Utrecht, Netherlands – During meetings held at the Global Shrimp Forum in Utrecht this week, shrimp producers from various countries, including Ecuador, Mexico, India, Vietnam, and Indonesia, reached a consensus on the need to establish a global body dedicated to promoting shrimp consumption on international markets, with the aim of benefiting the entire industry. There was unanimous agreement that this organization should be producer-driven and focus its efforts on global markets.
One proposed solution discussed during the meetings was the establishment of the “Global Shrimp Council” within the National Fisheries Institute (NFI) in the United States. Attendees had the opportunity to deliberate on this proposal and consider next steps. These steps include further detailed work to determine the most effective governance structure and financing mechanisms for the organization. The importance of close cooperation with shrimp producers throughout the process was emphasized.
David Castro, CEO of Manta Bay, a seafood trading company based in Mexico and one of the initiators of the meeting, stated, “The Global Shrimp Council is an initiative with the intention to harmonize 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.”
The discussions held during these initial talks will lead to a subsequent meeting before the end of the year, with the goal of establishing the Global Shrimp Council by 2024.
