VIDEO: COS Aquaculture Commitment; GAPP Partnerships; Plant-Based Trends; MLMC's Executive Director

Join SeafoodNews Weekly Recap co-hosts Lorin Castiglione and Amanda Buckle as they talk about Chicken of the Sea's responsible aquaculture commitment; GAPP's new partnerships; plant-based trends in Canada; and the MLMC's new Executive Director.

This video is brought to you by Urner Barry. Urner Barry is headed to Brussels for Seafood Expo Global, the world's largest seafood trade fair, taking place from May 7-9. Visit us at booth 6-842 to buy posters and books. Plus, catch demos of Urner Barry's Comtell and...

GAPP Partners With Fishpeople to Promote Meal Kits Featuring Wild Alaska Pollock

The Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP) announced on Thursday that they are partnering with Oregon-based seafood company Fishpeople to promote their two new meal kits featuring wild Alaska pollock.

Fishpeople debuted three new flavors of their new Wildly Delicious Seafood Kits at Seafood Expo North America in Boston this past March, including Wild Alaska Pollock with Street Taco Crunch and Wild Alaska Pollock with Shrimp Scampi Crunch. Each kit includes two wild, sustainably-caught fish fillets, a chef-crafted topper...

Alaska Seafood Industry Snapshot

This is Alaska Fish Radio. I’m Laine Welch - An updated snapshot of Alaska’s seafood industry.

Alaska’s seafood industry puts 60,000 people to work, meaning $1.5 billion in earnings for fishermen on more than 9,000 vessels and workers at 87 large shoreside processing plants.

The seafood industry supports at least $150 million a year in taxes and fees.

And here’s why state budget watchers should care about fish prices:  In 2017, for example, the average dock price per pound for all Alaska seafood was 41 cents. If it had increased by one penny, it would...

First Branded Pollock Products from Russian Fishery Co. Brought to Russian Retail Chains

The Russian fishery company, which announced its retail brand for 'Alaska' Pollock, Nordeco, last year, has introduced the first retail products to retail chains in Russia.

They will be sold at Caviar and Fish stores in St. Petersburg, and at Samberi stores in Primorsky Krai.

The fish sticks, fillets, and mince products are produced (partly) on RFC vessels, and the processing of the single frozen fillets is done by Espersen, the leading European secondary processor of whitefish.  During processing, the fish is not defrosted...

UK Court to Decide Norebo Fate as Russian Fish Tycoons Battle for Leadership

Leading Russian fish tycoons Alexander Tugushev and Vitaly Orlov plan to continue a fight for the control over Norebo, the country’s largest fish producer. Norebo holds harvest quotas for more than 400,000 tonnes of fish in domestic territorial waters, according to some sources close to the company and some leading Russian experts in fisheries.

Several days ago Alexander Tugushev, a former partner of Orlov who currently claims a 30% stake in the company, convinced the High Court of London to refer the Norebo dispute...

Trident's Pollock Protein Noodles Hit Select East Coast Costco Stores

Trident's new 10g Protein Noodles are officially on the East Coast. After debuting the versatile pollock noodles at Seafood Expo North America in Boston last month, Trident confirmed to SeafoodNews that a select number of Costco locations will be carrying the product.

The 10g Protein Noodles are high protein, lower-carb, gluten-free noodles that are made from wild Alaska pollock. In addition to having a whopping 10g of protein, which is double the amount found in an 85g serving of regular spaghetti pasta...

Russia Plans to Force More Domestic Processing of Pollock, Crab by Fiat

The Russian government plans to seriously tighten control for the sales of fish and seafood both in the domestic market and abroad with the aim to ensure additional supplies of domestic catch to local customers, according to recent statements of Russian Federal Agency of Fisheries (Rosrybolovstvo) representatives.

According to Ilya Shestakov, head of Rosrybolovstvo, the government is continuing its work on the design of a new federal law that will set new standards for fish trade in Russia and the...

