Some tips from ASMI New research from the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute dives into the latest consumer trends to give retailers a leg up on their merchandising plans. Since the start of the pandemic, at-home consumption of seafood has remained strong. Seafood consumers are actively limiting their consumption of red meat and most have either increased their seafood consumption during the pandemic or plan to in 2021, according to ASMI. Twenty-six percent of consumers purchased seafood for the first time during the pandemic, and 35% are cooking more seafood now compared to pre-pandemic. The study revealed that the seafood staff at the store level remained the most common source of information about seafood, but sales and promotions are the strongest purchase motivator. Samples and sales are especially motivating for general consumers who tend to be more price-conscious. Affluent consumers are most frequently getting their seafood from the fresh seafood counter, while general consumers are most often buying frozen. Health is the primary reason for choosing seafood over other proteins, with 80% of affluent and 61% of general consumers choosing seafood because it's healthier overall. The ASMI report also has a lot to say about sourcing. Among the findings: * American sourced seafood is heavily preferred over seafood from other countries, with nearly 1 in 5 calling out that Alaska is their specific preference. * 52% of consumers prefer wild-caught seafood to farmed (11%). * The Alaska name is a strong purchase driver, with 73% of affluent and 66% of general consumers more likely to purchase seafood when included (even higher when the Alaska Seafood logo is included). * The Alaska Seafood logo improves perceptions of quality across the store, with 82% of consumers agreeing that seeing Alaska seafood means the store has high quality seafood. supermarketperimeter.com JULY 2021 - 55http://www.supermarketperimeter.com