What’s the Verdict on Plant-Based Fish Alternatives?

<p>By: Rick Stein, Vice President, Fresh Foods, FMI<br /> <a href="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/pos-2021-inforgraphic-instagram.png?sfvrsn=ddd45175_0"><img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/pos-2021-inforgraphic-instagram.tmb-large-350-.png?sfvrsn=ddd45175_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="POS 2021 Infographic Instagram" title="POS 2021 Infographic Instagram" data-openoriginalimageonclick="true" style="float: right; margin: 10px;" /></a></p> <p>Our <a href="https://www.fmi.org/forms/store/ProductFormPublic/copy-of-power-of-seafood-2021"><em>2021</em> <em>Power of Seafood</em></a> report finds the biggest reason behind an increase in grocery seafood sales is consumers are trying to eat healthier (59%). In fact, 72% of frequent seafood consumers are putting more effort into making healthy and nutritious choices since the COVID-19 pandemic. The <em>Dietary Guidelines for Americans</em> recommend consumers enjoy of two servings of seafood per week and acknowledged the benefits of the healthy fats found in seafood.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Just how committed are seafood shoppers to experimenting? Are they willing to step out of the ocean and try something from, say, the land?</p> <p>Companies have been developing plant-based burgers and meats alternatives for a while and many have succeeded in tempting the most ardent meat-lover to try plant-based meat alternatives. Seafood consumers are ripe for exploring plant-based fish alternatives, which many shoppers perceive to be healthy, but will they dive in? The answer seems to depend.</p> <h5>Testing the Waters</h5> <p>According to<em> </em><a href="https://www.fmi.org/forms/store/ProductFormPublic/copy-of-power-of-seafood-2021"><em>2021</em> <em>Power of Seafood</em></a>, 46% of seafood consumers are likely to try plant-based seafood alternatives. Most frequent seafood consumers (59%) say they are likely to try plant-based seafood alternatives while only about one-third of occasional seafood consumers (34%) are likely. Most non-seafood consumers are not likely (50%) or not sure (22%) if they will try plant-based fish alternatives.&nbsp;</p> <h5>Joining the School</h5> <p>Shoppers willing to try plant-based seafood alternatives tend to skew male and average 40 years of age with affluent household incomes, higher education levels and children in their household. These shoppers shop in-store frequently, but also purchase groceries online including seafood, and tend to spend more than the average on groceries weekly.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <h5>Driving the Current</h5> <p>Shoppers interested in plant-based fish alternatives are also concerned about nutritious and healthy eating (57%) and sustainability (62%). More than half (54%) also had high expectations for the taste of plant-based fish. Curiosity was also a reason for 35% of seafood shoppers to consider trying plant-based fish alternatives.</p> <h5>Moving ashore?</h5> <p>Well, without product on the market to test it remains to be seen. There are some strong trends around health and well-being and sustainability for plant-based protein companies to benefit from. However, companies will have to match shoppers&rsquo; perceptions of plant-based products already on the market when it comes to taste, convenience and culinary experience in order to win over shoppers.</p> <p>Download the must-read <a href="https://www.fmi.org/forms/store/ProductFormPublic/copy-of-power-of-seafood-2021"><em>2021 Power of Seafood</em></a> for insights on health and well-being, cooking seafood, sustainability, and much more.</p> <p><a href="https://www.fmi.org/forms/store/ProductFormPublic/copy-of-power-of-seafood-2021" class="button">Download 2021 Power of Seafood</a></p>