Seafood consumption has taken off since the start of the pandemic and — despite some questions and uncertainties surrounding sourcing, flavor, and preparation — isn’t expected to slow. This growing demand for low-impact, cost-effective protein and interest in seafood’s health benefits highlights the need for products that address those questions while driving environmental and social responsibility.
Sustainable, Creative Seafood Solutions
First Thing’s First — What’s Your Source?
The battle over farm-raised vs. wild-caught fish and which is better in nutrition, flavor, and environmental impact is an ongoing debate among consumers. But one thing is certain — the practices need to be sustainable. When done correctly, sustainable, farm-raised seafood options can provide an opportunity for consumers to play a role in reducing overfishing of some of the world’s waterways. Shoppers will actively look for phrases like “wild caught” or “environmentally friendly” when selecting seafood products to avoid any suspected potential toxin use or ecological harm.
Regardless of the seafood’s origin, it’s important that it’s done in a responsible way that tastes good and is respectful of the health of the earth and all of those that inhabit it. Partnerships with innovative aquaculture companies like Blue Nalu help to create nutritious, great-tasting seafood products that support the sustainability and diversity of our oceans.
Waste Not, Want Not: Making the Most of Your Fish
Some more adventurous, health-conscious consumers are maximizing the nutritional benefits of their seafood. These innovations reduce waste through upcycling previously underused parts of the fish, such as turning skins into a crisp snack:
Broiled
Airfried
Baked
Top Flavors and Seasonings for Fish
When cooking fish, flavor is key. Nearly half of Americans who buy fish buy it plain so that they can season it at home (although about half would be willing to pay more if it’s pre-seasoned or marinated), while only 5% will not add any flavor or seasoning. That number is even higher in Canada, with 65% of Canadians liking to buy plain seafood and season it themselves. When it comes to seafood, the following were considered the most appealing flavors among American and Canadian consumers:
- Buttery
- Citrus
- Spicy
- Smoky (United States), BBQ (Canada)
Additionally, lemon, garlic, and herbs top the list of spices, sauces, and flavors that consumers in both America and Canada think go well with seafood. And to no surprise, ethnic approaches with a Cajun or Asian flair have been popular among social conversation, while saffron signals fine dining:
Salmon Soup
Grilled Langoustines
Lobster Ravioli
Simplifying At-home Preparation for Consumers
Over the past year, seafood was consumed more at home than in restaurants — but while consumers are still buying and preparing it on their own, 3 in 5 Americans and nearly half of Canadians say they wish it were easier to cook at home. Common challenges include undercooking fish like salmon and eliminating the fishy smell or taste. On the contrary, grilling has proven to be a popular method, particularly for preparing shellfish. Nonetheless, more than half of Americans (42% of Canadians) we surveyed said they wish there were more pre-cooked seafood options at the grocery store.
Looking for Seafood Inspiration?
The world is your oyster — get inspired by our chefs’ “A Good Catch” trend creations, influenced by consumer insights and made from sustainably sourced products:
Cajun-style, Thin-cut, Fried Catfish
Catfish farming is the oldest sustainable fish aquaculture. In 2019, half a billion pounds of catfish were produced in the US alone. This thin-cut, Cajun-spiced fried catfish offers a unique Louisiana eating experience.
Featured Griffith Foods Products:
- Creative Coaters™ Predust
- Creative Coaters™ Batter
- Cajun Seasoning
Chili Lime Salmon Jerky
Fitting into the emergence of “Seacuterie,” this Salmon jerky is dry-cured and finished with a bold smoky and tangy chipotle lime seasoning.
Featured Griffith Foods Products:
- Salmon Brine Mix
- Chili Lime Seasoning
Upcycled Beer-Battered Mussels
Sustainably farmed mussels are coated with a crunchy batter made from upcycled brewers’ spent grain and finished with a salt & malt vinegar shake-on seasoning.
Featured Griffith Foods Products:
- Regrained Crispy Batter
- Salt & Malt Vinegar Seasoning
Meeting the Demand for Low-impact, Cost-effective Seafood
Creating better together means better ideas, better ingredients, and better practices. That’s why sustainability is at the core of our product development and partnerships as we listen to what’s making consumers tick. If you’re struggling with unique and cost-effective ways to cater to the heightened demand for seafood and alt-protein, or are interested in learning more about our sustainability efforts, please reach out to your Griffith rep or contact us.
