© GSF
GSF returns for its fourth annual meeting, this year spotlighting the influence of global geopolitics on the seafood industry, alongside a deep dive into progress in sustainability and innovation.
The 2025 Forum is expected to bring together around 500 stakeholders from across the globe to tackle pressing challenges and unlock new opportunities in the shrimp sector. With over 110 confirmed programme participants – including 24 women leaders – the 2025 Forum reflects the increasing diversity, dynamism and ambition of the global shrimp value chain.
Looking ahead, GSF managing director Willem van der Pijl commented in a press release: “The shrimp industry continues to face complex challenges, but also incredible opportunities for transformation. With our 2025 programme, we’ve brought together top experts, fresh perspectives and critical market data to help stakeholders make informed decisions and build a more resilient and responsible future through a jam-packed schedule of thought provoking and conversation-starting sessions.”
Session details
This year’s Plenary Opening Session will spotlight two critical themes. First, a look at global politics and macroeconomic forces – including a timely discussion on United States trade tariffs – with insights from Jan Lambregts (Rabobank), Angel Rubio (Urner Barry) and Bob de Haan (Shrimp Insights). The session will then turn to an industry-wide check-in on the state of the sector’s innovation and sustainability, with contributions from Aquaculture Stewardship Council, GRO Investments and others.
The ever-popular Export and Import Statistics: Market Outlook 2025 session will feature a deep analysis of global shrimp trade dynamics. With participation from major importers, the session will offer an unparalleled 360-degree perspective on trade flows, market pressures and pricing trends.
Regional deep dives will continue with a focus on Vietnam, Mexico and Brazil, offering market intelligence and growth outlooks. The programme includes an in-depth conversation with the vice president of Viet-Uc (Vietnam), alongside strategic insights from agribusiness leaders like Cargill and ADM. Rafael Pedrosa (Marfresco Pescados, Brazil) and David Castro (Manta Bay Seafood, Mexico), will join to discuss consumer markets. Innovation will take centre stage across two dedicated Shrimp x Tech x Innovation tracks.
AI and Automation in Processing and By-Products Valorisation will spotlight the intersection of technology and circularity. This session includes the launch of a new GSF-funded study on by-product valorisation presented by Melanie Siggs, alongside pitches from Karmic (start-up) and a leading chitosan engineering firm. With shrinking margins across the industry, the push to convert waste into value-added products represents both a financial and sustainability imperative.
The second innovation track, Farm Optimisation, will feature rapid-fire pitches from pioneering tech firms including Jala, Tomota, ShrimpL, and Kampi. Hosted by AQ1 and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), this session will examine how digital tools, smart farming, and precision technology are transforming operations on the ground.
Investment will also be in the spotlight with the Finance & Investment Summit: Part 2, where representatives from Nutreco, Inve Aquaculture, SyAqua, and Mitsui will offer insight into current trends in aquaculture funding.
Closing highlights and a special feature
The Forum will conclude with a Plenary Climate Summit, where GSF will launch a major new report on emissions in the shrimp supply chain. In a special closing conversation, Darian McBain, former chief sustainability officer of Thai Union, will lead a discussion on how the industry can realistically finance emissions reductions and align with global climate goals.
As a special treat for sponsors and select guests, GSF’s opening day will conclude with an exclusive screening of the shrimp-focused episode from Hope in the Water, an Emmy-nominated documentary exploring how blue food can help feed the planet and restore aquatic ecosystems. The screening will be followed by a fireside chat with Jennifer Bushman, founder of Hope in the Water, and Dr. Loc Tran, a pioneering Vietnamese shrimp farmer featured in the film.
