Retailers make seafood sizzle for U.S. holiday

Grilling Alaska salmon outdoors is among the unique seafood promotions and events that U.S. grocery chains and independent seafood markets are holding this Fourth of July weekend.

“We will grill outside, showing customers how to make Copper River salmon on cedar planks and shrimp kabobs,” said Dirk Fucik, owner of Chicago, Ill.-based Dirk’s Fish and Gourmet Shop. The market is retailing fresh Copper River salmon for USD 22 (EUR 19.87) a pound and U.S. wild Gulf shrimp kebabs for USD 8 (EUR 7.22) each.

Already, Dirk’s Fish differentiates itself from nearby grocery stores such as Mariano’s by grilling seafood outside its store every Saturday, “whether it’s cold or warm weather”. The grilling demonstrations – in partnership with a local retailer of “The Big Green Egg” grill, attract people driving by or eating at the restaurant next to the store.

Similarly, Dayton, Ohio-based Dorothy Lane Market, which operates three grocery stores, holds a popular Whole Salmon Sidewalk Sale every Fourth of July. Staff at each of the three stores grills the sockeye salmon, flown in overnight from Bristol Bay, Alaska, and offers to cut it into steaks or fillets for shoppers.

Other U.S. grocery chains are also featuring farmed and wild salmon, shrimp and scallops for the holiday weekend. For example, Whole Foods Market stores across the country have North Atlantic Sea Scallops, 10/20 count on special for USD 14.99 (EUR 13.54) a pound from 1 July through 7 July. The Marine Stewardship Council-certified scallops are traced from the fishery to the shore, according to a statement from Whole Foods.

“These scallops are perfect for grilling, and work well in a kebab,” the statement said. “From summer dinner parties to quick lunches, scallops can be dressed up or down and pair well with seasonal produce, fresh herbs and bright citrus.”

Some Whole Foods Market stores in Colorado are also promoting fresh King salmon fillets for USD 19.99 (EUR 18.05) a pound. Instead of promoting wild salmon this week, King Soopers stores in Colorado have Atlantic salmon fillets on special for USD 5.77 (EUR 5.21) a pound.

Meanwhile, San Antonio, Texas-based HEB’s Central Market stores are featuring wild Gulf shrimp for 10/15 count for USD 15.99 (EUR 14.45) a pound, along with fresh, marinated salmon fillets for USD 10.99 (EUR 9.83) a pound.

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