Product Offerings
Product Categories:
Fish and Seafood Products, Consulting and Professional Services
Products:
Industry Standards, Marketing Services, Trade Advocacy
The China Aquatic Products Processing and Marketing Alliance (CAPPMA) is a national, non-profit trade association headquartered in Beijing, China. Established in 1994, CAPPMA operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People’s Republic of China and plays a central role in guiding, supporting, and promoting the development of China’s aquatic products processing and marketing sectors.
Organizational Mandate
CAPPMA's core mission is to represent the interests of its members across the seafood value chain, foster industry-wide innovation and sustainability, and promote both domestic consumption and global exports of Chinese aquatic products. It serves as a bridge between government policy and industry practice, providing services in standardization, market development, export facilitation, industry coordination, and international cooperation.
Membership and Industry Representation
CAPPMA has over 1,200 member organizations, including:
- Aquaculture farms
- Seafood processors
- Distributors and exporters
- Cold chain logistics providers
- Industry research institutes
- Equipment and packaging suppliers
Members span all regions of China and represent more than 70% of the country’s total aquatic production and export volume, making CAPPMA the most authoritative seafood industry body in China.
Key Functions and Services
CAPPMA provides strategic guidance and technical support in the following areas:
- Policy Consultation and Advocacy: Advising government departments on fisheries and aquaculture regulations, food safety laws, and international trade policy.
- Market Development and Trade Promotion: Organizing Chinese participation in international seafood expos such as the China Fisheries & Seafood Expo (CFSE), Brussels Seafood Expo, and Boston Seafood Show.
- Quality and Safety Standards: Developing national and industry standards for seafood processing, hygiene, traceability, and certification.
- Sustainability Programs: Promoting eco-friendly aquaculture, resource conservation, and the implementation of international best practices in seafood production.
- Data Collection and Industry Reports: Issuing regular statistics, market analyses, and white papers on the status and trends of the Chinese aquatic industry.
Role in Export Facilitation
China is the world’s largest exporter of seafood, and CAPPMA plays a critical role in supporting this export-oriented industry. Highlights include:
- Coordinating export certification and compliance with international market requirements, including U.S. FDA, EU, and ASEAN standards.
- Trade Dispute Mediation between Chinese companies and foreign buyers or regulators.
- Facilitating third-party certifications, including HACCP, BAP, ASC, and MSC for exporters seeking access to regulated global markets.
As of 2023, China exported over 4.5 million metric tons of aquatic products, valued at more than USD 22 billion, with key markets in Japan, the U.S., EU, and Southeast Asia.
Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship
CAPPMA has been instrumental in supporting China’s alignment with global sustainability goals in aquaculture and wild capture fisheries. Notable efforts include:
- Launching the China Responsible Aquatic Product Certification (CRAPC) standard in collaboration with international organizations.
- Implementing the "Blue Bay Initiative" to restore aquatic ecosystems and improve farming practices.
- Partnering with FAO, WWF, and GSSI to promote responsible sourcing, biodiversity protection, and carbon footprint reduction.
These programs help Chinese companies achieve eligibility for global seafood sustainability frameworks and meet the procurement standards of international buyers.
Collaboration and Global Engagement
CAPPMA is a founding member of the International Coalition of Fisheries Associations (ICFA) and maintains close ties with industry organizations such as:
- National Fisheries Institute (U.S.)
- Seafood Exporters Association of India
- Japan Fisheries Association
- Norwegian Seafood Council
Through these partnerships, CAPPMA fosters technical exchanges, co-hosts trade delegations, and facilitates B2B matchmaking events to strengthen China’s role in the global seafood ecosystem.
Events and Outreach
CAPPMA is the primary organizer of the China Fisheries & Seafood Expo (CFSE), Asia’s largest seafood trade event, attracting:
- Over 35,000 visitors
- More than 1,600 exhibitors
- Delegations from over 100 countries
This platform allows Chinese seafood companies to showcase their products, network with international buyers, and explore investment and joint venture opportunities.
Strategic Vision
Looking ahead, CAPPMA is committed to:
- Promoting digital transformation of seafood production and logistics
- Supporting the modernization of processing infrastructure
- Advancing traceability and blockchain applications in seafood supply chains
- Expanding China’s role in global seafood governance and standard-setting
Through proactive engagement and policy innovation, CAPPMA continues to lead the transformation of China’s aquatic industry into a globally competitive, environmentally sustainable, and innovation-driven sector.