Laughing Bird Shrimp
sri lanka
Known as a shrimp that’s firm, sweet, and always chem-free, Laughing Bird has been a menu staple for over a decade. Now sourced from farms in the northern part of Sri Lanka, their social impact offers as much to feel good about as their environmentally friendly farming.
the shrimp
Laughing Bird Shrimp are Pacific Whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). No hormones or antibiotics are ever used in production. Raised in salt water pumped in from the nearby coast, they are more flavorful than shrimp farmed in fresh water. Because they are not treated with chemicals during processing, they have a clean taste and never give off excess water in the pan.
Production of the shrimp is vertically integrated from hatchery to processing. The SPF (Specific Pathogen Free) broodstock are sourced from Hawaii for breeding in their hatchery. Raised on 1,000 acres of land-based ponds, the shrimp are processed by the producer under stringent quality controls that confidently meet both EU and HACCP standards and are then frozen to minus 40 degrees Celsius.
the farm and mission
Taprobane Seafood is the new producer of Laughing Bird Shrimp. Founded in 2011, the company employs over 2,000 people across
its various sectors. The North of Sri Lanka is a post-conflict area, economically damaged by a decades-long civil war. Taprobane shrimp processing is staffed entirely by women, including supervisors, managers and security guards. With their earlier lives shaped by conflict, many of the women are war widows and the sole wage earners of their families. A good, stable wage and secure environment is transformative.
Taprobane is committed to environmental and community development projects, from replanting mangroves along the coast and using solar power, to a scholarship program for their staff, and the distribution of school bags and supplies to area children
No hormones or antibiotics are ever used in raising Laughing Bird Shrimp, and the shrimp are never treated with chemicals in processing.
In the Kitchen
Typically a variety of shrimp used by European chefs in sauces or to accompany vegetables, Laughing Bird Shrimp take just as well to center-of-the-plate treatment. Tender enough to poach or steam, they’re equally good on the grill, sautéed, and fried. They’re also an excellent choice for cold presentations such as ceviche and shrimp rolls.
resources
Certifications and Awards
Taprobane, the producer of Laughing Bird Shrimp, is ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) certified, BAP (Best Aquaculture Practices) 4-star certified, and is certified by the Ethical Trading Initiative. They have worked extensively with UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) for over 13 years on women’s empowerment initiatives in Sri Lanka.
