Founded in 2015, Grupo Aquamar operates across Honduras and Nicaragua, with an annual output of approximately 950 tonnes of shrimp. Exporting to major markets across Mexico, Central America, Europe, and Asia, including Taiwan and Singapore, Grupo Aquamar is looking to expand its global footprint further.

A Focus on Asia

Melissa Osorio, co-founder and sales manager of Grupo Aquamar, highlighted the company’s growing interest in Asian markets during an interview at the recent Seafood Expo Asia held in Singapore. “The first time that we exported to Asia was about seven years ago. We would like to have more presence in Singapore and Hong Kong,” she explained. Osorio emphasized that the firm is targeting regions where consumers appreciate the distinct taste of premium shrimp.

At present, Grupo Aquamar primarily sells its shrimp to distributors and wholesalers. However, the company is keen to strengthen its presence in the retail and direct-to-consumer sectors. According to Osorio, the goal is to build brand awareness by leveraging consistent regional presence and eye-catching packaging. “We take a lot of time to design our colourful packaging so that people can easily recognise us from it,” she noted.

Sustainability and Premiumisation

Grupo Aquamar’s shrimp farming method is a cornerstone of its premium product positioning. The company prides itself on its “traditional, natural, and sustainable” practices, avoiding the use of antibiotics or additives. Osorio explained that the shrimps are raised in carefully monitored ponds, using a nutrient-rich, chemical-free feed that promotes healthy growth. The shrimps are indigenous to the area, which reduces the risk of disease and further enhances their health.

This commitment to sustainability is paired with a focus on quality. The shrimp are cultivated in optimal conditions, ensuring not only their health but also their flavor. “Our shrimps are raised in ponds that are carefully monitored to ensure optimal conditions to obtain the highest quality and flavour,” Osorio said.

Color as a Key Indicator

Grupo Aquamar operates three farms in the Gulf of Fonseca, an area rich in marine life. These farms are supported by processing plants that adhere to international standards and HACCP guidelines, ensuring that the company’s products meet global quality expectations. The firm offers “head on shell on” (HOSO) and “headless shell on” (HLSO) shrimps in various sizes for its export markets.

In the competitive shrimp market, color is a crucial factor in product differentiation. Shrimps are graded on a scale from A1 (lightest) to A5 (darkest), with A2 and A3 being the preferred shades for fresh products, while A4 and A5 are often sold cooked. Osorio explained that Grupo Aquamar’s farming method produces shrimps that naturally achieve a broad range of colors. “Due to our location and soil, our shrimp color is at least A3,” she remarked, adding that the company’s control over its farms allows it to cater to specific customer preferences, ranging from A2 to A4.