Supermarket Perimeter - January 2022 - 60

Seafood: Salmon
salmon as a more economical
meal choice for their family. "
And let's not forget the
numerous health benefits of
salmon. With the COVID-19 pandemic,
" people are taking their health more
seriously, " Oliver said. " Salmon is packed with Omega 3 fatty acids. "
In a recent Datassentials poll, the number one thing consumers
are looking for in their foods is immunity-building characteristics,
according to Jennifer Bushman, chief strategic officer at Kvaroy,
Norway-based Kvaroy Arctic, which produces sustainable ocean net
pen salmon that is Best Aquaculture Practices-certified.
" Salmon was number one on the list. "
Value-added sales grow
Retailers are also adding unique value-added salmon offerings to boost
shoppers' interest in the category. Publix has realized double-digit
growth in value-added salmon sales over the past year, primarily driven
by simple entrée options such as marinated/seasoned salmon that
allows the customer to select their sides, Pizzuti said.
Giant Eagle has had success with value-added items from Seattlebased
Orca Bay Foods, such as garlic parmesan salmon portions, and
honey jalapeno salmon. Blackened and bourbon salmon portions from
Miami-based Camanchaca, added in spring 2020, " have also done
extremely well for us, " Oliver said.
Many retailers are featuring salmon on cedar planks ready for the
grill, and salmon is the dominant seafood offering in most of the
microwave and oven ready dishes, Roerink said.
Giant Eagle focuses on private label, sustainable
After success with branded Kvaroy Arctic salmon, Giant Eagle is looking
to expand the salmon into its private label offerings. Kvaroy, certified by
60 - JANUARY 2022
the American Heart Association's Heart-Check Program, has double the
omega-3 content of other farmed salmon, according to the company.
" Kvaroy, in my opinion, is the most sustainable salmon on the planet.
It has a .48:1 fish-in, fish-out ratio, " Oliver said.
In addition, Kvaroy's salmon is Fair Trade USA-certified, which is
important to Giant Eagle shoppers, according to Oliver.
" Giant Eagle has a huge focus on sustainability, so having the
opportunity to expand our Fair Trade offering was a no brainer. "
The retailer is working with a company to develop three other Fair
Trade certified species. While Kvaroy's fresh salmon is already featured
in Giant Eagle's Nature's Basket line, the grocery chain is working to
transition frozen Kvaroy salmon into its private label offering.
Similarly, Kvaroy has seen an uptick in sales due to its relationship
with Fair Trade USA.
" Some of the largest retailers in the US specifically support Fair Trade
Certified products. Our salmon sales directly related to the fact that we
are Fair trade certified has resulted in several million additional pounds
sold into a retail program at a premium price, " said Chris Cumming, vice
president of sales for Kvaroy.
Publix expands sustainable farmed category
Publix is focused on carrying a variety of sustainable salmon, including
Bluehouse salmon from Miami-based Atlantic Sapphire.
" Sustainability continues to grow in importance with consumers. There
is growth in the number of customers wanting to know more about the
products they purchase, " Pizzuti said.
The Bluehouse salmon comes from Atlantic Sapphire's land-based
recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) salmon farm in Miami. The farm
utilizes water from the Florida Aquifer, purifying the water so the farm
does not need to use antibiotics or pesticides.
Bluehouse is a " quality salmon that is being well received by the
consumer, " Pizzuti said. " We recognize the importance of domestic
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