Russian Fish Producer Norebo Plans to Expand Fishing Fleet with 10 New Vessels/Processors

Norebo, one of Russia’s largest fish producers and processors and owned by a local fish tycoon Vitaly Orlov, has reached an agreement with Russian shipbuilder Severnaya Verf, to build an additional four new fish trawler-processors during the next several years, according to the company.

So far, Norebo has already ordered six large fish trawlers from Severnaya Verf, while the new contract, worth of RUB 16 billion ($300 million USD), means the total number of ordered vessel is now 10 units...

Trident Seafoods Debuts Versatile 10g Protein Noodles at Seafood Expo North America

Those walking around Seafood Expo North America in Boston earlier this week were bound to see people wearing “I’m hooked” stickers. And attendees certainly were hooked… on Trident’s new 10g Protein Noodles.

As we previously reported, Trident Seafoods took their 10g Protein Noodles to Boston with the goal of expanding the reach of their new product, which is made from wild Alaska pollock. And they certainly succeeded in doing so. The unique high-protein, lower-carb, gluten-free noodle had many attendees talking about the...

Russian Seafood Industry Could Bear Huge Losses if Kurils Transferred to Japan

The transfer of the Kuril Islands to Japan, currently discussed by the governments of both Russia and Japan, may cost the Russian seafood industry up to $5 billion USD losses a year and a shortage of salmon in the domestic market, according to recent statements of some independent analysts in the field of fish business and experts of Rosrybolovstvo.

According to analysts, the Kurils could be considered as gates through which all fish, and especially salmon, go to the Russian coast of Kamchatka and Sakhalin.

If they are ...

Trident Wins Big at Symphony Contest in Juneau

This is Alaska Fish Radio. I’m Laine Welch.

Trident Seafood’s protein packed noodles made from Alaska pollock was a quadruple winner at last week’s Alaska Symphony of Seafood competition in Juneau.

“They were a four time winner at this event. That’s never happened before. It really speaks to the quality and innovation of this new product. It really blew everything out of the water.”

Julie Decker is director of the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation, host of the Symphony for 26 years.

The protein noodles won first place in the retail category...

Bojangles Brings Back BojAngler Fish Sandwich for Lent

The BojAngler is back at Bojangles. The Southeastern regional fast food chain, which specializes in Cajun seasoning, fried chicken, and buttermilk biscuits, announced on Tuesday that for a limited time diners will be able to order their popular BojAngler fish sandwich.

“After a few short years, the BojAngler has quickly become one of our most anticipated limited time offerings,” said Randy Poindexter, Bojangles’ Senior VP of Marketing. “It’s a one-of-a-kind, flavorful product that is guaranteed to hook you the first time...

Wendy’s Brings Back North Pacific Cod Sandwich for Lent Despite Pollock Price Difference 

The North Pacific Cod Sandwich is back at Wendy’s – and just in time for Lent.

The North Pacific Cod Sandwich is a limited time menu option added just once a year. The Lenten season staple starts with a wild-caught North Pacific cod fillet, which is hand-cut and lightly breaded with crispy panko crumbs. The fillet is topped with a creamy dill tartar sauce, dill pickles and crisp lettuce and served to fish lovers on a toasted bun.

While fast food chains like...

Sysco Adds Portico Classic Wild Alaska Pollock Bites to Cutting Edge Solutions Platform

Portico Classic Wild Alaska Pollock Bites are the latest seafood item to be added to Sysco’s Cutting Edge Solutions platform.

Sysco’s Cutting Edge Solutions Platform features new and exclusive products from Sysco that “offer on-trend flavors, labor saving solutions and menu versatility.” The product line first launched in October 2015 and was created to “assist customers with refreshing their menus, driving increased traffic, and streamlining back-of-house operations.”

Back in September Sysco announced the addition of...

GAPP Launches Request for Second Round of Proposals to Build a Brand for Wild Alaska Pollock

In the second of three rounds of funding for partnership proposals to build Wild Alaska Pollock’s brand, the Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP) announced yesterday that proposals for the second flight of funding will be due March 29, 2019.

This round is focused on the second of three marketing targets -- addressing space or channels in retail, foodservice or alternative markets where Wild Alaska Pollock is not regularly sold.

