Abstract
For the past five or more years, there have been increasing indications that historically, the countries responsible for most of the world’s farmed shrimp production have struggled to increase production levels and maintain competitive costs. At the same time, Ecuador has made headlines for becoming a dominant force in the shrimp business, producing an increased quantity of shrimp at lower farm costs than its Asian counterparts. Asia was built on what became known as the Asian Intensive model, combining SPF genetically improved P. vannamei shrimp with aeration, well-formulated quality feeds, auto feeders, water and bottom management and an assortment of probiotic bacteria.
Asian farms applying this technology resulted in Asian dominance of world shrimp, with peak dominance pre-AHPND: 80% of world shrimp being produced in Asia in 2010. Lower shrimp availability and higher market prices during the time of AHPND resulted in the emergence of Ecuador and India as new shrimp export powers.
The emergence of AHPND also resulted in changes to the Asian shrimp model: toilets or settling basins that could be drained or pumped kept shrimp pond bottoms cleaner, use of multiphase culture (nursery), disinfectants, promotion of more remediation products, the re-emergence of antibiotic use, and maybe most importantly increases in pond shrimp density. With these changes to the model, new pathogens emerged and became the dominant cause of the increased pond failures: EHP and toxic Vibrios.
The question must be asked: Is the basic model broken, or how is this model being applied to farming today? Comparisons with culture in Ecuador, India, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia provide insights into what has gone wrong, and what is going right.
Abstract
The driver of global shrimp production has moved from Asia to Ecuador, which is increasingly dominating the global shrimp supply chain with large export volumes. Ecuador is also seen as transitioning from selling a product to meeting a need. With different production models between the main production countries, how can feed play a role in securing the longer-term sustainability of Asian shrimp production?
Retail is increasingly influencing shrimp farming practices, focusing on provenance and health benefits such as EPA and DHA in shrimp tails as well as fish-free diets. Current preferences include non-ablation production methods and electrical stunning over chilling.
The development of Ecuador and how it achieved its position in the global shrimp market shows opportunities for Asia and challenges for the higher-density farming model in Asia.
Abstract
Ecuador has emerged as a global leader in efficient, high-quality shrimp production. This presentation explores the strategic combination of natural, industrial, and technological advantages that drive Ecuador’s competitiveness. It will also include a SWOT analysis and a brief discussion on shrimp production in selected countries in Latin America (Mexico, Perú, Honduras, Nicaragua and Brazil).
The presentation is structured around three key pillars:
- Natural Advantages: 65% of Ecuador’s shrimp farms are located mainly in Guayas within 100km of the country’s main ports, enabling efficient cold-chain logistics. A stable tropical climate supports year-round production and lowers disease pressure.
- Integrated Production Model: More than 65% of Ecuador’s shrimp production comes from vertically integrated producers managing at least two stages of the value chain. More than 30% comes from producers with more than two stages—from hatchery and grow-out to processing and export. These companies have invested significantly in technology, infrastructure, and digital management systems to increase efficiency and resilience. It is not just about size but about economies of scale operations.
- Value Chain Innovation: Local and international companies develop products mainly for Ecuador’s shrimp industry. Having a robust ecosystem of innovation supports Ecuador’s shrimp sector. Advances in local feed formulation, genetic selection, and aquaculture technology—developed through close collaboration with suppliers, academia, and the private sector—have enabled Ecuador to continually raise productivity and product quality.
Opportunities are:
- Strong sustainability positioning in global markets (U.S., EU, Asia)
- Expansion into value-added processing and premium products
- Rising demand in Asia for antibiotic-free, traceable shrimp
- Continued gains in efficiency through genetics and automation
Threats are:
- Political instability and regulatory uncertainty
- Limited electricity supply affecting farm and processing operations
- Insecurity and organized crime near production areas
- Biosecurity threats (e.g. WSSV, EHP)
- Climate risks such as coastal flooding and salinity change
Finally, Ecuador’s unique blend makes it one of the most competitive shrimp producers globally. Despite emerging operational and political risks, it has the ability to deliver consistent, sustainable, and high-quality shrimp, positioning Ecuador as a strategic sourcing and investment destination for the global aquaculture market.
