While sushi has become increasingly vital to seafood deli sales over the past few years, shoppers are showing they are concerned about inflation in the category.
After a strong showing in 2022 — salmon was the lone fresh seafood species to increase in sales over the past few months — sales are expected to continue to grow this year.
Inflation continues to hamper overall grocery and fresh seafood sales, but the holiday season offers an opportunity for shoppers to splurge on items like crab, lobster, and shrimp.
As seen since this spring, high prices on fresh seafood continue to dampen sales. Inflation on overall fresh seafood rose 10.9% on average per unit in June, according to IRI and 210 Analytics.
The record inflation in fresh seafood and across the grocery store this year has led to some innovation promotions and “value” merchandising in the fresh seafood department.
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.