“Wild Alaska Pollock is one of the most abundant and sustainable...

Del Taco Offering Wild-Caught Alaska Pollock Tacos, Jumbo Shrimp Options

Mexican quick service restaurant Del Taco is expanding their seafood offerings.

“Our guests already love Del Taco’s Beer Battered Fish tacos, and each year, look forward to the return of our crispy Jumbo Shrimp tacos and burritos,” said Barry Westrum, Del Taco’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Seafood fans come to Del Taco because they know that they can get a variety of freshly-prepared, premium and delicious seafood items at an unbeatable value, and served at the speed of our drive-thru...

The Winding Glass: If Your Only Tool is Anti-Trust, Everything Looks Like Price Fixing

This week Euclid fish launched a US class action price-fixing suit against the major salmon companies.

Over the past several years, we have seen several major price fixing or anti-trust cases.  The one that has legs is the tuna price-fixing case, in which a conspiracy to control competition and limit discounts was discovered by the Dept. of Justice, and the three companies involved all pled guilty.

Several tuna executives have pled guilty as well, and currently, Chris Lischewski, former CEO of Bumble Bee...

Russian Fish Producers Call for Suspension of Controversial Industry Reforms

Leading Russian fish producers have called on the national government to suspend the conduction of further controversial reforms in the national seafood industry in coming years. They're also asking the government to provide guarantees of immunity to their business, according to recent statements of industry representatives.

According to fishermen, the industry situation in recent years has significantly improved, which was reflected by the increase in its transparency and profitability. In addition, the overall debt burden of the industry has also declined, while the volume of tax payments, in contrast...

Russian Pollock Producers Ready for Expansion in Brazil

Leading Russian pollock producers, together with the domestic fish authorities, have confirmed their earlier announced plans for the beginning of a massive expansion into the Latin American region within the next several years.

As part of these plans, a particular attention will be paid for the increase of pollock exports, including value-added products, to the Brazilian market, where the demand for whitefish has significantly increased in recent years.

According to earlier statements of Alexey Bulgak, the vice-president of the Russian Pollock Association (ADM), the consumption...

VIDEO: NL Snow Crab Quota; Alaska Salmon Forecasts; Pollock Pressure; Trident's Protein Noodles

Join SeafoodNews Weekly Recap co-hosts Lorin Castiglione and Amanda Buckle as they talk about the Newfoundland snow crab quotas for 2019; Alaska's salmon harvest numbers; the pressure on pollock; and Trident Seafoods' Protein Noodles hitting the East Coast. 

This video is brought to you by the Urner Barry Executive Conference, NOW the premier event for the seafood industry. The Executive Conference, taking place at the Bellagio in Las Vegas from April 28 to April 30...

Russia to Focus on Sea of Okhotsk for Pollock While Also Exploring Other Areas

The Sea Okhotsk will remain a major source of pollock in Russia during the next several years. However, exploratory fishing works will also be conducted in other parts of the country, according to recent statements of Russian Rosrybolovstvo representatives and local experts in the field of fishing.

In the case of the Sea of Okhotsk, results of a recent survey conducted by researchers at the Russian Pacific Research Center, Russia’s leading research agency in the field of fishing, show the sea's total pollock reserves are...

LISTEN: Taste Testing Trident's Protein Noodles; The Future of Meal Kits; Plus More News From SENA

SeafoodNews Podcast hosts Amanda Buckle and Lorin Castiglione are back from Seafood Expo North America!

Join us as we talk about all things Boston Seafood Show - from Trident's Protein Noodles to the Chilean Salmon Marketing Council's "The Promise of Patagonia" campaign. Plus, find out where meal kits are heading in the future.

This week's episode is brought to you by Urner Barry's Executive Conference, taking place at the Bellagio in Las Vegas from April 28-30. The Executive Conference is...

Russia Plans Catch Increases to Match Soviet-era Harvest Figures

Russia plans to increase its fish harvests up to Soviet-era figures during the next several years, according to recent statements of Ilya Shestakov, head of the Russian Federal Agency of Fisheries (Rosrybolovstvo).

