Aquaculture and Fishing Sector, more technical and innovative

The growing global demand, for food coming from aquaculture and fishing, has allowed the Guatemalan industry to continue strengthening its strategies for the development of the sector, increase their productivity, diversify their products and increase their exports.

Traditionally, the products for extractive fishing have contributed to satisfying the feeding needs for thousands of Guatemalans for many decades; however, visionary business persons identified the huge potential for aquaculture as an important motor to generate food for export.

The Aquaculture and Fishing Sector is known for having highly technified industries that generate high valueadded products and high quality standards and food safety.

Most businesses have international certifications on their production processes, like Best Aquaculture Practices/ Global Aquaculture Alliance, Global Gap, among others, for which they require strict schemes for environmental sustainability, food safety, animal wellness and health and social business responsibility.

The products in this sector have gone into and satisfied consumers from the most demanding markets like the European Union, the United States, Mexico and Japan, reaching exports for over US$250 million annually. The industries, to export their products to those markets are subject to strict official programs for control and monitoring in matters of food safety, animal health and traceability.

In order to strengthen this industry, the Aquaculture and Fishing Sector was created within AGEXPORT more than 20 years ago. It gathers more than 80% of the producers and exporters for fishing products in the country, and is made up of the following industries: shrimp farming, tilapia farming, tuna and mahi-mahi fishing, processing plants for fishing products, fish meal mills for aquaculture, fishing product traders, artisan fishing, and suppliers.

Its main objective is to promote the responsible and sustainable development; and facilitate and increase the volume of its product and service exports.

The associates of this sector are benefitted through institutional support on general and transversal themes, enjoying key services and participation in specific sector activities; and access to technical support to their relevant initiatives, including finding solutions to specific problems.
The industry is focused on identifying and adapting to latest trends in innovation, technology and consumer habits. It is also very conscious and committed towards satisfying the requirements for international markets and is looking into positioning their products leveraging the country image.