Abstract

The global shrimp aquaculture industry is undergoing significant turbulence, driven by a continuous rise in production, stagnation in key markets such as the European Union (EU) and the United States (US), and a noticeable downturn in demand from China. These disruptions are further intensified by recent changes in the U.S. trade policy.

First and foremost, it is essential to avoid an oversupply of farmed shrimp relative to market demand. In the long run, as with agricultural products, such an imbalance can only be corrected by a reduction in supply – survival of the fittest and most adapted.

This means offering high-quality products that are precisely aligned with consumer expectations.

To overcome current challenges, it is essential to improve shrimp marketing by addressing the specific requirements of customers, particularly in terms of quality. It is important to understand that quality is not a one-size-fits-all concept; it varies by market, depending on local consumption habits, cultural preferences, and how the product is ultimately used. Tailoring production and presentation to these factors can create a real competitive advantage.

Currently, shrimp importers perceive Asian and Latin American products differently. In general, Western importers (EU and US) consider Latin American shrimp to be of higher quality. This perception is mainly based on two factors:

• A better understanding by Latin American producers of what consumers consider to be high-quality shrimp.
• A faster and more efficient post-harvest processing — which is often less consistent in Asia.

This understanding of what the term ‘’quality” means goes far beyond compliance with the standards set by certification bodies, which usually only focus on environmental and social factors. While these aspects are important — even essential — for consumers, many want more. Depending on their culture, they often expect shrimp with distinctive taste, produced under animal welfare guidelines, fed with healthy ingredients, etc.

Finally, price remains a key factor. Latin America, and Ecuador, in particular, can offer shrimp at a lower price than products from Asia. There are several reasons for this:

• Facilities that have long since been amortized;
• A semi-intensive farming method that is less energy-intensive than most Asian farms;
• Lower feed costs achieved by better feed efficiency: use of additives to improve digestibility (enzymes, essential oils, organic acids, etc.), improved methods for evaluating daily feed rations and efficient feeding echniques;
• No intermediaries between farmers and processors/exporters.

The competitive advantages currently associated with Latin American shrimp can also be achieved by Asian producersl.

However, this requires a thorough effort to better understand the expectations of Western markets — not only in terms of final product quality, but also in production methods and cost control, particularly by optimizing the supply chain between producers and exporters.

The presentation will cover the value chain for quality shrimp from harvest to processing, and identify the right products for various markets. It will also explore how Asian producers can enhance the market perception of their shrimp and become more competitive through strategic marketing and branding.