What Expalsa Exportadora de Alimentos does

Expalsa Exportadora de Alimentos S.A. is a privately held Ecuadorian corporation founded in 1984 and headquartered in Durán, Guayas, that farms, processes, and exports premium white vannamei shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) to international markets. The company operates a fully integrated production model spanning hatchery, farming, processing plant reception, inspection, freezing (IQF, Brine IQF, and Block/Semi IQF), packing, and export, with online monitoring and end-to-end traceability under HACCP. Its product portfolio covers raw formats (HOSO, HLSO) plus value-added formats (P&D, PUD, PPV, EZ-PEEL, Butterfly) sold under 12 consumer brands — including WangPai, WonQ, Wonder, Ocean Royale, High Tide, Piquero, Full Moon, Diamond, White Pearl, Oasis, Shrimp Box, and a No-Brand private-label SKU — and reaches customers in more than 40 countries across Asia, Europe, the Americas, Africa, Oceania, and the Middle East.

The company generates revenue primarily through B2B export sales of bulk and value-added shrimp to international distributors, supermarket chains, food-service operators, and industrial food manufacturers. Pricing is quote-based rather than list-published, and customer engagement is conducted directly via a trilingual (English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese) website, named sales representatives, WhatsApp, WeChat, and major international seafood trade fairs such as World Seafood Shanghai 2025 and the China Fisheries & Seafood Expo in Qingdao. Expalsa holds 10+ international certifications including ASC, BAP, BRCGS, IFS, Global G.A.P., HACCP, HALAL, BASC, SEDEX/SMETA, and TÜV Rheinland CO2 Neutral (maintained since 2020), and has reported 100,000+ tons of annual production capacity and 3,000+ employees, with second-generation family leadership in place since 2013.

Name

Expalsa Exportadora de Alimentos

Legal name

EXPALSA Exportadora de Alimentos S.A.

Website

https://expalsa.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Expalsa Exportadora de Alimentos is a privately held Ecuadorian shrimp producer and exporter, founded in 1984 and headquartered in Durán, that integrates farming, processing, and export of premium vannamei shrimp under 12 brands to distributors, retailers, food-service operators, and industrial buyers across 40+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Seafood Processing

NAICS

Aquaculture (1125), Seafood Product Preparation and Packaging (3117), Fish and Seafood Merchant Wholesalers (42446)

SIC

Agricultural Prod-Livestock & Animal Specialties (200), Food And Kindred Products (2000), Wholesale-Farm Product Raw Materials (5150)

akta.pro primary industry

Crustacean Farming (e.g., shrimp, prawns, crab) (AFAEAAAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Primary Seafood Processing (Heading/Gutting/Deheading; Icing) (AFANADAA), Shellfish Wholesale (Crustaceans & Mollusks) (AFAIADAF), Import/Export & Cross-Border Food Commodity Trading (AFAIAKAL)

Keywords

• Shrimp farming
• Seafood export
• Frozen shrimp processing
• Aquaculture products
• Private label seafood

Headquarters

HQ city

Durán

HQ country

Ecuador

HQ region

Latin America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Premium Ecuadorian Shrimp Export: Expalsa generates revenue through the production, processing, and export of premium white vannamei shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) to international markets across Asia, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Oceania. The company offers a wide range of product formats including HOSO, HLSO, P&D, PUD, PPV, EZ-PEEL, and Butterfly cuts, sold under multiple branded and private-label offerings. Revenue is derived from bulk export sales to international distributors, retailers, food service operators, and industrial food manufacturers.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Expalsa Exportadora de Alimentos farms, processes, and exports premium Ecuadorian white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) under a fully integrated supply chain covering hatchery to delivery. The company produces 100,000+ tons annually across multiple product formats (HOSO, HLSO, P&D, PUD, PPV, EZ-PEEL, Butterfly) and markets them under 13 branded and private-label offerings to international distributors, retailers, food service operators, and industrial food manufacturers across 40+ countries.

