logo

Exhibiting at Seafood Expo North America 2025

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

Product Offerings

Product Categories:

Seafood

Products:

Whole Onboard Shrimp: Wild (Pleoticus muelleri)

Shrimp Tails: Wild (Pleoticus muelleri)

Whole Land Shrimp: Wild (Pleoticus muelleri)

Peeled Shrimp: Wild (Pleoticus muelleri)

Conarpesa – Continental Armadores de Pesca S.A. is one of Argentina’s leading seafood companies, specializing in the harvesting, processing, and export of wild-caught Argentine Red Shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri). Headquartered in Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Conarpesa operates across the entire value chain of the fishing industry—from fleet management to advanced processing and international distribution.

Core Business and Product Portfolio

Conarpesa’s business is focused on the capture and processing of premium-quality shrimp from the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the South Atlantic Ocean. The company’s product range includes:

  • Whole Onboard Shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri): Caught and frozen at sea to preserve freshness and texture.
  • Shrimp Tails (Pleoticus muelleri): Frozen and processed for export to high-end retail and foodservice sectors.
  • Whole Land Shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri): Processed at land-based facilities with strict quality control.
  • Peeled Shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri): Tailored for ready-to-cook formats with manual and mechanical peeling.

These products are exported primarily in frozen format (IQF and block), ensuring optimal preservation and meeting international quality standards.

Specialization and Competitive Advantage

Conarpesa’s key competitive strengths include:

  • Vertical Integration: Ownership of its own fleet and processing plants allows complete control over quality and timing.
  • Onboard Freezing Technology: Vessels are equipped with onboard freezing systems to ensure that shrimp are frozen within hours of capture.
  • Prime Fishing Zones: Operating in exclusive zones off the Patagonian coast, renowned for the world’s highest quality wild shrimp.
  • Sustainability Practices: Emphasis on regulated fishing quotas and by-catch reduction aligned with Argentine maritime authorities.

This structure ensures the highest standards of freshness, traceability, and ecological responsibility.

Financial and Shipment Insights

Conarpesa is a dominant player in Argentina’s shrimp export market. Based on industry data and customs reports:

  • The company ranks among the top 5 exporters of Argentine Red Shrimp.
  • Over 700 export shipments annually, with primary markets in Spain, Italy, China, Japan, and the United States.
  • Estimated annual export revenue exceeds USD 100 million, driven by strong demand in premium seafood markets.
  • Shipment volumes reflect seasonal peaks, aligned with the official Argentine shrimp fishing season, maximizing resource sustainability.

Conarpesa’s focus on export quality and consistency has enabled long-term partnerships with global seafood distributors and retailers.

Target Market

The company’s products are targeted toward:

  • International Importers and Distributors of frozen seafood.
  • Retail Chains specializing in premium frozen seafood.
  • Foodservice and HoReCa (Hotel/Restaurant/Catering) buyers demanding wild-caught, sustainable shrimp.
  • Private Label Partners seeking Argentine origin and processing compliance.

Their shrimp is especially prized in Europe and Asia for its rich flavor, vibrant color, and firm texture.

Infrastructure and Capabilities

Conarpesa maintains an extensive infrastructure network:

  • Owns and operates 18+ fishing vessels, including freezer trawlers.
  • Multiple land-based processing plants located in key ports such as Puerto Madryn and Rawson.
  • Cold storage facilities and integrated logistics for streamlined exports.
  • Employs over 1,200 workers, supporting local economies and national employment in Argentina’s fishing industry.

All facilities comply with national food safety regulations and are routinely audited by foreign inspection bodies.

Certifications and Compliance

The company ensures full compliance with both Argentine and international seafood safety and sustainability regulations:

  • SENASA (Argentina’s National Food Safety Authority) certification for all exports.
  • EU and FDA Approved Facilities for seafood processing.
  • Participates in fisheries improvement programs for the Argentine Red Shrimp fishery.
  • Regularly audited for quality control, hygiene, and environmental responsibility by third-party certifiers and buyers.

These certifications allow seamless market access to Europe, North America, and Asia.

Customer Reputation and Testimonials

While direct testimonials are limited in public sources, Conarpesa is frequently referenced in trade media and seafood expos as:

  • A reliable exporter of wild Argentine shrimp.
  • Known for product consistency and supply reliability.
  • Praised by importers for adhering to documentation standards and shipping timelines.

The company's reputation for quality control and traceability gives it strong leverage in regulated seafood markets.

Major Achievements

  • Recognized as a pioneer in onboard shrimp freezing in Argentina.
  • One of the earliest Argentine companies to export directly to China and Japan.
  • Consistently ranked among Argentina’s top seafood exporters by Argentine Customs (AFIP).
  • Supported regional employment through sustainable fleet expansion and processing investment.

Conarpesa – Continental Armadores de Pesca S.A. stands as a cornerstone of Argentina’s seafood export economy, known for its vertically integrated operations, sustainable practices, and dedication to bringing premium wild shrimp from Patagonia to the global market.