Chief Editor Overview
mains uncertain, but it is a development that shrimp producers must closely monitor.
Adding to Indonesia’s challenges, the EU has delisted Indonesia as an approved food source, a significant blow to the country’s exports. With Indonesia’s seafood industry already facing pressure from low prices and market uncertainties, this decision could further strain producers looking to expand their markets. The year has only just begun, yet Indonesia is already facing serious economic headwinds. The newly appointed government will need to take swift and strategic action to address these challenges and ensure that the seafood industry remains competitive.
Despite these concerns, the start of a new year is always an opportunity for hope and resilience. Let’s continue working together to navigate these uncertain times and find ways to strengthen our industry.
Wishing everyone a Happy New Year 2025, and for those celebrating, Happy Chinese New Year! May this year bring better opportunities, stability, and good harvest for all.
The - CEO
Hello and welcome to this year’s first issue of THE CRUST! As we step into 2025, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to all our readers for a Happy New Year. May this year bring bountiful harvests, stronger markets, and prosperity to all those in the aquaculture industry.
This month, we also celebrate Chinese New Year, a time when shrimp demand traditionally surges as families gather for festive meals. Shrimp, which turns red when cooked, is a symbolic dish representing luck and prosperity in Chinese culture. However, the expected demand spike this year has not been as strong as in previous years. China’s ongoing economic slowdown has dampened overall festive spending, including seafood consumption. For shrimp producers relying on this seasonal boost, the lowerthanexpected demand is another reminder of the uncertain global market conditions.
On the local front, Indonesia has officially joined BRICS, a move that could reshape the country’s economic position on the global stage. However, this decision comes with risks. The newly elected U.S. President, Donald Trump, has already made it clear that he is willing to impose tariffs on countries that align themselves with BRICS. Given that Indonesia exports a significant amount of shrimp to the U.S., this raises concerns about potential trade disruptions. The full impact of this move re-
Rizky Darmawan
Chief Editor
REFLECTIONS OF SHRIMP FARMERS IN 2024 AND HOPES FOR A BRIGHTER 2025
Indonesia’s shrimp farming sector faced a mix of challenges and opportunities in 2024. These were driven by two key factors: environmental conditions, including disease outbreaks, and price fluctuations influenced by global market dynamics. According to a Rabobank report, amidst a trend of low prices in 2024, shrimp production growth was limited to just 1%. However, projections for 2025 are more optimistic, with an expected increase of 2%.
George Samuel, a shrimp farmer and Managing Director of PT. Samudra Berhasil Bersama, shares that shrimp production from his farms currently reaches around 80% of the expected target. He points to challenging weather conditions and price fluctuations as the main hurdles this year. “Shrimp production is going fairly well, but there are cycles with survival rates (SR) as low as 60%, while others reach 100%,” he explains. He also highlights that weather changes significantly impact shrimp’s appetite, which directly affects their health.
George oversees a couple of shrimp ponds, each covering 2,500 m² per pond and stocked with 200 shrimp per m². He shares that his farm in Bangka produces 250 tons of shrimp per cycle, with an average harvest size of 50 grams per shrimp and a market price of IDR76,000 per kilogram.
Climate and Disease Challenges
Bobby Gunawan, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Delos Teknologi Maritim Jaya and PT Dewi Laut Aquaculture, is currently dealing with the impact of climate issues. He explains that climate factors are closely linked to disease outbreaks.
Therefore, his companies focus heavily on ensuring the quality of shrimp
larvae, although they often face challenges in finding larvae that meet their specifications. Diseases such as Infectious Myonecrosis Virus (IMNV), Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP), and White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) remain significant threats to the sustainability of shrimp farming, according to Bobby.
To tackle these challenges, Bobby emphasizes the importance of innovation and technology. He advocates for the use of Internet of Things (IoT) systems and probiotics to maintain water quality, which he believes can greatly enhance production efficiency. “With a data-driven approach, farmers can make smarter decisions about feed and farm management,” he says.
