, completely altering commercial dynamics and forcing the opening of new markets for fresh consumption."
