The pair set up the council at this year's Global Shrimp Forum, and it's now ready to begin its drive to boost shrimp consumption in the US
Members include producers from India (7), Ecuador (6), Indonesia (2), Guatemala (1), Mexico (1), Honduras (1), Saudi Arabia (1), Sri Lanka (1) and Venezuela (1). And the initiative is being supported by the NFI, in a bid to promote responsible shrimp farming and trade practices.
Key objectives
1. Educate and Inspire American consumers
The GSC aims to increase consumption by reminding consumers, through targeted marketing communications and in store promotions, about the benefits of adding shrimp to their daily diet. The campaign will showcase the health benefits and incredible versatility of shrimp.
2. Sustainability spotlight
Emphasising the importance of responsible seafood choices, the campaign will educate consumers about sustainable wild and farmed shrimp and its impact on the environment. By choosing responsibly sourced shrimp, consumers promote sustainability.
As David Castro, GSC co-founder and CEO of Manta Bay, a Mexico-based seafood trading company, reflected in a press release: "The creation of the Global Shrimp Council marks a significant milestone in the journey of a sustainable and responsible shrimp industry. By bringing together key players and leveraging the support of the National Fisheries Institute, we are confident in our ability 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.”
Gabriel Luna, the GSC's other co-founder, added: “This announcement comes after a previous meeting held at the Global Shrimp Forum in Utrecht, Netherlands, where producers from several countries including Ecuador, Mexico, India, Vietnam and Indonesia agreed on the need to establish a global body to promote shrimp consumption across international markets. I want to thank the more than 20 participants at the meeting who pledged immediate support to kick off this initiative supporting the idea we presented along with David Castro, to create the Global Shrimp Council (GSC) under the umbrella of the National Fisheries Institute (NFI) in the US.”
Sandro Coglitore, a prominent figure and advocate within the shrimp sector, extended an invitation to more exporters and seafood organisations to join hands with the GSC, emphasising the importance of collective action, not only to support shrimp promotion but also to deal with issues such as anti-dumping and other industry challenges.
Rajagopal Choudary Chitturi, chairman of one of India's largest Indian shrimp export companies, has also applauded the establishment of the council, noting that Indian exporters who participated in the first Global Shrimp Council meeting at the Global Shrimp Forum in Utrecht in September 2023 “collectively support the initiative and very much look forward to the next steps”.
Miguel Barcenas, strategy consultant for the GSC, added: “I´m very excited for this collaboration which will allow us to launch an exciting marketing campaign aimed at promoting shrimp consumption first in the US and gradually across the world. The goal is to inspire consumers to indulge in this delectable and versatile seafood. From classic shrimp ceviche to innovative coconut curry shrimp the campaign promises to bring a wave of flavour and awareness to dining tables nationwide, highlighting the various health benefits, culinary possibilities, and the sustainability of shrimp consumption. Shrimp is not only a delicious addition to any meal but also a low-calorie source of protein and essential nutrients.”
Lisa Wallenda Picard, president and CEO of NFI, concluded: "We are proud to support the Global Shrimp Council in its mission to increase consumption of sustainable shrimp through education and inspiration. Collaborative efforts like these are essential to address the challenges facing our oceans and ensure that shrimp and seafood remain a tasty, healthy and sustainable choice for consumers."