Price and Demand Fluctuation Challenges
George considers achieving 80% of the target a reasonable accomplishment, given the various challenges faced throughout 2024. “We achieved production, but the main challenge was maintaining stability, which was impacted by diseases and adverse weather,” he explains.
He emphasizes that farmers need to focus on feed efficiency programs and maintaining water quality to improve harvest outcomes. Evaluating harvest success, he notes, should take into account both the quality and quantity of the results, as well as factors like farming techniques and market conditions.
Price and demand fluctuations also pose significant challenges. Bobby highlights that volatile prices and demand are largely driven by global competition, which directly affects harvest outcomes. “Effective marketing strategies, such as fixed-price contracts with buyers or improving product quality for premium markets, are essential. These approach
es help farmers navigate market fluctuations and maintain a stable income,” Bobby elaborates.
George advises farmers to routinely analyze production trends, especially any signs of decline, so they can take early action, such as conducting early harvests, to protect production value. He observes that harvest conditions throughout 2024 varied across ponds, depending on survival rate fluctuations and the structural strength of the ponds
Regulatory Hurdles
One of the nontechnical challenges George faces in 2024 is related to administrative licensing. He observes that there is still no government policy that directly benefits farmers. Additionally, the planned implementation of a 12% VAT (which currently only applies to luxury goods and services) is expected to significantly increase production costs.
Bobby notes that government policies on shrimp farming in 2024 still have many shortcomings, particularly in involving farmers in the policymaking process. He points out that some policies seem to lack farmer input, leading to implementations that fall short of expectations. Bobby hopes the government will create better policies that not only provide subsidies and infrastructure but also take farmers’ feedback into account.
In their view, the government needs to streamline licensing procedures and implement more efficient and transparent
policies to foster the growth of the shrimp farming sector. Bobby further suggests that open communication and collaboration with farmers and shrimp farming associations are critical to creating policies that truly benefit the industry.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Despite the challenges of 2024, George remains forwardlooking and optimistic about 2025. He plans to improve production outcomes by adopting innovative farm management practices and integrating new technologies. George notes that global demand for environmentally friendly and premiumquality shrimp products continues to grow, particularly in markets like Europe, the United States, and Japan.
Echoing this sentiment, Bobby points out that the rising global demand offers farmers an opportunity to improve their
competitiveness. He emphasizes the importance of government support through policies that promote subsidies, infrastructure development, and improved market access.
“Government support in the form of subsidies, infrastructure, and market access is essential,” George stresses, noting that such measures are crucial for farmers to compete in an increasingly challenging global market. Additionally, he underscores the importance of addressing concerns such as the spread of diseases through imported broodstock and raw materials, which remains a critical issue for the industry.
THE CRUST - RZ, AB
Bobby Gunawan
Shrimp Outlook 2025:
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF INDONESIA’S SHRIMP INDUSTRY
As one of the world’s leading shrimp producers, Indonesia has immense potential to dominate the global market. However, the industry faces persistent challenges, including shrimp diseases, price fluctuations, and stiff competition, which continue to hinder its growth. To tackle these issues, JALA and the USSEC will hold the Shrimp Outlook 2025. This event, set to take place on February 27, 2025, at the Marriott Hotel in Yogyakarta, will bring together key stakeholders in the shrimp industry, including farmers, government officials, companies, and other industry players.
Navigating Indonesia’s Shrimp Future
Shrimp Outlook 2025 will serve as a platform for shrimp industry stakeholders to connect, share knowledge, and collaborate on addressing challenges and exploring opportunities for the year ahead. Under the theme “Shrimping Up Indonesia: Navigating Local Challenges with Global Insights,” the event will feature data-driven insights into Indonesia’s shrimp farming performance and industry conditions. It will also highlight lessons from other leading shrimp-producing countries, along with expert perspectives and findings on key topics such as farming practices, disease management, and market trends.