Product overview

Expalsa Exportadora de Alimentos is a fully integrated Ecuadorian shrimp producer and exporter offering a comprehensive portfolio of shrimp products and branded offerings. The core product line includes raw shrimp in various processing stages: whole HOSO (Head-On, Shell-On) and HLSO (Headless, Shell-On) as primary offerings, supplemented by value-added products including P&D (Peeled & Deveined), PUD (Peeled Undeveined), PPV (Peeled & Pulled Vein), and EZ-PEEL variants in both HOSO and HLSO formats, plus Butterfly cut. The company also markets 13 distinct consumer brands (WangPai, Wonder, WonQ, Ocean Royale, High Tide, Piquero, Full Moon, Diamond, White Pearl, Oasis, Shrimp Box, and No Brand) tailored for different international markets including Asia, Europe, Americas, Africa, and Oceania. Products are exported in IQF (Individual Quick Freezing), Brine IQF, or Block freezing formats with complete traceability from hatchery to delivery.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• WangPai 王牌: Premium brand solidly positioned in Asian markets; known for constant quality, freshness, and flavor.
• Wonder
• WonQ 王后
• Ocean Royale
• High Tide
• Piquero
• Full Moon
• Diamond
• White Pearl
• Oasis
• Shrimp Box
• No Brand

Products and services

• HOSO (Head-On, Shell-On) Whole frozen shrimp with head and shell intact, preserving natural freshness, flavor, and visual appeal. Exported as IQF or block frozen, suitable for grilling and traditional presentations. Sold to international buyers.
• HLSO (Headless, Shell-On) Headless shell-on frozen shrimp offering practical convenience while preserving authentic flavor and texture. Ideal for retail and industrial processing.
• P&D Tail-On (Peeled & Deveined) Shrimp peeled and deveined with tail intact for improved presentation and handling. Suitable for stir-fries, grilling, and shrimp cocktails.
• P&D Tail-Off (Peeled & Deveined) Shrimp peeled and deveined with tail removed, ready for quick dishes like pastas, stir-fries, and bowls.
• PUD Tail-On (Peeled, Undeveined) Shrimp peeled but not deveined, with tail on. Suitable for tempura, frying, and stir-fries where the tail adds visual appeal.
• PUD Tail-Off (Peeled, Undeveined) Shrimp peeled but not deveined, with tail removed. Cost-efficient option for breaded products, batters, and industrial use.
• PPV Tail-On (Peeled & Pulled Vein) Shrimp deveined by vein extraction with tail intact. Offers maximum visual appeal for grilling, searing, tempura, and cocktails.
• PPV Tail-Off (Peeled & Pulled Vein) Shrimp deveined by dorsal vein extraction without cutting, maintaining texture and yield. Ideal for fast-cooking recipes.
• HOSO EZ-PEEL Head-On, Shell-On shrimp with an easy-peel dorsal cut that keeps the head, legs, and tail intact. Ideal for showpiece dishes and traditional presentations.
• HLSO EZ-PEEL Headless, Shell-On shrimp with an easy-peel dorsal cut that keeps the legs and tail intact. Ideal for grilling, tempura, and quick stir-fries.
• Butterfly Shrimp Longitudinal cut shrimp that enhances volume and appearance. Excellent for breading, tempura, and premium presentations.
• WangPai Brand Premium brand solidly positioned in Asian markets as the preferred choice of major distributors, recognized for consistent quality, freshness, and flavor.
• Wonder Brand Extraordinary premium brand representing excellence, chosen by chefs and experts who value excellence in every detail.
• WonQ Brand

