The World’s Top Shrimp Producers

Shrimp is one of the most versatile proteins in the culinary world—whether at home in a casual shrimp taco or featured in a fine dining seafood risotto. In the U.S., shrimp is the most consumed seafood nationwide, loved for its quick cooking time, plate appeal, and ability to absorb seasonings and sauces without losing its own character. But where does the best shrimp in the world come from?

Despite the USA’s long coastlines, more than 90% of the shrimp served in U.S. restaurants and homes is imported. In 2024, those imports totaled 1.67 billion pounds , the bulk coming from India, Ecuador, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand. India alone shipped nearly 648 million pounds of shrimp to the U.S. last year, with Ecuador close behind.

According to the World’s Top Exports the leaders by export value are:

• Ecuador (~35% of frozen seawater shrimp exports)
• India (~22.5%)
• Vietnam (~8.4%)
• Indonesia (~5.6%)

The bulk of shrimp consumed in the U.S. is whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei)—a warm-water, affordable species most commonly found in supermarket seafood aisles. Countries like Ecuador and India are considered industry leaders thanks to their scale, efficiency, and export agility. But for chefs, cost efficiency gives way to flavor, presentation, and origin. And that’s where the conversation changes.

Not all shrimp is created equal. Industrial aquaculture—shrimp farming—allows for massive production, but it often comes at a cost. Shrimp grown in crowded ponds may be treated with antibiotics, exposed to environmental contaminants, or even injected with water or additives to increase weight.

Wild-caught shrimp is another story. 

In their natural habitats, they develop firmer texture, richer flavor, and a natural sweetness—shaped not by feed formulas, but by tides, currents, and ecosystems. Argentina’s red shrimp, though produced in much smaller quantities, offer better quality and flavor thanks to their wild origin—a different kind of superiority compared to the mass-scale dominance of other producers.

If you want to learn more about what makes Argentine Red Shrimp truly Argentine, read this blog post.

Key Differences: Whiteleg Shrimp vs. Argentine Red Shrimp

Origin & Habitat
Whiteleg shrimp are warm-water species, primarily farmed in Ecuador, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand in ponds or tanks under controlled aquaculture conditions. Argentine red shrimp are cold-water species, wild-caught in the nutrient-rich waters of the South Atlantic, particularly off the Patagonian coast of Argentina.

Appearance
Whiteleg shrimp are generally greyish-white when raw, turning pink when cooked. Argentine red shrimp are naturally vibrant red even when raw, becoming a deeper crimson after cooking.

Flavor & Texture
Whiteleg shrimp have a mild, neutral sweetness and a firm but slightly less dense texture. Argentine red shrimp offer a sweeter, richer, almost lobster-like flavor with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Production & Sourcing
Whiteleg shrimp are almost entirely farmed, allowing for consistent year-round availability and lower costs—but often involving antibiotics, water injections, or additives to boost weight and appearance. Argentine red shrimp are wild-caught using trawl nets during regulated fishing seasons. They are additive-free and untouched by aquaculture practices which yields a more natural product.

A Choice That Matters

For a chef, Argentine red shrimp is more than an ingredient—it’s a statement. Choosing them means choosing depth over convenience, sustainability over shortcuts, and flavor over compromise. In a competitive dining landscape where every plate is a chance to tell a story, Argentine Red Shrimp speaks volumes.

At WorldClass, we’ve partnered with Illex Fishing to bring these shrimp directly from Patagonia’s pristine waters to kitchens and chefs who know the difference—promising quality, freshness, and unparalleled flavor. These are the finest wild-caught Argentine red shrimp, sourced exclusively from Argentina’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Bring a taste of the South Atlantic straight to your kitchen, place your wholesale order for Argentine Red Shrimp now.
Check our full selection of wild-caught seafood here.

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