Featuring Global Experts
At the Shrimp Outlook 2025 event, JALA’s CEO, Liris Maduningtyas, will share key highlights from the Shrimp Outlook 2025 report, covering insights into the performance of Indonesia’s shrimp farming industry, market trends, challenges, and sus-
tainability efforts. The event will also feature nine speakers from six countries—Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, Ecuador, the United States, and the Netherlands—including a government representative and leading industry experts.
Supported by Key Players
Shrimp Outlook 2025 is supported by key organizations such as Shrimp Club Indonesia (SCI), Petambak Muda Indonesia (PMI), and Farmers Learning Club. The event is also made possible through the support of sponsors who play a vital role in its success, including CeKolam, CJ Feed and Care Indonesia, Grobest, Genics, CP Prima, SyAqua, Prima Larvae Bali (PLB), Forte Biotech, Greensage Prebiotics, Kona Bay, and Gold Coin.
Exclusive Discount for Shrimp Farmers! Registration for Shrimp Outlook 2025 is now open at https://jala.cc/SO25-ticket, with a 50% discount available for shrimp farmers. This event offers valuable insights and networking opportunities to support the growth of Indonesia’s shrimp industry.
THE CRUST - JALA
Photo source : doc.
JALA
A Glimpse of Shrimp Outlook 2024 in Surabaya
Liris Maduningtyas
While recent discussions on shrimp farm diseases have focused on non-viral threats like AHPND and EHP, the persistent White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) remains a major concern for farmers. Outbreaks of WSSV have recently been reported in several shrimp farming regions in Indonesia
Andrew Wijaya, a young Indonesian shrimp farmer from Banyuwangi, tells The Crust that WSSV remains one of the biggest challenges in shrimp farming. For him, this outbreak has been a “wake-up call”.
“In nine farming cycles, since we started in 2021, this is the first time we have encountered WSSV on our farm located in South Banyuwangi. Unfortunately, we became complacent in our preventive measures, believing the disease was under control since we hadn’t encountered it in our local area before. The impact of WSSV has been devastating. Survival rates plummeted, and financial losses were substantial due to
FARMERS BEWARE: HOW RAINY SEASON TRIGGERS WSSV OUTBREAKS
high mortality and disrupted production cycles,” he says.
According to CeKolam’s data monitoring, throughout 2024, the positive rate for WSSV has remained lower than that of three other diseases—AHPND, EHP, and IMNV. However, CeKolam notes an increase in the positive rate of WSSV in January. This is attributed to high rainfall at the beginning of the year, which led to lower average pond temperatures.
Sidrotun Naim, a Shrimp Health Specialist at CeKolam, confirms that WSSV cases tend to rise during the rainy season due to lower pond temperatures. She explains that WSSV thrives and spreads more easily in temperatures between 20 and 25 °C.
The Effects of High Rainfall
Andrew also agrees that heavy rainfall is a major contributing factor in the drop in temperature. Based on his observations, excessive rainfall also leads to lower salinity levels, which can trigger WSSV outbreaks. During the recent outbreak, the salinity
in his pond dropped from 30 to 23 ppt within just three days. Although he tried to stabilize it by adding seawater, the seawater itself had also become diluted due to the rain, dropping from 32 to 26 ppt.
“Additionally, heavy rainfall has negatively impacted alkalinity, mineral levels, and pH, making pond conditions less than ideal. These factors create a perfect storm for WSSV outbreaks, highlighting the need for robust preventive measures and collaborative wastewater management among farms,” Andrew adds.
Furthermore, Naim explains that rainwater carries sediment and other particles that increase water turbidity. This reduces sunlight penetration and lowers oxygen production in ponds, creating an environment conducive to WSSV growth. In addition to providing favorable conditions for the virus, these environmental changes also stress shrimp, weakening their immune systems and making them more vulnerable to infection.
