Two new retail seafood lines in the U.S. market aim to cater toward consumers’ growing demand for healthy, high-protein snacks they can eat on the go.
One of those lines is Denver, Colorado, U.S.A.-based Honey Smoked Fish Co.’s Honey Smoked Salmon Stackers.
The products, which are packaged in a style similar to Kraft Heinz’s Lunchables products and include flavored smoked salmon bits, a small spoon, crackers, and dip, are sold in Original, Chipotle Lime, and Cracked Pepper flavors.
“The Lunchables product is so nostalgic for us here at Honey Smoked Fish. We all remember eating them as kids, and I’ve even eaten them again as an adult,” Honey Smoked Fish Executive Vice President of Sales John Horn told SeafoodSource. “At the same time, we are more health-conscious than ever before, and a typical Lunchables doesn’t hit the mark anymore.”
The manufacturer launched Salmon Stackers so “busy people can eat a healthy, protein-packed snack on the go and feel good about including it in their kid’s lunches,” Horn said.
The new Salmon Stackers, which sell for USD 4.99 (EUR 4.60) each depending on the retailer, are sold in Target, Meijer, Costco, Albertsons, Safeway, Walmart, and other stores.
Elsewhere, Bristol, Rhode Island, U.S.A.-based Cole’s Seafood is hopping on the healthy snacking trend with new tinned “Open & Eat” Patagonia Smoked Salmon and Smoked Rainbow Trout.
“Our consumers are trying to balance their very busy lives while maintaining a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. These products provide a nutritious, high-protein meal that can be eaten anywhere our consumers’ lives take them – whether for activities like hiking, camping, cycling, or for the consumer who gets home late from work and doesn't feel like cooking,” Cole’s Director of Operations Jessica Dennett told SeafoodSource. “It’s a well-balanced meal with no prep or effort.”
The products are certified as responsibly farmed by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council “to ensure our consumers are assured of the quality, traceability, and sustainability of the fish they consume,” Dennett said.
In the company’s current tinned seafood line, trout and salmon are Cole’s top-selling proteins, Dennett said. The solid sales influenced executives’ decision to start with the two proteins for its Open & Eat meals line before potentially expanding the line with new flavors and proteins.
“We are launching four ASC-certified and labeled products: smoked trout and smoked salmon, each with the option of pairing them with quinoa or vegetables," Dennet said.
The new products are sold in Sierra Trading, TJX, and Marshalls stores and are available online via Walmart Marketplace, Amazon, and Cole’s website. They are also under review with several other retailers.
