Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormDried
Industry PositionValue-Added Seafood Product
Market
Medium-dried scallop (dried scallop adductor muscle, often traded as "conpoy") is a premium dried seafood ingredient used heavily in Chinese cuisine and diaspora markets. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conpoy?utm_source=openai)) Supply exposure is closely tied to North Pacific scallop aquaculture and fisheries, with Yesso scallop production historically concentrated in China and Japan. ([fao.org](https://www.fao.org/fishery/docs/DOCUMENT/aquaculture/CulturedSpecies/file/en/en_yessoscallop.htm?utm_source=openai)) Export-grade "Hokkaido" dried scallop is commonly marketed into Asian destinations such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, and mainland China via specialty dried-seafood channels. ([g-hokko.co.jp](https://g-hokko.co.jp/en/products/scallop/?utm_source=openai)) Trade is shaped by strict bivalve mollusc food-safety controls (notably marine biotoxins) and the need for verifiable origin and processing information. ([fao.org](https://www.fao.org/food/food-safety-quality/a-z-index/biotoxins/en/?utm_source=openai))
Major Producing Countries- 중국Major producer of Yesso scallop aquaculture; FAO notes China and Japan as major producers for this species. ([fao.org](https://www.fao.org/fishery/docs/DOCUMENT/aquaculture/CulturedSpecies/file/en/en_yessoscallop.htm?utm_source=openai))
- 일본Major producer; Hokkaido is a recognized origin for export-grade dried scallop products. ([fao.org](https://www.fao.org/fishery/docs/DOCUMENT/aquaculture/CulturedSpecies/file/en/en_yessoscallop.htm?utm_source=openai))
- 대한민국FAO notes potential for industry development in the Republic of Korea (species context: Yesso scallop). ([fao.org](https://www.fao.org/fishery/docs/DOCUMENT/aquaculture/CulturedSpecies/file/en/en_yessoscallop.htm?utm_source=openai))
- 러시아FAO notes resource/industry relevance and potential development in the Russian Federation (species context: Yesso scallop). ([fao.org](https://www.fao.org/fishery/docs/DOCUMENT/aquaculture/CulturedSpecies/file/en/en_yessoscallop.htm?utm_source=openai))
Major Exporting Countries- 일본Hokkaido-origin dried scallops are marketed for export, with stated focus on overseas Chinese markets and Asian destinations. ([g-hokko.co.jp](https://g-hokko.co.jp/en/products/scallop/?utm_source=openai))
Major Importing Countries- 홍콩Common destination market for Hokkaido dried scallops in Asia-focused dried-seafood trade channels. ([g-hokko.co.jp](https://g-hokko.co.jp/en/products/scallop/?utm_source=openai))
- 대만Common destination market for dried scallops in Asia-focused trade channels. ([g-hokko.co.jp](https://g-hokko.co.jp/en/products/scallop/?utm_source=openai))
- 중국Export authorization/registration to ship seafood products to China is referenced by an exporter/processor for dried scallops. ([g-hokko.co.jp](https://g-hokko.co.jp/en/products/scallop/?utm_source=openai))
Specification
Major VarietiesYesso/Japanese scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) ([fao.org](https://www.fao.org/fishery/docs/DOCUMENT/aquaculture/CulturedSpecies/file/en/en_yessoscallop.htm?utm_source=openai)), Scallops of the genera Pecten, Chlamys, or Placopecten (trade classification scope) ([tariffnumber.com](https://www.tariffnumber.com/2025/03072910?utm_source=openai))
Physical Attributes- Whole dried adductor muscle pieces; commonly graded by size and integrity (whole vs broken). ([g-hokko.co.jp](https://g-hokko.co.jp/en/products/scallop/?utm_source=openai))
- High-umami dried seafood ingredient used in Chinese cooking applications (e.g., soups, congee, stews). ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conpoy?utm_source=openai))
Grades- Size-based grades and "broken" grades are used for commercial sorting and pricing in some export programs. ([g-hokko.co.jp](https://g-hokko.co.jp/en/products/scallop/?utm_source=openai))
Packaging- Sealed retail or wholesale packs with origin/inspection information; some programs use proof-of-inspection/grading identifiers and safety labeling. ([g-hokko.co.jp](https://g-hokko.co.jp/en/products/scallop/?utm_source=openai))
ProcessingOften soaked/rehydrated before use; can be shredded/flaked into broths and sauces for umami. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conpoy?utm_source=openai))
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Harvest/landing → shucking (adductor muscle separation) → washing/soaking → brine/boil step → drying → grading (size/whole vs broken) → sealed packaging → specialty wholesaler/importer → retail/foodservice. ([g-hokko.co.jp](https://g-hokko.co.jp/en/products/scallop/?utm_source=openai))
Demand Drivers- Culinary demand for concentrated seafood umami in Chinese cuisines and related foodservice/home cooking. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conpoy?utm_source=openai))
- Premium dried-seafood gifting and banquet/celebration usage patterns in parts of East Asia and diaspora markets (channel-dependent). ([g-hokko.co.jp](https://g-hokko.co.jp/en/products/scallop/?utm_source=openai))
Risks
Food Safety HighMarine biotoxins associated with harmful algal blooms can contaminate bivalve molluscs (including scallops), triggering harvest closures and import controls; cooking or freezing does not reliably eliminate these toxins. ([fao.org](https://www.fao.org/food/food-safety-quality/a-z-index/biotoxins/en/?utm_source=openai))Require sourcing from approved monitored waters, documented biotoxin monitoring/testing, and verified harvest-area controls aligned to importing-market requirements.