Beyond external environ-
mental factors, Andrew also highlights the impact of pond system design. In his case, having a farm near a major river accelerates the dilution of water salinity during the rainy season. Simply adding minerals to counteract this is not always effective. Therefore, he emphasizes the need for a more adaptive farming system that can better respond to these external challenges. This includes improved water mixing systems, real-time salinity monitoring, and enhanced wastewater treatment facilities to help mitigate the spread of pathogens.
Clinical Signs and Co-infection
Since WSSV poses a significant threat during the rainy season, monitoring its clinical symptoms closely is essential for risk mitigation. Naim explains that the symptoms of WSSV-infected shrimp can vary depending on several factors, including the virus strain, shrimp species, infection severity, and environmental conditions. However, one of
Shrimp sample infected with WSSV tested at CeKolam
the most distinctive signs is the appearance of white spots (0.5-2 mm) on the carapace, particularly on the inner shell.
Infected shrimp may also undergo color changes, turning reddish or pale, especially on the tail and swimming legs. Other common symptoms include lethargy, reduced appetite, and sluggish movement, often resulting in mass mortality within 3 to 10 days in severe cases. Additional indicators may include a swollen and pale hepatopancreas, empty intestines, and abnormal swimming behavior, such as erratic movements or jumping out of the water.
Andrew adds, “During this outbreak, we noticed an unusually rapid onset of mortality immediately following the drastic drop in salinity. This suggests that osmotic stress, combined with suboptimal alkalinity and pH levels, heightened the virus’s virulence, causing a more severe and sudden outbreak than expected. That being said, some ponds with hardier PL genetics experienced a relatively slower progression of
the virus.”
However, Naim emphasizes that not all infected shrimp will display every clinical symptom, and some signs may overlap with other shrimp diseases. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis requires laboratory testing, such as PCR or histopathology. If a WSSV infection is suspected on a farm, it is crucial to seek professional assistance for PCR testing and proper disease management.
Echoing Naim’s concerns, Andrew points out that sudden environmental changes can increase shrimp vulnerability not only to WSSV but also to other infections. The presence of untreated wastewater carrying pathogens exacerbates this issue, serving as a conduit for multiple diseases to spread simultaneously. Diseases like AHPND and EHP further compromise the shrimp’s immune system, amplifying the devastating impact of WSSV on affected farms.
Mitigating Outbreaks
Lulu Nisrina, Head of
Research and Development Animal Diagnostics at Nusantics, shares key strategies for managing WSSV. Since WSSV is often triggered by significant environmental changes, she emphasizes the importance of maintaining stable water quality as the primary preventive measure. This includes regularly monitoring parameters such as temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and ammonia. Additionally, she recommends strengthening biosecurity measures, selecting high-quality and pathogen-free post-larvae, avoiding high stocking densities, using probiotics with diverse strains, and conducting early disease detection.
“Isolate infected shrimp. If WSSV-infected shrimp are found, they should be immediately removed and destroyed to prevent further spread. Farmers can also disinfect contaminated pond areas to reduce the risk of reinfection,” she explains.
For early detection, Naim suggests conducting PCR tests between days 7 and 10.
If potential WSSV cases are detected early, farmers have more time to implement mitigation strategies. If the test results are negative at that stage, a follow-up test can be conducted around day 30 to ensure continued biosecurity.
Andrew adds several key mitigation strategies, including administering minerals and maintaining alkalinity earlier during the rainy season and selecting post-larvae with hardier genetics, as he has observed that resistant shrimp strains perform better than fast-growth ones under stressful conditions. He also encourages collaboration with neighboring farmers to strengthen biosecurity and improve wastewater treatment. Delaying stocking until after the peak monsoon months (December, January, and February) can also be a viable strategy.
“This approach, while requiring careful production planning, can help mitigate the risks associated with extreme weather-induced disease outbreaks,” he concludes.
THE CRUST - AB
Photo source : doc.
