Q. Are all shrimp the same?
A. The earth’s waters produce hundreds of shrimp species. The most frequently consumed shrimp in the United States is Penaeus vannamei, commonly known as “white shrimp.” A smaller amount of shrimp consumed in the U.S. is Penaeus monodon, commonly known as “tiger shrimp.”
Q. Do most shrimp come from the ocean?
A. Approximately 60% of the world’s shrimp is now farm-raised. This practice, known as aquaculture, is increasing each year worldwide and is an important factor in feeding many sectors of the world’s population.
Q. Why raise seafood in farms?
A. Aquaculture provides a controlled, safe environment for raising many types of seafood. Because seafood is an integral part of many diets throughout the world, aquaculture plays an important role in maintaining the global food supply. In addition, aquaculture provides an optimal processing environment. Products are moved from harvest to processing quickly and efficiently, greatly reducing the chances of mishandling. This enhances the quality and food safety of the finished product.
Q. Where does the United States get its shrimp?
A. Roughly 90% of all shrimp consumed in the United States is imported. The majority of that comes from aquaculture.
Q. So what countries produce the most shrimp?
A. Countries with tropical and sub-tropical climates lead the world in shrimp production. In Americas the major producers are Ecuador, Mexico and Venezuela. In Asia the largest producers include Thailand, China Indonesia and Vietnam.
Q. Where does Seafood Exchange get its shrimp?
A. Our primary sources are Ecuador and Thailand. Both countries have excellent records of food safety and quality, an especially important factor considering the concerns about food imports from certain parts of the world. We select only the finest shrimp—so you don’t have to!
Q. Why is a shrimp’s origin important?
A. The news is full of reports of unsafe and fraudulent seafood imports.  Often this is because suppliers have placed cheap ahead of quality and safety on their priority list. While many suppliers have “yielded to this temptation,” we are proud to say that our philosophy regarding quality, consistency and safety has never changed. We have remained true to our focus on producing safe, consistent products in facilities and countries with proven quality and safety records for many years.
Q. Do your products have any type of certification?
A. Yes. We are proud to manufacture in facilities certified by the Aquaculture Certification Council. This ensures that our processes are safe, traceable, and environmentally and socially responsible.
Q. Why do shrimp prices vary?
A. Prices vary in a general sense because shrimp is a commodity on the global market, and the forces of supply and demand keep prices in constant flux. In a more specific sense, prices often vary between two apparently similar products for two primary reasons:
1) A specialized product may cost more because of more complex processing.
2) Unfortunately, some producers take shortcuts that affect food safety, quality and economic integrity. Generally it is done to undercut prices. A producer can reduce his cost by “playing outside the lines.” Quality and safety are not free.As with most products, any price that seems too good to be true probably is. Check your merchandise carefully!
Q. How can I be sure to get quality products at fair prices?
A. First, learn as much as possible about the products. This includes species, country of origin, product forms, etc. You have a right to expect products that are safe and economically fair (count, weight, etc.). Second, choose your suppliers carefully. Trusted suppliers will work with you to make your business a success. After all, that’s the key to their success too.

More questions? Just click here to e-mail Shrimp Dude!