In Panel 2 of the Global Markets session, Kontali presented alternatives for developing other markets. Buyers from the EU, Japan, and China then provided their strategic insights. Finally, representatives from emerging markets in India, Vietnam, and Indonesia discussed the development of those domestic markets.
Dr Manoj Sharma is a farmer and an aquaculture expert with more than 26 years of experience in shrimp farming. Dr Manoj has played a major role in the development of shrimp farming in the coastal regions of Gujarat, especially through the Gujarat Aquaculture Association, under which shrimp farmers have united under one umbrella. Dr. Manoj is a popular international speaker on the topic of sustainable shrimp farming practices and has been a prominent advocate for the domestic promotion and consumption of farmed shrimp in India. He started Zhingalala, a shrimp restaurant and distribution network, to demonstrate his belief in India's potential for expanded shrimp consumption.
Van Vu has over eight years of experience in creating technologies aimed at fostering a sustainable aquaculture ecosystem. He is the co-founder and CEO of OTANICS Technology Jsc. This company operates the Tomota digital platform, catering to every participant in the global shrimp value chain. In addition, Van is the cofounder of Ofarm Technology JSC, which develops cost-effective recirculation aquaculture systems for small-holder farmers. He also leads the NTT Hi-Tech Institute, focusing on high-tech applications in various industries. His mission is to drive positive change through innovation and collaboration in environmental, social, and economic realms.
Maruha Nichiro Corporation has been in the seafood business in Japan for 144 years and is one of the biggest seafood companies in the world. Mori joined the company in 1996 and has remained with them for 28 years, dedicating his career to the shrimp business. His experience includes working as shrimp operations manager for the group company in the US for almost 8 years from 2011, providing him with a thorough understanding of the shrimp business in both Japan and the US. He now works as the general manager of the shrimp department in Tokyo.
Mengqiu Tang has over 20 years of experience in the aquaculture industry. In 2010, he founded Shenzhen Datang Food Co., Ltd with the mission of "green, healthy, environmentally sustainable, and fully traceable." The company has been committed to serving the high-end market, offering professional seafood distribution services to internationally renowned five-star hotel brands. To meet the growing demand for premium aquatic products, Tang expanded the global procurement network in 2016, sourcing high-quality frozen seafood from Canada, the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Vietnam, and other countries. In 2018, he established New Retail International Supply Chain Management (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., actively exploring the domestic market, serving diverse sectors such as City’super, Ole, Huawei, Asia Seafood Harbor, Hong Kong Tao Heung Group, and Maxim’s Food, etc.
After a master's degree in international business, Olivier Hottlet worked briefly as a restaurant chef then as a trainee in a freight forwarding company, before joining in 1982 the family business, founded by his father Pierre in 1970, importing and distributing frozen seafood in Europe. He took this company over with his brother Benoit in 1991 and has been co-CEO and co-owner of it until January 2024, when he stepped down from the daily management to remain Chairman of its board of directors. Olivier continues to serve as board member of the International Association of Fish Inspectors (IAFI) and of the Seafood Importers’ and Processors’ Alliance (SIPA) and as President of Belgafood and of Frucom.