PMI, CeKolam
Andrew Wijaya
Lulu Nisrina
Sidrotun Naim
A COMPLEX SHRIMP MARKET SITUATION IN EARLY 2025
As we enter January 2025, the global shrimp market is navigating a complex landscape characterized by fluctuating prices and shifting demand dynamics. This monthly update provides an overview of the current shrimp prices, market trends, and projections for the upcoming months.
Current Price Trends
As of January 20, 2025, shrimp prices have shown mixed performance across various regions. The Platts Ecuador Shrimp
Marker reported head-on and shell-on shrimp prices at approximately $5,350 per metric ton (mt) as of January 13, marking a recovery from the historically low levels of late 2024, when prices hovered around $4,800 per mt. This increase is attributed to seasonal demand and limited supply
In Indonesia, Vannamei shrimp prices have trended upward, with average prices increasing across all sizes during the second week of January 2025. Wholesale prices reportedly range from $2.69 to $5.04 per kilogram, while retail prices fall between $3.84 and $7.19 per kilogram
In China, however, the situation is more complex. As of January 1, 2025, import tariffs on frozen warm water shrimp rose from 2% to 5%, impacting the profitability of imports. Despite these tariffs, prices for Ecuadorian shrimp in Chinese wholesale markets have remained relatively stable. However, consumer demand has been weaker than expected due to economic uncertainties and reduced spending during the Spring Festival season.
Market Dynamics
Several key factors are influencing the shrimp market as we progress through January:
• Uneven Demand Recovery: The global shrimp market is expected to experience a gradual and uneven recovery in demand during early 2025. While demand in the US and EU is anticipated to improve, challenges remain due to lower consumption levels and rising tariffs affecting imports.
• Production Stabilization: Global shrimp output is projected to rise by 2% in 2025, reaching around 6.1 million mt, driven by growth in Asia and Latin America. However, India’s production decline since 2021 may impact over all supply levels.
• Environmental Factors: The potential of La Niña poses risks to shrimp production due to cooler sea temperatures that can hinder growth and increase susceptibility to diseases. This environmental shift could create upward pressure on prices despite broader market adjustments.
Regional Insights
• Ecuador: Ecuadorian shrimp producers are expected to benefit from an improved demand outlook in North
America and Europe. However, subdued Chinese demand due to macroeconomic uncertainties poses challenges. Ecuador’s production is expected to grow 3-4% in 2025, following a modest 2% increase last year.
• India: Indian shrimp prices have shown positive movement at the start of 2025, with production estimates indicating a slight recovery after a decline in recent years. Government initiatives aimed at boosting domestic consumption may support this trend moving forward.
• China: The Chinese market faces rising tariffs and declining demand, complicating the landscape for importers who must navigate higher costs amid competitive pressures.
Future Projections
Looking ahead into early 2025, several trends are likely to shape the shrimp market:
• Price Adjustments: While current price increases are encouraging, analysts caution that sustained price recovery will depend on global production levels stabilizing after years of oversupply. Without significant production increases globally, further price strengthening may be limited.
• Consumer Preferences: There is an ongoing shift towards larger shrimp sizes and sustainably sourced products as consumers become more discerning about their seafood choices. Retailers are likely to adapt their offerings accordingly to meet these evolving preferences.
• Technological Advancements: Continued investment in aquaculture technology is expected to enhance productivity across major producing regions. This could lead to more efficient farming practices that mitigate some environmental risks associated with shrimp farming.
Conclusion
As of January 2025, the shrimp market shows a mix of recovering demand and stabilizing supply. While prices are rebounding after a tough year, environmental and geopolitical risks remain. As we move further into 2025, adaptability and strategic planning will be key to navigating this evolving landscape.