Last year, the total fish catch in Russia exceeded 5 million tonnes and, according to Rosrybolovstvo plans, these figures should reach 6 million tonnes within the next five years.

That will be mainly achieved increasing harvests in the global ocean, as well as further optimization of catches within the inland waters. The latter...

Trident Seafoods Launching 10g Protein Noodles at Boston Seafood Show

Trident Seafoods is looking to expand the reach of their new 10g Protein Noodles. The company announced that after test marketing the product earlier this year at select club stores, they will be launching the product at Seafood Expo North America in Boston, taking place from March 17-19.

Trident’s 10g Protein Noodles are protein-rich, gluten free, and made from wild Alaska Pollock. The product is a “versatile, flavor-neutral alternative to high-carb pastas,” and a 3 oz. serving contains a whopping...

GAPP Launches Wild Alaska Pollock Lent Challenge To Encourage Consumers to Try Wild Alaska Pollock

There’s no better time to push seafood than during Lent – and the Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP) is certainly taking advantage of the timing. GAPP announced on Wednesday that they are launching their #WAPfor40Challenge, a promotion meant to engage consumers to “try delicious wild Alaska pollock.”

According to GAPP, the Wild Alaska Pollock Lent Challenge was created to showcase the prevalence of Wild Alaska Pollock on menus at beloved quick service restaurants, as well as in retail products...

Trade War with China Continues to Pressure Alaska Pollock Industry

Alaska pollock is one of America’s most important fisheries, and it is renowned for large product volumes and popularity. However, as one of the five common fish in the U.S., its status is threatened due to the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China. If the situation continues or even worsens, drastic changes could occur to the global seafood industry, according to Chinese media reports.

Fishermen in the U.S. have been used to delivering seafood to China for further processing, then importing them back to America for consumption... 

White Castle Brings Back Seafood Crab Cake Slider and Shrimp Nibblers for Lent

White Castle’s Shrimp Nibblers and Seafood Crab Cake Sliders are back for a limited time – and just in time for the kickoff of Lent on March 6.

While Fish Sliders and Fish Nibblers, both made with Wild Alaskan pollock, are a staple menu item for White Castle, the chain only brings back their Shrimp Nibblers and Seafood Crab Cake Sliders once a year. And this year, the Seafood Crab Cake Slider is an option for White Castle’s new 3 for $3 value deal...

Alaska Fishing Updates for February

This is Alaska Fish Radio. I’m Laine Welch – There’s lots of February fishing going on.

Hundreds of boats of all types are out in the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea targeting pollock, cod, flounders and other whitefish.

The Bering Sea snow crab fishery is still ongoing and openers for their bigger cousin, bairdi Tanners, kicked off on February 12 in Southeast Alaska. The duration will depend on how the catches go in specific regions for 62 participants and it’s likely to last a few weeks. The Tanner harvest should top one million pounds...

Russia Plans Accelerated Research Activities and Construction in Domestic Industry

Russia plans to significantly increase funding of research and development activities in the domestic fishing industry during the next several years, according to recent statements of some senior officials from the Russian Ministry of Agriculture and local fishermen.

For this purpose, up to RUB 33 billion ($500 million USD) will be allocated in the building of new research vessels intended for Russian fishermen and marine scientists.

This has already been confirmed by the head of Rosrybolovstvo, Ilya Shestakov, who said at the initial stage...

LISTEN: Salmon Analysis; Australis Barramundi in HelloFresh Boxes; GAPP Funding and More

We're back! Join Seafood News staff writer Amanda Buckle and Urner Barry seafood market reporter Liz Cuozzo for a new episode of the SeafoodNews Podcast. This week on the podcast we break down market reporter Janice Schreiber's latest salmon analysis. Plus, we discuss Trident Seafoods and True North Seafood receiving funding from the Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers; SeaShare teaming up with Hook Line and Savor; Australis Aquaculture's barramundi in HelloFresh boxes; and much more.

This week’s episode is brought to you by Urner Barry’s Reporter...