The demand for prepared seafood items in the deli and fresh seafood departments is on the rise, with seafood trays and appetizers leading the way in growth. Sales of seafood trays have increased by 37.6% in the past year, with volume also seeing a significant 35% jump. Similarly, sales in the deli department have risen by 2.4%, although volume has experienced a slight decline of 0.6%.
According to Chris DuBois, the executive vice president and Fresh Foods Practice Leader at Circana, seafood trays are quickly becoming one of the most popular categories in seafood entertaining. DuBois anticipates substantial growth in this segment over the next few years. He attributes this trend to a natural evolution from the charcuterie trend of the past five years, noting that millennials and Gen Z consumers are increasingly including seafood trays in their entertainment occasions for a visually stunning presentation.
In addition to seafood trays, seafood appetizers have also seen significant growth, with sales surging by over 147% and volume increasing by nearly 76% in the past year. Sales of seafood sandwiches have also risen by 7.3%. Anne-Marie Roerink, the principal of consulting firm 210 Analytics, highlights the trend of consumers being more willing to splurge on smaller holidays and entertaining occasions, as gatherings shift from bars and restaurants to homes.
Shrimp rings remain a popular choice among consumers, but retailers are innovating with new entertaining options. Some are offering mixed sushi platters, while others are introducing items like smoked salmon bites for variety. Jason Resner, president at consultancy DNR Sales & Marketing Strategy Advisors, recommends offering innovative options such as marinated shrimp skewers for grilling, ready-meal packages with fresh salmon and asparagus, seafood dips and spreads, crab-stuffed jalapeno peppers, and stuffed shrimp. Resner emphasizes the importance of strategic planning to maximize results and minimize shrinkage and spoilage.
As the popularity of “board” presentations continues to grow, with charcuterie boards and other themed boards gaining traction, Roerink suggests incorporating seafood creatively into these trends. Retailers can explore unique seafood-themed boards to cater to consumer preferences and capitalize on the demand for visually appealing and diverse entertaining options.
In conclusion, the market for prepared seafood items in the deli and fresh seafood departments is experiencing significant growth, with seafood trays, appetizers, and sandwiches driving sales and volume increases. By tapping into consumer preferences for entertaining at home and offering innovative and visually appealing options, retailers can capitalize on this trend and drive incremental growth in their seafood offerings. Strategic planning, creative presentation, and a focus on maximizing results while minimizing waste are key to success in this evolving market segment.
