Seafood Consumers Association

https://lnkd.in/gE8iyJmY A claim by leading UK retailers against some of the biggest Norwegian salmon farmers over alleged price-fixing can be heard in the UK, a Competition Appeal Tribunal has ruled. Lawyers for the salmon companies had argued last month that, as the alleged anticompetitive collusion had taken place in Norway, the evidence is in Norway and the witnesses are mainly Norwegian, the case should be heard there.   Instead, as legal website Law360 reports, because the alleged loss had been suffered in the UK, the case was within the Tribunal’s jurisdiction. The Tribunal panel said: “We consider the natural and appropriate forum for this case, being a case which is concerned with the price of a commodity on the U.K. market, is the UK.”   The retailers bringing the case include Asda, Iceland, and Marks and Spencer, Morrisons, Aldi, the Co-op and Ocado. They allege that collusion by the leading salmon companies between 2011 and 2019 had the effect of artificially inflating the price of salmon on the market, contravening UK and European Union competition law.   In total 13 seafood businesses are named in the claim, including Bremnes Seashore, Cermaq, Grieg, Lerøy, SalMar, Mowi and their respective UK subsidiaries.   Tesco, Britain’s largest supermarket chain, filed a separate lawsuit on similar grounds against the salmon farmers in the High Court in London last month.   Genevieve Quierin, a partner with Stephenson Harwood which is one of the law firms representing the retailers, told Law 360 that the firm and its clients were "delighted with the outcome and hope the defendants will now take a more cooperative and proportionate approach to the litigation."   The salmon companies are also facing price collusion claims from the European Commission, which has been investigating the issue for several years now. Last September representatives of the producers were called to Brussels to be questioned by the Commission’s competition authorities.   Similar allegations against the Norwegian companies in the United States and Canada were settled out of court, with no admission of liability.

Ode to Women Who Nourish with the Sea International Women’s Day (From the Seafood Consumers Association) She stands in kitchens, markets, shores, Where ocean’s gifts the world restores. With mindful hands, she makes her choice, In every meal, a mother’s voice. For in the depths where wild fish roam, Or farmed with care, fresh waters home, She seeks the best, the purest kind, To feed her child, her love defined. Omega-rich, a brain’s delight, For growing minds and hearts made right. From DHA to strength untold, The sea’s embrace in health unfolds. Yet wisdom guides beyond the plate, For labels change, and fraud awaits. She learns, she asks, she leads the way, Demanding truth, a brighter day. So here’s to her, who knows the deep, Who feeds the world, who dares to keep A future bright, a child’s strong start— With every fish, she gives her heart.

Norwegian Seafood Council’s Top Seafood Consumer Trends 2025 report.   The report delves into the major trends shaping global seafood consumption, with sustainability, social responsibility, and technological innovation emerging as key drivers of change.   The key factors it identifies are: Volatility – amplified by the anticipation of trade wars and coupled with rapid change across key themes. Innovation – by leveraging new technology, AI-driven analytics and automation, the seafood industry can optimise supply chain management, enhance sustainability practices, and create personalized consumer experiences. Sustainability – the demands from consumers regarding sustainable alternatives will challenge the industry in both sustainable practices, as well as how they communicate their sustainability. Authenticity and genuine connections – today’s consumers are savvier than they’ve ever been and are hungry for authenticity, particularly in an era of digital manipulation. Misinformation and Greenwashing – new regulations and laws will make it harder to proclaim vague and empty sustainability claims, and in turn, make it easier for the consumer to navigate between products. Costs and Balance – cost is also a key driver behind the continued rise in people cooking more at home, with NSC research finding that this is a cost-reduction tactic across most markets studied. While this impacts convenience (which can be more costly) to a degree, consumers are still looking for easy, healthy meals they can prepare at home.

Based on the report “Seafood in the U.S. Retail” by MSD Animal Health. The U.S. seafood retail market had a mixed performance in 2024, influenced by inflation, shifting consumer spending habits, and changing retail dynamics. While inflation has moderated, consumer confidence remains low, leading to price-sensitive shopping behaviors. However, 2025 is expected to see mild growth in the first two quarters, especially in the fresh and frozen seafood segments. Key trends shaping the seafood market include: Consumers prioritizing affordability, boosting sales in shelf-stable seafood while fresh and frozen categories saw some declines. Health and sustainability as purchasing drivers, making salmon, shrimp, and cod top performers. Retail channel shifts toward discount grocers and club stores, as consumers seek better value. See report in detail https://lnkd.in/gHiY27sS

A new European Union study, “Special Eurobarometer 558”, provides valuable insights into consumer preferences, purchasing factors, and emerging trends in the EU seafood market. While seafood and aquaculture products continue to be an essential part of the European diet, the study reveals a slight decline in household consumption frequency compared to 2021. However, there has been a notable increase in consumption in restaurants, suggesting a recovery of dining-out habits following the COVID-19 pandemic. Only one-third of respondents consume seafood at least once a week, marking a 4% decrease from the previous survey. Meanwhile, the proportion of respondents who never consume seafood at home has risen to 15%, a 4% increase from 2021. For the first time, this year’s Special Eurobarometer included questions on seaweed consumption. While seaweed and its derivatives have not yet reached widespread acceptance in EU, two-thirds of respondents have consumed seaweed-based products at least once in the past year, mainly in the form of sushi rolls or wraps. The study reveals that seaweed remains a niche product in the EU. The study concludes that consumption is driven by taste, health benefits, and sustainability. Younger and urban consumers show the highest interest in these products. The primary barrier to wider adoption is the lack of familiarity with seaweed and how to prepare it.

