Exhibiting at Seafood Expo North America 2025

MAR ARGENTINO, salvaje y austral is a strategic seafood export and promotion initiative led by the Federal Fisheries Council of Argentina (Consejo Federal Pesquero). It serves as the official platform for showcasing the country’s rich and diverse marine resources, fostering global awareness of Argentine seafood, and supporting sustainable fishing practices in the South Atlantic.

Core Business and Operations

MAR ARGENTINO functions as a government-backed export promotion entity dedicated to the branding, representation, and market positioning of Argentine seafood products. It coordinates with public and private sector stakeholders—including fishing companies, seafood processors, and international trade agencies—to enhance the visibility and competitiveness of Argentine marine products globally.

Operating from Buenos Aires, the organization plays a pivotal role in aligning national seafood exports with international standards, sustainability frameworks, and global trade promotion strategies.

Product and Resource Portfolio

While MAR ARGENTINO itself does not directly process or sell seafood, it represents the full spectrum of Argentina’s marine capture fisheries. Key species promoted under the MAR ARGENTINO brand include:

• Argentine Red Shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri)
  Wild-caught from the Patagonian shelf, known for its deep flavor and firm texture

• Hake (Merluccius hubbsi)
  A leading whitefish species in Argentina’s seafood exports

• Illex Squid (Illex argentinus)
  Abundant in Argentine waters, widely exported for global markets

• Southern King Crab (Lithodes santolla)
  A delicacy found in cold austral waters, sought after in gourmet markets

These species are harvested in FAO Fishing Area 41, a globally significant maritime zone known for its nutrient-rich waters and sustainable stock management.

Specialisation and Core USP

MAR ARGENTINO distinguishes itself by:

• Promoting wild-caught, natural seafood sourced from the clean, cold waters of the South Atlantic
• Backed by Argentine federal authorities, ensuring traceability, legality, and resource sustainability
• Providing technical support and data-driven marketing tools to Argentine exporters
• Enhancing branding of origin through participation in global trade fairs and B2B platforms

Its wild-capture emphasis appeals to markets that prioritize environmental stewardship, authenticity, and traceable sourcing.

Economic and Export Impact

According to data from INDEC (National Institute of Statistics and Censuses) and the Argentine Undersecretariat for Fisheries, the seafood sector represented:

• Over $1.7 billion USD in exports in 2023
• 500,000+ metric tons of seafood products shipped annually
• Top markets: Spain, China, Italy, the U.S., and Brazil

Argentine Red Shrimp alone accounted for more than 45% of total export value, making it the flagship species under the MAR ARGENTINO brand umbrella.

International Presence and Trade Fairs

MAR ARGENTINO is regularly showcased at international seafood and trade events, including:

• Seafood Expo Global (Brussels/Barcelona)
• China Fisheries & Seafood Expo
• Conxemar (Spain)
• Boston Seafood Expo North America

At these events, the MAR ARGENTINO stand serves as a hub for connecting Argentine exporters with international buyers, highlighting the country's regulatory strength, fishing fleet capacity, and processing excellence.

Capabilities and Governance

As an initiative of the Consejo Federal Pesquero, MAR ARGENTINO operates under the institutional framework of Argentina's Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries. Its operational capacities include:

• Coordination of industry delegations and exporters at global trade expos
• Production of technical brochures, traceability documents, and promotional media
• Management of a national seafood exporter directory
• Dissemination of real-time fishery statistics and quota allocations

This centralized structure ensures consistency in messaging, standards, and strategic promotion.

Certifications and Sustainability

Seafood products under MAR ARGENTINO are sourced in compliance with:

• Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Certification – For species such as hake and squid
• Argentine National Fisheries Regulations – Enforced by Prefectura Naval Argentina and INIDEP
• International guidelines on bycatch management, observer programs, and stock assessments

Argentina’s government applies a quota-based fishery management system, seasonal closures, and scientific stock evaluations to maintain the ecological balance of marine ecosystems.

Major Achievements

• Recognized as a model for national origin branding in the fisheries sector across Latin America
• Supported the global rise of Argentine Red Shrimp, now a premium product in Europe and Asia
• Successfully increased seafood export diversification to over 80 international destinations
• Developed a centralized exporter catalog enabling global buyers to directly connect with verified Argentine producers

MAR ARGENTINO, salvaje y austral is more than a brand—it is a strategic gateway to one of the most pristine and productive marine ecosystems on the planet, offering wild-caught seafood of the highest quality, sustainably managed and internationally celebrated.