The seafood department saw a 28.4 increase in sales in 2020, according to FMI’s 2021 Power of Seafood report. In total, seafood (which includes fresh, frozen, canned, pouches, etc.), generated more than $16.6 billion in sales for food retailers in 2020. This exceeded the sales growth of the produce, meat, and deli departments.
According to the report, the biggest reason for increased seafood consumption is that consumers are trying to eat healthier. Seventy-two percent of frequent seafood consumers are putting more effort into making healthy and nutritious choices since the pandemic. In addition, 74 percent of seafood consumers and 43 percent of non-seafood consumers want to become more knowledgeable about the nutritional benefits of seafood.
“The analysis suggests an urgency for food retailers to expand their seafood programs to help sustain consumer awareness of this protein that has emerged in popularity as a result of the pandemic,” Rick Stein, vice president of fresh foods for FMI, said in a statement. “The call to action among grocers is to focus on seafood nutrition, cooking guidance, meal ideas and sustainability both in-store and online as ways to maintain shopper interest in seafood.”
Related: Frozen Food Sales Increased in 2020; Stop & Shop Increases Transparency Around Seafood Offerings.