More than 20 shrimp producers have held talks aimed at creating a Global Shrimp Council, with the general mandate to promote and grow shrimp consumption around the world by providing meaningful information about the industry.
The meeting took place on the fringes of the annual Global Shrimp Forum (GSF), held in Utrecht 5-7 September 2023.
The meeting took place on the fringes of the annual Global Shrimp Forum (GSF), held in Utrecht 5-7 September 2023.
Producers from several countries including Ecuador, Mexico, India, Vietnam and Indonesia took part in the meeting, which was the initiative of industry leaders, Gabriel Luna, owner of Glunashrimp and David Castro, CEO of Manta Bay.
They approached the GSF board and asked if the meeting could be held during this year’s GSF.
GSF Foundation Chair Chris Ninnes facilitated the meeting.
There was broad agreement of a need to establish a global body to promote shrimp consumption across international markets, to benefit the whole industry. There was also consensus that the organisation needs to be producer-driven and whilst the United States is an important market, it should not be the only focus and the council should have a truly global influence.
Participants in the meeting heard the proposal that the Global Shrimp Council could be established within the National Fisheries Institute (NFI) in the US. Luna and Castro also explained the benefits and the conditions of an NFI-hosted and managed Global Shrimp Council, with examples of how others operate in a similar way.
Commenting on the discussion, Castro said, “The Global Shrimp Council is an initiative with the intention to harmonise the interests of participants in this significant industry through a systemic vision. One of these interests is to introduce the global consumer to the benefits of consuming the finest sustainably produced protein sources, such as shrimp. Shrimp is a flavourful, healthy and nutritious protein, that is accessible, easy to prepare, has low carbon emissions in production and uses minimal consumption of freshwater. I am greatly look forward to seeing the outcome of our discussions and where this could take the industry.”
All participants were given the opportunity to debate the proposal. Those behind the project suggested next steps, which included further detailed work on deciding the most effective governance and the financing structure for the organisation. The need for close cooperation with the producers throughout the process was also highlighted.
A follow-up meeting will be organised before the end of the year, with the aim of establishing the Global Shrimp Council in 2024.
Established by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), Shrimp Insights and Contango, the Global Shrimp Forum Foundation is an independent, non-profit and mission-oriented organisation based in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Its where industry leaders come together to discuss the most pressing issues their businesses face and to develop a vision on the long-term strategy towards a resilient and sustainable industry.
The inaugural GSF in 2022 attracted more than 430 people, representing over 225 companies and 33 countries, to hear keynote speeches and take part in breakout sessions.