Supply Concentration MediumKey raw-material supply for Yesso scallop is concentrated in China and Japan, making availability sensitive to localized environmental events, phytosanitary closures, or policy shifts in these origins. ([fao.org](https://www.fao.org/fishery/docs/DOCUMENT/aquaculture/CulturedSpecies/file/en/en_yessoscallop.htm?utm_source=openai))Diversify approved origins/species where feasible and qualify multiple processors/grades to reduce single-origin dependency.
Regulatory Compliance MediumBivalve molluscs face stringent import food-safety controls and documentation requirements; compliance failures can lead to detentions, market access loss, and reputational damage. ([fao.org](https://www.fao.org/in-action/globefish/markets---trade/en?utm_source=openai))Maintain full lot-level traceability (harvest area, dates, processor) and align specifications/testing to destination-market rules for bivalve molluscs.
Illegal Fishing And Traceability MediumIUU fishing is a recognized global threat and products derived from IUU activity can enter overseas trade markets, elevating traceability expectations for any wild-capture scallop inputs. ([fao.org](https://www.fao.org/iuu-fishing/en/?utm_source=openai))Use catch documentation schemes where applicable, supplier verification, and risk-based due diligence for wild-capture inputs and transshipment exposure.
Sustainability- Carrying-capacity and ecosystem-balance risks in intensive mollusc aquaculture areas (including documented concerns in Northern China bays for Yesso scallop culture). ([fao.org](https://www.fao.org/fishery/docs/CDrom/aquaculture/I1129m/file/en/en_yessoscallop.htm?utm_source=openai))
- Harmful algal blooms and marine biotoxins can constrain sustainable harvesting windows and trigger area closures, linking environmental conditions to market supply. ([fao.org](https://www.fao.org/food/food-safety-quality/a-z-index/biotoxins/en/?utm_source=openai))
Labor & Social- Forced labour and human trafficking risks have been documented in commercial fishing, creating due-diligence expectations for seafood buyers when wild-capture supply is involved. ([ilo.org](https://www.ilo.org/topics/forced-labour-modern-slavery-and-trafficking-persons/sectors-and-topics/forced-labour-and-human-trafficking-fisheries?utm_source=openai))
- IUU fishing can undermine fisheries management and enter overseas trade markets, increasing traceability and compliance scrutiny for wild-sourced seafood supply chains. ([fao.org](https://www.fao.org/iuu-fishing/en/?utm_source=openai))
FAQ
What exactly is “medium-dried scallop” in trade terms?It typically refers to dried scallop meat (commonly the adductor muscle) sold as a shelf-stable, high-umami ingredient, often traded under the Cantonese term “conpoy.” ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conpoy?utm_source=openai))
Why are marine biotoxins a key risk for dried scallop supply chains?Because scallops (like other bivalves) can accumulate toxins produced during harmful algal blooms, leading to harvest-area closures and strict import controls—and toxins are not reliably destroyed by cooking or freezing. ([fao.org](https://www.fao.org/food/food-safety-quality/a-z-index/biotoxins/en/?utm_source=openai))
Which destinations are commonly cited for Hokkaido-origin dried scallops?Export-focused sellers cite Asian destinations such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, and mainland China as key markets for Hokkaido dried scallops. ([g-hokko.co.jp](https://g-hokko.co.jp/en/products/scallop/?utm_source=openai))