Please note these amendments on the SCA website whilst we wait for registration 1. https://lnkd.in/gnHiCS8c 2. https://lnkd.in/gexFqcyZ - special remembrance of Erik Hempel (RIP) 3. https://lnkd.in/g_jj3pVb

📢 Speaker Announcement: Dr. Tomer Ventura at Aquaculture Horizons 2025 🌊 https://lnkd.in/gYqKR2bE We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Tomer Ventura, a distinguished researcher in marine biotechnology and crustacean biology, will be speaking at the Aquaculture Horizons 2025 Conference, Scheduled at Polytechnic University of Setúbal from April 28-30, 2025. Dr. Ventura, who holds a Ph.D. in Life Sciences from Ben-Gurion University, is the Discipline Leader in Biotechnology at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia. He leads the genetic program at the ARC Lobster Hub, contributing groundbreaking advancements to the field of sustainable aquaculture. With over 90 publications, an H-index of 31, and multiple prestigious awards, Dr. Ventura brings a wealth of expertise in molecular techniques, bioinformatics, and biotechnology innovation. He is also a dedicated mentor to emerging scientists and an active member of professional societies driving research and innovation in the aquaculture space. We are honored to have Dr. Ventura share his insights at the conference. #Aquaculture #CallForAbstracts #Innovation #AIinAquaculture #OffshoreAquaculture #AquaticWelfare #Automation #Sustainability #SeafoodProduction #CrustaceanResearch #AquacultureHorizons2025

📢 Speaker Announcement: Dr. Quinn Fitzgibbon as at Aquaculture Horizons 2025! 🌊 https://lnkd.in/gYqKR2bE We are excited to welcome Associate Professor Quentin Fitzgibbon, a distinguished marine physiologist, to the Aquaculture Horizons 2025 Conference, taking place at the Polytechnic University of Setúbal from April 28-30, 2025.   With extensive expertise across metabolic, biochemical, nutritional, endocrine, molecular, behavioral, and disease/stress physiology, Associate Professor Fitzgibbon is a leading authority on the physiology and aquaculture of rock lobsters. As the Deputy Director of a groundbreaking initiative in Australia, he is spearheading efforts to develop commercial-scale, closed-cycle aquaculture of rock lobsters, revolutionizing sustainable aquaculture practices. We are honored to have Associate Professor Fitzgibbon share his cutting-edge research and insights at the conference. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from one of the industry's foremost experts! #Aquaculture #CallForAbstracts #Innovation #AIinAquaculture #OffshoreAquaculture #AquaticWelfare #Automation #Sustainability #SeafoodProduction #CrustaceanResearch #AquacultureHorizons2025

Speaker Spotlight: Dr. Chris Parrish at Aquaculture Horizons 2025 🌊 https://lnkd.in/gYqKR2bE We are excited to announce that Dr. Chris Parrish will be speaking at Aquaculture Horizons 2025! Dr. Parrish is a leading expert in aquatic lipid research, working at the intersection of chemistry and biology. His research focuses on nutritional and biomarker lipids in marine food webs, exploring how energy-rich lipids transfer from algae to vertebrates via zooplankton. His work also examines the role of lipids as carriers for organic contaminants, shedding light on the drivers of pollutant bioaccumulation in marine ecosystems. Dr. Parrish's insights into essential fatty acids and sterols offer valuable perspectives on ecosystem health and sustainability. Join us in Setúbal, Portugal, from April 28-30, 2025, to gain groundbreaking insights from Dr. Parrish and other leading experts in aquaculture. 📅 Don’t miss out—register now and be part of the conversation shaping the future of aquaculture! #Aquaculture #CallForAbstracts #Innovation #AIinAquaculture #OffshoreAquaculture #AquaticWelfare #Automation #Sustainability #SeafoodProduction #CrustaceanResearch #AquacultureHorizons2025

🌊 Speaker Announcement: Dr. Tal Ben-Horin at Aquaculture Horizons 2025 🦪 https://lnkd.in/gYqKR2bE We are delighted to welcome Dr. Tal Ben-Horin as a distinguished speaker at Aquaculture Horizons 2025! Dr. Ben-Horin is an esteemed Assistant Professor of Shellfish Pathology in the Department of Clinical Sciences. With a deep passion for marine health, he has extensive experience in shellfish research and disease management. His career includes pivotal roles as a postdoctoral fellow at the Rutgers University Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory and a USDA Food and Agricultural Research Fellow at the University of Rhode Island. Dr. Ben-Horin holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Vermont and earned both his MESM and Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Join us from April 28-30, 2025, in Polytechic University of Setúbal, Portugal, to gain insights from Dr. Ben-Horin and other experts leading advancements in aquaculture. 📅 Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this knowledge-driven event! #Aquaculture #CallForAbstracts #Innovation #AIinAquaculture #OffshoreAquaculture #AquaticWelfare #Automation #Sustainability #SeafoodProduction #CrustaceanResearch #AquacultureHorizons2025