BUILDING A RESILIENT FOOD ECOSYSTEM THROUGH THE BLUE ECONOMY
As the global population grows, so does the demand for aquatic protein, alongside increasing environmental concerns. The concept of the Blue Economy has emerged as a promising alternative to address these dual challenges. By integrating sustainability principles, the Blue Economy provides a new framework for policymakers and private sectors to collaborate, ensuring economic growth while preserving marine and aquatic resources. It represents a significant step forward for
nations like Indonesia, where marine sectors play a pivotal role in national development.
The Blue Economy is an economic approach focusing on marine and aquatic activities that prioritize sustainability. According to Prof. Rokhmin Dahuri, Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives, speaking at the event “JAPFA for Indonesia Emas 2045: Nurturing Collaboration in Food Security,” the Blue Economy is an extension of the Green Economy tailored to the maritime and aquatic sectors, including fishe
ries. It encompasses a broad range of activities in coastal and oceanic areas, as well as land-based industries reliant on marine resources, focusing on sustainable production and consumption.
According to Rokhmin, Indonesia’s marine economic sectors demonstrate the transformative potential of the Blue Economy. These sectors contribute an estimated USD1,338 trillion annually, equivalent to 1.4 times the country’s GDP, and provide employment opportunities for 45 million people, making
up 35% of the national workforce. In 2018, these sectors accounted for 10.8% of Indonesia’s GDP, highlighting their vital role in the country’s economy. Such figures underscore the importance of harnessing the Blue Economy as a pathway to sustainable development.
As the largest archipelagic nation with 77% of its territory covered by seas and oceans, Indonesia has unparalleled potential to lead in the Blue Economy. With 108,000 km, Indonesia is poised to achieve significant milestones, including 8% economic growth, improved food and energy security, and a reduction in unemployment and poverty. By promoting environmental and social sustainability, the Blue Economy serves as a cornerstone for Indonesia’s vision of becoming an “Indonesia Emas 2045” (Golden Indonesia by 2045).
Japfa’s Mission
In his opening speech, Renaldo Santosa, President Director of Japfa, emphasized that the Blue Economy has become a key focus in tackling global challenges. At this event, Japfa brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and industry representatives to develop innovative strategies, establish sustainable frameworks, and build a resilient food ecosystem for future generations.
This gathering takes place at a critical time, as the food
ecosystem is under increasing pressure from population growth, climate change, and geopolitical uncertainties. He said that now is the moment to seize the opportunity to create a resilient and sustainable food system that enhances selfsufficiency and secures Indonesia’s food future.
He emphasized that building a truly sustainable food ecosystem starts with prioritizing the health and well-being of the youngest generation. This is not just a moral responsibility but also a strategic necessity for the nation’s future. His company shares the vision that proper nutrition is key to breaking the cycle of stunting and ensuring no child is left behind.
“Through initiatives like Japfa for Kids, we have made meaningful strides in combating malnutrition and promoting healthy diets. By working closely with communities and schools, we implement programs that empower children and their families to reach their full potential,” Renaldo explained.
Ensuring Innovation and Sustainability
During the panel session, Ardi Budiono, President Director of PT Suri Tani Pemuka, a subsidiary of Japfa, stated that the Blue Economy is inseparable from innovation and sustainability. According to him, Japfa is committed to advancing the Blue Economy through three main approaches: research in technological innovation, environmental stewardship, and ensuring food accessibility and affordability.
Ardi stated that, as part of their research on technological innovation, they have taken several steps to support ocean sustainability by redu-
cing dependence on seafood from wild catches. This is being achieved through the optimization of sustainable aquaculture practices.
STP has established the ARC (Aquaculture Research Center) in Banyuwangi, where the company conducts a series of studies focused on improving aquaculture practices. These efforts aim to identify the best and most cost-effective innovations in fish and shrimp farming. The center also works to produce high-quality broodstock and larvae for both marine and freshwater species, including barramundi, tilapia, pangasius, eel, and other species.
“Recently, our ARC successfully hatched 7,000 larvae of high-value tropical eel (Anguilla bicolor). I think this is the first time this has been achieved in the world, so we are very proud,” Ardi said.
