Nearly half of shoppers put at least some effort into selecting plant-based food and beverages, and many expect to increase consumption in the future, according to data from FMI — The Food Industry Association’s inaugural “Power of Plant-Based” report.

Throughout July, more than 3,200 retailers have been promoting the Bristol Bay Seafood Association’s Bristol Bay Sockeye Salmon.

Despite a drop in fresh seafood sales due to inflation in recent months, grocers are banking on shoppers’ love for grilling, boils and bakes to boost seafood sales this summer.

Thanks to record-high grocery inflation, fresh seafood sales plunged 13.2% to $618 million in May, according to IRI and 210 Analytics.

Despite a drop in sales of prepared seafood items in recent months, shoppers are seeking out innovative grab-and-go solutions.

Two companies at the Specialty Food Association, Inc.’s annual Summer Fancy Food Show use pea protein as a main ingredient in their new plant-based products. 

Fresh seafood sales plunged in March due to rising inflation — primarily impacting crab, lobster, tilapia and catfish. Still, there are some bright spots in the department, including an uptick in sales of salmon, trout, seafood salads and other items.  

Some grocery chains utilize other in-store merchandising techniques and their web sites and social media to communicate seafood sustainability and traceability initiatives.  

Transparency and sustainable sourcing — particularly in the fresh seafood arena — have become paramount to shoppers. 

Although there has been increased attention paid to food safety in recent years, food safety considerations have always been of utmost importance to retailers and supplier partners when it comes to seafood, said Amy Dukes, marketing coordinator for the Juneau-based Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute.