The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued contracts cumulatively worth USD 32.5 million (EUR 30 million) to several U.S. Gulf of Mexico wild shrimp suppliers.
After asking for bids in mid-January 2024, the USDA awarded the majority of the contracts for 385,000 cases of peeled and deveined shrimp to New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A.-based Paul Piazza & Son for USD 15.1 million (EUR 14 million).
Lafitte, Louisiana, U.S.A.-based Lafitte Frozen Foods Corp. snagged a significant USD 5.07 million (EUR 4.6 million) chunk of the contract, and Henderson, Louisiana-based Ocean Select Seafood won USD 4.25 million (EUR 3.9 million) of the contract.
Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S.A.-based C.F. Gollott and Son Seafood was awarded a contract for USD 4.33 million (EUR 4 million); Clackamas, Oregon, U.S.A.-based Dulcich Inc. received a contract for around USD 379,300 (EUR 352,000); Biloxi, Mississippi-based Gulf Pride Enterprises was awarded USD 637,500 (EUR 592,000); Bayou La Batre, Alabama, U.S.A.-based Sea Pearl Seafood was awarded USD 822,000 (EUR 763,000); and New Orleans-based Tommy’s Seafood won USD 1.9 million (EUR 1.8 million) of the contract.
U.S. Representative Garret Graves (R-Louisiana) originally announced the USDA purchase in December 2023.
This will“alleviate pressure felt by Louisiana’s shrimp industry caused by natural disasters, higher fuel prices, labor and supply chain issues, and the effects of foreign governments flooding the market with illegally caught, foreign, farmed seafood,” Graves's office said.
The price of shrimp globally continues to sit at near historic lows for both imported and domestic shrimp, according to NOAA data.
“The seafood industry is one of Louisiana’s biggest economic drivers, but our shrimpers have been repeatedly hit by both man-made and natural disasters," Graves said. "We are pushing for legislation at every angle to bring them more relief, and this commitment from the USDA will make a meaningful impact on these businesses in our south Louisiana communities and stomachs across America.”
Photo courtesy of Paul Piazza & Son
