Washington CORE completed a U.S. scallop market study on behalf of JETRO New York exploring the market potential for Japanese scallops in the United States. Click here for the final report: This study was designed to examine how the market for fresh scallops from Japan can be expanded in the U.S. This is an especially high priority following the Chinese ban of seafood from Japan. The study included scallop fishing and processing methods, regulations, scallop processing, distribution patterns, consumer preferences, retail and food service sales methods, certification systems related to sustainable seafood and seafood safety, and seafood-related laws and regulations.

In addition to in-depth research, the Washington CORE team conducted an extensive field research visiting retails stores and conversed with fishmongers (fish section sales managers) and shoppers about buying scallops. Interviews with experts including FDA officials (food safety), the New England Fishery Management Council (fishing rules and practices), U.S. and Japanese Food Distributors (distribution channels), Michelin Star restaurant proprietors and top chefs (consumer trends), academic researchers (testing taste) proved the most valuable in gaining a comprehensive view of the U.S. Market.