Why source from Japan
Hokkaido aquaculture supply chain produces sashimi-grade Yesso scallops at industrial scale; upcycled shell-powder cosmetic ingredients are a uniquely Japanese add-on.
Key spec
Adductor protein 18-22%; taurine 600-800 mg/100g; shell-derived calcium >38% in calcined powder.
Typical end-product
Premium sashimi scallop export, scallop-shell calcium supplements, marine-protein cosmetic ingredients.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- 2 suppliers
- Typical MOQ
- 100 kg fresh-frozen; 10–50 kg powder; 1–10 kg extract
- Typical lead time
- 4–8 weeks (food); 8–12 weeks (extract)
- Regions of origin
- Hokkaido (Aomori-Hokkaido coastal aquaculture), Aomori
- Category
- Marine functional ingredients
- Harvest season
- March – December (peak May – August)
- Japan regulatory status
- Food product; phytosanitary certificates required for live/fresh export
- Japanese name
- 北海道ホタテ
- Romaji
- Hokkaidō Hotate
About this ingredient
Hokkaido and the broader northern Pacific produce ~60% of global Yesso scallops (Mizuhopecten yessoensis). Domestic Japanese consumption focuses on sashimi-grade adductor muscle; export volume drives substantial supply for premium frozen retail in China, Taiwan, and the US. Beyond the meat itself, Japanese R&D has commercialised scallop-derived supply chains — proteoglycan-rich shell powder used in cosmetic exfoliants, marine collagen extracted from scallop tissues, and calcium-fortified food ingredients from shell. Distinct from the existing 'hokkaido-marine-collagen' (which is fish-derived).
Regulatory status
| Japan | Food product; phytosanitary certificates required for live/fresh export |
|---|---|
| EU | Food import; shellfish-allergen labelling required |
| United States | GRAS; FDA Prior Notice; shellfish-allergen labelling per FALCPA |
| China | Imported shellfish; GACC + AQSIQ live-shellfish inspection regime |
Looking for alternatives?
Common reasons buyers swap to a different ingredient — and what we'd suggest based on this ingredient's profile.
Vegan / plant-based alternatives
Hokkaido Scallop is animal-derived. If you need a non-animal source with similar functions, consider:
Fucoidan
フコイダン
INCI Fucoidan (from various brown seaweeds); MOQ from 1–10 kg.
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Astaxanthin
アスタキサンチン
INCI Astaxanthin; FFC notification(s) on file; MOQ from 1–10 kg (oil-based concentrate).
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)
γ-アミノ酪酸
FFC notification(s) on file; MOQ from 10–50 kg.
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
When does it make sense to swap an ingredient? Read the swap guide →
Japanese suppliers
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Last updated: 2026-05-05