From 27th to 31st October I will be in Miami, Florida. Why? Because I said yes to participate in Gabriel Luna’s second edition of the Shrimp Masterclass! What is that? Well it’s a 2.5 day program where Gabriel Luna, myself and five other shrimp industry experts will share our views on the complexities and commonalities of the global shrimp value-chain. We will go from genetics to farming, from farming to processing and exports, and from exports to imports and distribution. After attending the Shrimp Masterclass, you will be enriched and inspired. It’s your starting point for being a global expert yourself. You will be ready to make better, more informed business decisions. But who better to explain all of this than Mr. Gabriel Luna himself?
So Gabriel, tell me, why the Shrimp Masterclass?
In today's rapidly evolving shrimp industry, the Shrimp Masterclass is an unparalleled opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire shrimp value chain—from hatchery to farm, processing plants, and export markets. This event is designed not just as a learning opportunity, but as a deep dive into the intricacies of the shrimp industry.
Our goal is to offer participants a detailed and practical education on the key aspects of shrimp production. The Shrimp Masterclass is not only a learning event—it’s a strategic investment in knowledge for businesses aiming to stay competitive and for individuals eager to enter or expand within the world of shrimp production. The insights gained here will have a lasting impact on how you approach the industry, making this the best event for mastering shrimp production from beginning to end.
The impact? A more knowledgeable, efficient, and competitive shrimp industry, where participants gain the expertise to lead their businesses and teams in one of the most important seafood sectors globally.
But this is a lot of work to put it all together! What is your drive for doing this?
My primary motivation for organizing The Shrimp Masterclass is to provide a platform for both industry professionals and newcomers to gain crucial insights into the shrimp production process. The shrimp industry is complex and fast-evolving, with many critical stages—from hatchery operations to market dynamics—that are often misunderstood or overlooked. By offering a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience, I aim to bridge those knowledge gaps and empower participants with the information they need to make informed, strategic business decisions.
Understanding shrimp growth, farming innovations, quality control, and market trends is essential for anyone looking to succeed in this sector. Whether you're directly involved in shrimp production or operating in a related field, this knowledge can enhance decision-making, improve operational efficiencies, and ultimately lead to better business outcomes. My goal with The Shrimp Masterclass is to contribute to the industry's overall advancement by equipping participants with the tools and insights they need to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive global market.
This event is designed not just to educate,but to inspire meaningful changes and innovations that will shape the future of the shrimp industry.
What do you hope to achieve by executing the Shrimp Masterclass in Miami?
My goal with The Shrimp Masterclass is to foster a deeper understanding of the entire shrimp value chain—from growing and harvesting to packing and exporting. Shrimp production is a highly intricate process, and the more people, especially buyers and importers, understand the immense effort and precision involved, the better positioned we all will be to meet each other's needs.
By educating participants on the sourcing and value of shrimp, I hope to bridge the knowledge gap between producers and the global market. This will not only help improve business relationships butal so encourage more informed purchasing decisions, leading to greater appreciation of the work behind each product. Ultimately, my aim is to elevate the shrimp industry's global reputation by ensuring that everyone involved,from farmers to consumers, understands and respects the complexities of shrimp production.
What will people get if they attend the Shrimp Masterclass in Miami?
Attendees of The Shrimp Masterclass will gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire shrimp value chain, starting with a deep dive into genetics and broodstock at the hatchery stage, led by renowned geneticist Joao Rocha, whose work has been pivotal in Ecuador’s shrimp industry growth. We will also cover global shrimp farming practices, highlighting technological advancements that drive today's production, with insights from Robin Pearl of Sun Shrimp Farms in Florida, offering a prime example of modern farming.
Next, Eduardo Arosemena from Kampi Software will showcase how AI is transforming decision-making for shrimp farmers. We'll then explore the inner workings of shrimp packing plants, from processing to shipping, and Scott Zimmerman will walk us through FDA regulations on seafood. Market dynamics and price volatility in the U.S. will be explained by Angel Rubio, formerly of Urner Barry, and we’ll conclude with you, Willem, you will provide a global export overview, helping us understand today’s key shrimp suppliers and their impact on markets.
On the last day, attendees have the opportunity to visit Sun Shrimp Farms in Florida, the broodstock and grow-out farm of Robin Pearl from where he supplies fresh shrimp to US high end markets and broodstock to shrimp hatcheries around the world. A unique opportunity to get to see the facilities one of the world’s leading suppliers of robust genetics that perform well in disease stressed environments.
Who do you hope will attend this edition in Miami? And what are your plans for the Shrimp Masterclass?
We are aiming for a diverse group of attendees from across the shrimp value chain—suppliers, importers,distributors, buyers, and anyone else involved who wants to deepen their understanding of global sourcing and market dynamics. Senior-level executives and decision-makers, particularly those focused on strategy and operations,will greatly benefit from the insights shared during this event.
As for the future of The Shrimp Masterclass, while we’re currently focused on making the Miami edition a success, we are considering expanding based on demand. After this event, we might revisit Guayaquil or bring the Masterclass to another city, depending on the feedback and interest we receive.
The Shrimp Masterclass: Practical Information
Times and dates:
October 28th: 5 pm to 8 pm
October 29th: 8 am to 6:30 pm
Exact location:
James L. Knight Center, Miami, Florida (Miami,400 SE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33131, USA
Cost:
USD 1099 which includes a visit to SunShrimp Farm (limited availability) but excludes your travel and accomodation
Registration link:
https://www.shrimpmasterclass.com/events/miami-shrimp-masterclass
Registration deadline:
October 28th