34 Seafood Companies Join Alaska Seafood Technical Re‑Processing Seminars
In December 2025, the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) held two Alaska Seafood Re-processing Technical Seminars in Southeast Asia. The seminars taught seafood processors how to work with Alaska seafood and provided support to expand global markets.
At a Glance
- 2 seminars in Southeast Asia (General Santos City, Philippines & Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
- 90+ participants
- 34 seafood companies (17 per location)
- 4 Alaska species featured
Why These Seminars Matter
Supported by a USDA FAS Emerging Markets Program (EMP) grant, the seminars help expand Alaska seafood re‑processing options outside China. The Philippines offers skilled, cost‑effective labor for re‑processing, while Malaysia provides strong technical capacity and Halal-certified facilities.
Technical Training Highlights
ASMI contractors provided highly technical trainings where participants took part in live filleting demonstrations featuring Alaska pollock, Pacific cod, rock sole, and pink salmon, as well as a taste test of Alaska pink salmon prepared by USDA Chef Trainer Gilda Sandique. The practical sessions allowed processors to better understand product characteristics, yield optimization, and quality control considerations for Alaska species.
The Philippines session included staff from 17 tuna-processing companies, reaching approximately 46 participants per day. During the second seminar ASMI was pleased to welcome Alicia Hernandez, Agricultural Counselor of FAS Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, who participated in the event and delivered opening remarks. Altogether, the Malaysia session hosted 44 participants from 17 companies, including seafood processors and Alaska seafood importers from Malaysia and Singapore.
Strategic Importance of the Philippines and Malaysia
General Santos City is the main seafood processing center in the Philippines. The area has a skilled and cost-effective workforce. Training in this region supports Alaska fishermen and processors by expanding reliable processing options while supporting local industry.
Malaysia has a more advanced but higher-cost processing sector. The seminar helped Malaysian processors explore higher-value Alaska seafood products. It also strengthened trade ties with Malaysia and Singapore.
Key Takeaways for Alaska’s Global Market Strategy
The Philippines and Malaysia seminars reinforced Southeast Asia’s growing interest in utilizing Alaska seafood as a reliable, high-quality raw material for global markets and reflect the growing interest in Alaska seafood for domestic consumption.
The Philippines offers a strong option for labor-based Alaska seafood re-processing, especially in General Santos City. Malaysia offers strengths in food safety rules, Halal-certified processing, and technical skills.
Contact
To learn more about ASMI’s training programs and emerging market work, visit alaskaseafood.org or contact ASMI’s International Marketing and Grants Manager, Hannah Schlosstein, at [email protected].
