Criaderos de Mariscos Crimasa S.A. is a vertically integrated Ecuadorian shrimp producer and exporter headquartered in Durán, Ecuador. Operating under the brand name GALAPAGOS, Crimasa is recognized globally for its commitment to high-quality, sustainably farmed whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). With decades of expertise in aquaculture, Crimasa has positioned itself as a trusted supplier in the global seafood industry, particularly to markets in Asia, Europe, and North America.
Core Business and Product Portfolio
Crimasa specializes in the farming, processing, and global distribution of premium shrimp products. Its extensive product catalog includes:
- Head-On Shrimp – Offered in multiple sizes for wholesale and foodservice applications
- IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) Shrimp – Rapidly frozen to preserve freshness and texture
- P&D (Peeled and Deveined) – Available tail-on or tail-off for foodservice and retail markets
- PUD (Peeled, Undeveined) – Suitable for further processing or cooking applications
- Shrimp Rings – Ready-to-serve formats for retail
- Tail-On and Butterfly Shrimp – Ideal for culinary presentations and added value
- Shrimp Skewers – Marinated and portioned for convenience and flavor variety
These products are shipped in a wide variety of packaging formats to meet the needs of bulk buyers, foodservice distributors, and branded retail clients.
Farming and Processing Infrastructure
Crimasa operates a vertically integrated aquaculture operation that includes:
- Shrimp Hatcheries – Controlled breeding programs to ensure genetic quality and disease resistance
- Grow-out Farms – Strategically located in Ecuador’s coastal regions for optimal salinity and water quality
- Processing Facilities – Equipped with advanced peeling, deveining, freezing, and packing machinery
- Cold Storage and Export Logistics – In-house handling from harvest to export ensures cold chain integrity
With a strong emphasis on biosecurity and traceability, Crimasa maintains full control of the shrimp lifecycle from larvae to packaged export product.
Certifications and Quality Assurance
Crimasa adheres to internationally recognized food safety and sustainability standards. Though specific certifications are not publicly listed, major Ecuadorian exporters typically hold:
- BAP (Best Aquaculture Practices) Certification
- ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) Certification
- HACCP-compliant processing lines
- FDA and EU compliance for food safety standards
The company implements robust quality control systems, including microbial testing, product grading, and batch traceability, to meet the demands of regulated markets worldwide.
Export Markets and Global Reach
Crimasa exports a significant share of its production, serving clients in:
- United States and Canada – Supplying wholesale, club stores, and ethnic markets
- Europe (Spain, Italy, France, Netherlands) – Supplying high-grade raw and value-added shrimp
- Asia (China, Japan, South Korea) – Competing with Asian shrimp exports in high-quality segments
- Latin America and the Middle East – Expanding presence through regional distributors
Ecuador is globally recognized as one of the top three shrimp-exporting countries, and Crimasa contributes to the country's export volume of over 1 million metric tons annually, with total Ecuadorian shrimp exports exceeding $7 billion USD in 2023.
Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship
Crimasa integrates environmental stewardship into its aquaculture practices by:
- Utilizing low-density shrimp farming to reduce environmental stress
- Implementing recirculation systems and biofloc technology to manage waste
- Avoiding antibiotics and harmful chemicals in line with clean label practices
- Supporting mangrove restoration and conservation in Ecuador’s coastal ecosystems
Through these initiatives, Crimasa ensures long-term operational sustainability and alignment with global buyer expectations for responsible sourcing.
Technology and Innovation
Crimasa leverages technology to enhance its operational efficiency and product quality:
- Digital monitoring of pond conditions for real-time management
- Automated feeding systems to improve feed conversion ratios (FCR)
- Processing automation for improved yield and labor efficiency
- Cold chain tracking systems to ensure traceability and compliance during transport
These technological investments help Crimasa maintain high standards across its integrated supply chain.
Brand Identity and Value Proposition
Operating under the premium brand GALAPAGOS, Crimasa emphasizes:
- Sustainability – Responsible farming aligned with global certifications
- Traceability – End-to-end control of the production chain
- Quality – Premium product presentation, texture, and taste
- Service – Reliable logistics and customer-focused fulfillment
The brand is tailored for discerning international buyers seeking high-quality, ethically sourced shrimp products with consistent specifications.
Strategic Positioning and Competitive Advantage
Crimasa’s competitive edge stems from:
- Vertical integration, providing end-to-end control and cost optimization
- Geographic advantage, leveraging Ecuador’s reputation and location for efficient shrimp farming
- Flexible product formats, catering to retail, foodservice, and bulk distribution
- Responsive logistics, with proximity to Guayaquil Port for timely global shipping
These factors have helped Crimasa build long-term relationships with importers, wholesalers, and private-label brands across major seafood-consuming regions.
Company Highlights
- Based in Durán, Ecuador, with vertically integrated shrimp farming and processing
- Exports a wide range of shrimp products under the GALAPAGOS brand
- Supplies markets in North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America
- Implements sustainable aquaculture practices and quality control systems
- Supports global foodservice, retail, and wholesale clients with customized packaging and logistics solutions
Criaderos de Mariscos Crimasa S.A. continues to advance as a leading force in the Ecuadorian shrimp export industry, combining operational excellence with sustainable practices to deliver premium seafood products to global buyers.