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Exhibiting at Seafood Expo North America 2025

644
Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in Boston, Massachusetts
16 Mar - 18 Mar, 2025

Media Gallery

ECUADOR FIRST CLASS SHRIMP

Product Offerings

Products:

Shrimp: Whiteleg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Product Gallery:

ECUADOR FIRST CLASS SHRIMP

ECUADOR FIRST CLASS SHRIMP

Ecuador First Class Shrimp is a strategic initiative and global brand representing the highest quality whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) cultivated and exported from Ecuador, the world’s top shrimp-producing nation. Based in Guayaquil, the company acts as both a premium exporter and an industry advocate, uniting Ecuadorian shrimp producers under a shared commitment to sustainability, innovation, and world-class aquaculture practices.

Core Business and Offerings

Ecuador First Class Shrimp promotes, markets, and distributes responsibly farmed shrimp from Ecuador’s leading aquaculture producers. The brand represents a guarantee of origin, quality, and environmental responsibility, ensuring buyers receive consistent and traceable products from one of the most regulated shrimp farming regions in the world.

Product Category:

  • Shrimp:
    • Whiteleg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)
    • Available in multiple formats: Head-on, Head-off, Shell-on, Peeled, Deveined, Cooked
    • Size range: U/10 to 71/90
    • Packing: IQF, Block Frozen, Master Cartons, Retail Packs

The shrimp are cultivated in biosecure ponds, processed in state-of-the-art facilities, and exported under strict international food safety standards.

Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

The Ecuador First Class Shrimp label is synonymous with:

  • Premium Quality: Low-density farming practices promote healthier shrimp with firm texture and natural flavor.
  • Sustainability: Certified zero-deforestation, no mangrove damage, and minimal carbon footprint.
  • Traceability: Full digital traceability systems that track shrimp from hatchery to harvest and export.
  • Antibiotic-Free Guarantee: All producers under this label comply with strict no-antibiotics policies.

Their USP lies in the collective strength of Ecuador’s shrimp farming community and the nation's reputation for stable year-round production, disease-resistant shrimp, and proximity to major international markets.

Financials and Market Reach

As a representative brand, Ecuador First Class Shrimp is backed by some of Ecuador’s largest shrimp exporters. Based on industry data from the National Chamber of Aquaculture and global trade platforms:

  • Ecuador Shrimp Exports (2023): Over 1.4 million metric tons
  • Annual Export Revenue: Exceeds USD $6.6 billion
  • Top Export Markets: China, USA, Spain, France, Italy, Vietnam, South Korea
  • Whiteleg Shrimp Global Share: Ecuador accounts for approximately 24% of global exports

Producers under the Ecuador First Class Shrimp brand contribute a substantial share of this volume, representing premium-grade products within this ecosystem.

Shipment and Export Data

According to international shipping and customs records:

  • Export Volumes: Thousands of reefer containers shipped monthly via Port of Guayaquil
  • Shipping Destinations: Over 60 countries on 5 continents
  • Logistics: Advanced cold chain infrastructure from pond to port, with real-time monitoring and temperature assurance
  • Certifications on Export: Each shipment includes complete documentation on food safety, origin, sustainability, and carbon impact

Their streamlined supply chain enables faster turnaround, reliable inventory, and consistent high quality for importers and distributors.

Target Markets

Ecuador First Class Shrimp is designed to serve:

  • Premium Seafood Distributors
  • Retail Chains (Private Label and Branded)
  • High-End Restaurants and Hotel Groups
  • Wholesale Foodservice Suppliers
  • E-commerce and Gourmet Seafood Platforms

The brand is positioned to meet the demands of discerning buyers prioritizing transparency, flavor, and environmental stewardship.

Capabilities and Infrastructure

The producers and partners under the Ecuador First Class Shrimp umbrella benefit from Ecuador’s world-class aquaculture infrastructure:

  • Over 220,000 hectares of shrimp farms with low-density stocking
  • Vertically integrated supply chains (own hatcheries, grow-out farms, processing, logistics)
  • Certified Processing Plants with BRC, IFS, HACCP, ASC, and Global GAP accreditations
  • Continuous Innovation: Use of automatic feeders, drones, water quality sensors, AI for crop prediction

This integration ensures unmatched traceability, responsiveness to demand, and supply chain efficiency.

Certifications and Compliance

All Ecuador First Class Shrimp producers are aligned with national and international sustainability and food safety requirements:

  • Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)
  • Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP)
  • GlobalG.A.P.
  • HACCP and FDA Registered Facilities
  • SAF & SFP Sustainability Partnership Programs
  • Zero Antibiotics and No GMO Feed Certification

The brand adheres to the UN SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) and promotes compliance across environmental, labor, and ethical standards.

Customer Testimonials

“Our customers consistently prefer Ecuadorian shrimp for their flavor and firmness. Ecuador First Class Shrimp delivers that premium quality every time.”
Head of Procurement, European Seafood Importer

“As a chef, I appreciate the clean taste and consistent sizing of these shrimp. They're easy to work with and make a beautiful plate.”
Executive Chef, International Hotel Chain

Major Achievements

  • Positioned as the leading national shrimp brand representing Ecuador’s top-tier aquaculture
  • Supported by the National Chamber of Aquaculture of Ecuador
  • Created a platform for collective marketing and quality assurance in global markets
  • Recognized in international seafood expos (e.g., Seafood Expo Global, Boston, Qingdao)
  • Contributed to Ecuador’s rise as the world’s #1 shrimp exporter by volume

Ecuador First Class Shrimp continues to define global standards for farmed shrimp excellence by championing traceable, sustainable, and superior-tasting seafood that reflects Ecuador’s natural bounty and responsible practices.