The shrimp and tilapia industry in Guatemala seeks to make the leap towards more technological, sustainable and profitable production, in the face of the growing demands of international markets.
The aquaculture regional is going through a moment of transformation. It is no longer enough to produce more shrimp or tilapia; Now the challenge is to differentiate itself in an international market that demands traceability, sustainability, efficiency and added value.
Therefore, experts from seven countries will discuss in Antigua Guatemala how innovation, automation and artificial intelligence will mark the competitive future of the sector.
This will be the central axis of the IV Aquaculture Symposium 2026, organized by the Agexport Aquaculture and Fisheries Sector, which will take place from May 20 to 22 in La Antigua Guatemala and will bring together producers, entrepreneurs and specialists from America, Europe and Asia to discuss the competitive future of the industry.
The event becomes relevant in a context in which aquaculture has become a strategic activity for Guatemala, both for its potential exporter as well as the generation of employment in departments such as Escuintla, Jutiapa, Jalapa and Petén.
However, the sector also faces important challenges: improve productivity without raising costs, adapt to stricter international standards and accelerate the technological modernization of aquaculture operations.
“Today, competing does not depend solely on producing well. It also implies understanding where the market is moving, incorporating innovation and making strategic decisions that allow us to differentiate ourselves,” said Fernando Canastuj, president of the Aquaculture and Fisheries Sector Board of Directors of Agexport.
Artificial intelligence and automation reach aquaculture farms
One of the changes that is beginning to gain ground in the industry is the use of digital tools, automation and artificial intelligence to optimize production processes.
During the symposium, more than 25 specialists from India, the United States, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Mexico and Spain will address issues such as genetics, health, nutrition, productivity and aquaculture 4.0, a trend that integrates technology and data analysis in production.
The incorporation of these tools responds to growing pressure from international buyers, especially in markets such as the United States, the European Union and Japan, where consumers demand products with greater safety and sustainability controls.
According to Agexport, Guatemalan companies have had to strengthen their traceability and health monitoring systems to remain competitive and comply with international regulations.
Competitiveness beyond the farms
The sector considers that one of the main challenges is no longer only in aquaculture farms, but on external factors such as infrastructure, logistics and process agility.
Amador Carballido, general director of Agexport, pointed out that, although companies have made progress in modernization and innovation, the country needs to improve the conditions that allow the sector to accelerate growth.
Among the main needs are more efficient roads, reduction of logistics costs and more agile administrative processes to facilitate exports.
Currently, Guatemalan aquaculture products They have managed to position themselves in demanding markets such as Mexico, Taiwan, Japan, the United States and the European Union.
A sector that seeks greater added value
In addition to the technical component, the symposium will also serve as a space to generate business connections and explore new value-added strategies.
The regional aquaculture industry seeks to stop competing solely on price and begin to do so through differentiation, sustainability and specialization, a trend that is redefining global food trade.
The event will include simultaneous conferences on shrimp farming and tilapia production, as well as field visits to aquaculture operations in Escuintla and Jutiapa, where participants will be able to learn about experiences of intensive production and use of applied technology.