Quantifiable outcome

• 100,000+ tons of shrimp produced each year with full traceability from hatchery to customer delivery point
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• TÜV RheinlandcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2025TÜV Rheinland conducts annual audits of Expalsa's carbon footprint and carbon neutrality certification, verifying and validating the company's greenhouse gas emissions measurements and offset processes as part of its CO2 Neutral certification.
• TorkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTork collaborated with Expalsa on food safety awareness activities focused on proper handwashing techniques, reinforcing food safety culture among employees as part of the company's commitment to food safety standards.
• AparaconminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAparacon partnered with Expalsa to deliver training programs on preventing cross-contamination and promoting effective cleaning practices, supporting the company's Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and food safety culture development.
• ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerASC Chain of Custody certification ensures that every product from certified shrimp farms maintains its integrity and traceability throughout processing, packaging, and distribution, supporting sustainable aquaculture and social commitment.
• BAP (Best Aquaculture Practices)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBAP certification at the processing plant level verifies compliance with strict standards based on environmental responsibility, social accountability, animal health and welfare, and food safety, ensuring responsible and traceable seafood production.
• BRCGScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBRCGS food safety certification (GFSI-recognized) validates compliance with the global BRC standard for food products, ensuring the highest levels of food safety for global markets.
• IFS (International Featured Standards)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIFS food safety certification (GFSI-recognized) validates adherence to the International Featured Standard across all operations, confirming organizational-wide compliance with international food safety standards.
• Global G.A.P.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal G.A.P. Chain of Custody certification ensures the final product maintains integrity and traceability throughout the entire supply chain from certified shrimp farms to distribution, meeting the highest standards of food safety, sustainability, and responsible social management.
• HACCPcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHACCP food safety methodology is applied throughout Expalsa's production process to evaluate risks and prevent or control hazards in finished products, ensuring food safety compliance across all operations.
• HALAL Certification AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHALAL religious certification confirms that Expalsa's products meet the dietary standards for the Muslim community, enabling access to Middle East and other halal-demanding markets.
• BASC (Business Alliance for Secure Commerce)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBASC certification ensures full control of all packaging, shipping, and transport processes for international cargo, guaranteeing secure trade practices for exports.
• Sedex / SMETAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExpalsa is a Sedex member and audited under the SMETA methodology, reinforcing its commitment to ethical labor practices, workplace safety, and sustainability across its supply chain operations.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Omarsa S.A. Ecuadorian integrated vannamei shrimp producer and exporter with comparable scale, BAP/ASC/HACCP certifications, and similar product portfolio for international retail and foodservice customers.
• Songa S.A. Ecuadorian shrimp aquaculture and processing company with comparable vannamei focus, exporting to similar international markets.
• Grupo Industrial Santa Priscila: Largest Ecuadorian shrimp exporter with integrated aquaculture and processing, exporting to similar international retail and foodservice customers with comparable certifications and product formats.
• Promarisco (Shrimp exporter): Ecuadorian vannamei shrimp producer and exporter operating integrated farms and processing, competing for the same international retail and foodservice accounts.
• Pesquera Ecuador (Pescalsa/PESDEC): Ecuadorian shrimp aquaculture and export operator with vertically integrated farming and processing comparable to Expalsa.

Regional players

• Marfrio S.A. Peruvian seafood company with shrimp aquaculture and processing, operating as a regional Latin American peer competing in similar export markets.

Broad incumbents

• Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF): Asia-based aquaculture and seafood conglomerate with vannamei shrimp farming and global branded seafood exports, competing in many of the same markets.
• Nippon Suisan (Nissui): Japanese seafood major with global shrimp sourcing and processing operations, comparable in supplying premium retail and foodservice channels in Asian and global markets.
• Thai Union Group: Global seafood giant (Chicken of the Sea, King Oscar) with shrimp processing, branded retail products, and global distribution that overlaps with Expalsa in international shrimp retail channels.
• Cargill (Aquaculture / seafood): Global agribusiness with seafood trading and aquaculture feed/processing operations that intersect with Expalsa's supply chain as both a potential partner and competitor in shrimp markets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/expalsa.exportadoradealimentos
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/expalsa

Compliance10 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Expalsa Exportadora de Alimentos