The Global Shrimp Council (GSC), headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a nonprofit seafood industry association formed to unify and promote the global shrimp sector. As a cross-industry initiative, the Council focuses on increasing global demand for shrimp through strategic marketing, education, and stakeholder collaboration. GSC brings together producers, exporters, importers, and industry partners to address common challenges and advocate for the long-term success of the shrimp industry.
Core Business
The Global Shrimp Council operates as an industry-wide coalition aimed at:
- Driving global consumption of shrimp
- Promoting shrimp as a sustainable, healthy protein
- Educating consumers and buyers on the value and versatility of shrimp
- Creating a unified voice for the shrimp sector in global forums
GSC does not produce or sell shrimp directly but plays a pivotal role in industry coordination, brand positioning, and market development.
Product & Service Offerings
Although GSC does not offer physical products, its primary deliverables include:
- Global marketing campaigns – Developing cohesive branding strategies for shrimp to elevate consumer perception and usage.
- Consumer education programs – Disseminating factual, nutritional, and sustainability information about shrimp.
- Stakeholder engagement – Hosting forums and initiatives that unify shrimp producers, marketers, and industry groups.
- Market research – Providing data and insights into consumer trends, trade flows, and shrimp category performance.
Specialization & Core USP
The Global Shrimp Council is distinct for its:
- Category-building focus – Promoting shrimp as a whole rather than any single company or region.
- Neutral industry platform – Enabling collaboration across competing firms for shared growth.
- Evidence-based advocacy – Backing marketing and education efforts with scientific and market research.
- Global reach and membership – With participating members from major shrimp-producing countries including India, Ecuador, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the United States.
Financials & Growth
While GSC's financials are not publicly disclosed, its establishment was driven by contributions from industry stakeholders and is modeled after other successful commodity promotion boards (e.g., the National Mango Board, National Pork Board).
- Funding sources include voluntary industry contributions, trade associations, and global development partners.
- The Council has established a sustainable funding framework aimed at scaling its global promotional campaigns and research initiatives over the next 5 years.
Shipment & Industry Impact
Although GSC does not handle shipments, it represents:
- A sector responsible for over $25 billion in global shrimp trade annually
- Key production hubs that collectively export millions of metric tons of shrimp worldwide
- Stakeholders that serve leading markets including the U.S., EU, Japan, China, and Middle East
Its influence spans across policy engagement, consumer awareness, and trade development.
Target Market
GSC’s initiatives are tailored for:
- Seafood consumers and home cooks
- Retailers and foodservice operators
- Importers and distributors seeking value-added shrimp products
- Media, influencers, and educators in the health and nutrition space
The council’s marketing is positioned to increase per capita shrimp consumption globally by highlighting its benefits and versatility.
Capabilities
- Launching integrated global media campaigns
- Conducting and publishing consumer behavior studies
- Partnering with chefs, influencers, and health professionals
- Coordinating between private sector firms and government regulators
- Creating toolkits and promotional assets for retail and foodservice
Certifications & Compliance
While the Council does not issue certifications, it works in alignment with:
- Sustainability standards such as ASC, BAP, and MSC
- Regulatory bodies including FDA, NOAA, and national aquaculture councils
- Best practices in seafood sourcing and environmental responsibility
Customer & Industry Recognition
The formation of the Global Shrimp Council has been welcomed by industry leaders:
- “The Council fills a critical need to tell shrimp’s story to the world.” – Senior Executive, Shrimp Exporting Firm
- “We support GSC’s mission to increase demand while aligning messaging across global markets.” – U.S. Seafood Importer
Major Achievements
- Successfully launched an industry-wide platform representing diverse stakeholders in less than 2 years.
- Initiated baseline consumer research studies in the U.S. and Europe to inform global shrimp positioning.
- Built foundational partnerships with major industry bodies and certification programs.
- Developed a long-term vision and governance framework to support the global shrimp sector’s promotion needs.
The Global Shrimp Council stands as a united voice for one of the world’s most traded seafood products, advancing global shrimp consumption through trust, collaboration, and strategic communication.