On the topic of environmental stewardship, he added, “We focus on three main aspects to promote sustainable aquaculture practices. First, we aim to minimize waste and ensure that our activities do not harm the environment. Second, we
prioritize adding value to byproducts from our production processes. For example, in our tilapia production, the fish skin is processed and sold for collagen in cosmetics, while the bones are used to produce fish meal through collaborations. This way, we ensure that nothing goes to waste.
“Lastly, we emphasize conserving water and optimizing the use of natural resources. Since aquaculture heavily depends on fresh water and the sea, it’s crucial for us to use water as efficiently as possible,” Ardi said.
Regarding food accessibility and affordability, Ardi explained that STP is committed to optimizing every aspect of its production chain, from upstream to downstream, to make its products more affordable. At the same time, the company promotes its Blue Economy products as essential protein sources rich in omega-3 and minerals.
“We cannot just keep producing and claim to achieve the Blue Economy if people
cannot afford or access the product,” he concluded
Government Main Programs
The Blue Economy and its activities, including ensuring the availability of marine and aquatic-based foods, or blue foods, are two of the key programs under President Prabowo’s administration. The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), as the president’s implementing arm for this mission, focuses on achieving it through sustainable aquaculture development.
During a panel discussion at the same event, Tb Haeru Rahayu, Director General of Aquaculture at the KKP, outlined three main strategies to achieve sustainable aquaculture. First, revitalizing aquaculture areas, particularly along the northern coast of Java. Second, developing aquaculture zones that implement Good Aquaculture Practices (GAPs). Third, establishing Aquaculture Villages to boost the rural economy.
Prof. Rokhmin Dahuri
Renaldo Santosa
Ardi Budiono
THE CRUST - UTE, AB
Photo source : doc. JAPFA, Askara
THE FESTIVE FEAST: CELEBRATING CHINESE NEW YEAR WITH RED DELIGHTS
Chinese New Year is a time of joy, family gatherings, and symbolic feasts. The color red, a symbol of prosperity and good fortune, is central to the celebration. It is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring positive energy, making it essential in decorations, clothing, and food. The dinner table reflects this belief, featuring vibrant red dishes that enhance the festive atmosphere.
Shrimp is a popular dish during Chinese New Year, and when cooked, its red hue makes it even more auspicious. In Mandarin, the word for shrimp (xiā, 虾) sounds like laughter, symbolizing happiness and good fortune. Whether stir-fried with garlic, steamed with soy sauce, or coated in a crispy batter, red shrimp brings both color and joy to the festive feast.
A highlight of many celebratory meals, Peking duck boasts a beautifully crisp, reddish-brown skin that embodies the richness of the occasion. The deep red glaze on the skin comes from careful roasting and caramelization, making it not only a delicious dish but also a perfect representation of prosperity and success for the coming year.
This iconic Chinese BBQ pork, coated in a deep red glaze made of honey, soy sauce, and fermented bean paste, is a favorite during festive gatherings. Char siu represents happiness and success, and its tender, flavorful slices make it a staple for many families ringing in the New Year.
Red beans are commonly used in desserts, such as red bean soup, glutinous rice balls, and mooncakes, symbolizing luck and good fortune. Their natural deep red color aligns perfectly with the festive theme, ensuring a sweet and auspicious start to the year ahead.
Fruits like pomegranates, strawberries, and red apples are often included in Chinese New Year feasts, as they are believed to bring good luck and prosperity. Pomegranates, in particular, symbolize fertility and abundance due to their many seeds, while red apples represent peace and harmony.
Wishing you a joyful and prosperous Chinese New Year! May this festive season bring happiness, good fortune, and success to you and your loved ones.
Red Shrimp
Char Siu
Peking Duck
Red Bean Desserts
Festive Red Fruits
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Photo source : doc. freepik
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