Ecuador’s shrimp sector hosts outreach event at World Seafood Shanghai Fair

On the heels of recent signing of a free trade agreement between Ecuador and China, several large Ecuadorian shrimp exporters hosted an outreach event at the 17th World Seafood Shanghai International Fair on 23 August.

Organized by Ecuador’s Cámara Nacional de Acuacultura (National Chamber of Aquaculture), the event was designed to showcase Ecuadorian shrimp to a Chinese audience. Representatives from 16 Ecuadorian shrimp exporting companies took part.

“[The goal was] to relaunch Ecuadorian shrimp in its prime export destination, China,” CNA said in a press release. “The primary objective was to underscore the distinctive qualities of Ecuadorian shrimp, reinforcing its foothold in this pivotal market.”

Among the more than 100 attendees were diplomats from the Ecuadorian embassy in China, senior industry executives, importers, and local media. A presentation at the event showcased the unique traits of Ecuadorian shrimp, and provided an overview of the latest trends in the Chinese market. Following the presentation, six chefs presented dishes featuring Ecuadorian shrimp used in traditional Chinese cuisine.

“This fusion not only celebrated the gastronomic diversity of both cultures but also accentuated the Ecuadorian shrimp's adaptability as a standout ingredient” CNA said.

Throughout the past decade, Ecuador rose to become China's top shrimp purveyor. But it faced difficulties caused by China’s zero-Covid policy, is now struggling to cope with a global glut of shrimp that has hurt prices, especially in China. In 2022, 70 percent of the 900,000 metric tons (MT) of shrimp China imported came from Ecuador, equating to around 60 percent of Ecuador’s total production.

CNA President José Antonio Camposano told SeafoodSource in June 2023 he remained positive about the long-term future of Ecuador's shrimp industry.

“In these challenging times, our value chain will continue to work together to find solutions and ensure the future of the Ecuadorian shrimp industry, which is an economic pillar and a vital generator of employment in our country,” he said.  

The Ecuadorian shrimp firms exhibiting at the Shanghai expo were collectively marketing their products under the tagline "first class shrimp.”

“[The event] served as an invaluable platform to underscore the excellence of Ecuadorian products and fortify trade connections between the two nations,” CNA said.

Photo courtesy of CNA