Vertical Integration in Shrimp

Seafood Business delivered some intriguing reporting today from the front lines of vertical integration in aquaculture.

Columbian shrimp farming, processing, and wholesaling firm, Cartagena Shrimp Co., owns a new and expanding casual dining chain called Shrimp Market. The brand will expand from 2 to 15 units over the next year. Its "menu consists predominantly of shrimp — Cadillac Shrimp Cocktail, Three Alarm Buffalo Shrimp, New England Shrimp Roll, Cajun Shrimp Jambalaya, Shrimp Carbonara. In fact, Linguini with Shrimp & Clams in Red Sauce is the menu's only item featuring another species aside from shrimp."

Aquacopia is watching for Salmon Hut, Mussel Inn, and Cobia Grill, with a wink. Even if shrimp proves the only seafood species of broad enough appeal for a dedicated menu, this development highlights the consumer-facing end of vertical integration. Cartegena is two steps away from full integration, begging only merger and acquisition activity with a fish meal / reduction fishery and a feed mill. Andrew Carnegie would be proud of a company that starts by pulling a Peruvian anchovy from the sea and adds value until it is a shrimp on a plate in Aventura, Florida.