Christine Blank, a veteran freelance writer and editor, covers all aspects of the seafood industry, from fishing to processing to selling and serving the final product. When she is not writing for SeafoodSource, Christine gets to taste scrumptious seafood dishes at U.S. restaurants for her food and travel blog, Flavorful Excursions (www.flavorfulexcursions.net). Christine loves to eat seafood of any kind, but lobster, crab and crawfish are among her favorites. In addition to SeafoodSource.com and SeaFood Business, Christine’s articles have been published in hundreds of leading magazines and newspapers, such as The New York Times, USA Today and Associated Press.
Author Archive
Published on
April 13, 2026
Tampa, Florida, U.S.A.-based shrimp supplier Cox’s Seafood debuted a new line of frozen value-added shrimp at the 2026 Seafood Expo North America (SENA), featuring several unique flavors in a convenient, easy-to-prepare format.
In development for more than a year, the new products align with a variety of trends playing out across the U.S. food industry, according to Cox’s Senior Vice President Vnay Bedi, including simple and healthy… Read More
Published on
April 9, 2026
The U.S. sushi industry has rapidly grown to become a USD 22 billion (EUR 18.8 billion) industry, according to a new report from the National Fisheries Institute’s (NFI) Sushi Council, which found that its consumption has expanded far beyond traditional sushi restaurants to mainstream casual dining restaurants, retail delis, and other channels.
The report said that sushi has experienced “explosive demand” among U.S. consumers, particularly… Read More
Published on
April 7, 2026
U.S. foodservice distributor Sysco has announced plans to acquire wholesale firm Restaurant Depot in a deal that would see the latter firm’s shareholders receiving USD 21.6 billion (EUR 18.7 billion) in cash proceeds and 91.5 million Sysco shares, representing a total enterprise value of around USD 29.1 billion (EUR 25 billion).
Restaurant Depot operates 166 large-format warehouse stores across 35 U.S. states, servicing more than 725,000… Read More
Published on
April 6, 2026
Canadian seafood processing firm Quinlan Brothers has announced plans to partner with Norwegian biotechnology firm NutriShell on a USD 5 million (EUR 4.3 million) project to turn fish waste into commercially viable products.
The proposed project includes the building of a waste processing facility near an existing Quinlan fish plant in Eastern Newfoundland, which would convert the Canadian processor’s own crab and salmon waste, as well as… Read More
Published on
April 2, 2026
Seafood sales volume continued to slow during the key Lenten season, according to new retail seafood and grocery purchasing data, with retailers now looking toward Easter.
Americans’ concerns over high gas prices and grocery inflation are reflected in lower retail volumes during Lent, Circana Senior Vice President and Perimeter Practice Leader Chris DuBois told SeafoodSource.
At the same time, predictions for Easter grocery spending are… Read More
Published on
April 1, 2026
Orlando, Florida, U.S.A.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster recently shuttered two restaurant locations in Michigan and Texas as it continues to attempt to turn around its financial performance.
After filing for bankruptcy in May 2024, the chain has implemented several turnaround measures, such as new menu offerings, expanded cocktail options, marketing partnerships, a new catering service, and more.
Despite these efforts, it has struggled to… Read More
Published on
April 1, 2026
The updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) have seafood companies and representative groups working to capitalize on new marketing and sales opportunities for the category.
The new guidelines feature an inverted food pyramid prominently showcasing seafood and a recommendation that Americans eat at least three servings of seafood weekly, compared to the previous recommendation of two servings.
Clackamas, Oregon, U.S.A.-based Pacific… Read More
Published on
March 31, 2026
Sales of fish and chips realized declines in U.K. foodservice last year, while overall seafood sales declined less dramatically, according to recent data from seafood representative public body Seafish.
According to a new report, Seafish found out-of-home consumption of fish and chips in the U.K. declined 9 percent in 2025, equivalent to 13.1 million fewer servings. Long-term consumption has also fallen significantly, with servings 61 percent… Read More
Published on
March 30, 2026
Braintree, Massachusetts, U.S.A.-based Channel Fish Processing used this year’s Seafood Expo North America (SENA) to promote a bevy of new products.
Some of the new items, available branded or private label to retailers, include Super Fish Stick Panko-Breaded Salmon Nuggets, Jalapeno Popper Shrimp, Mango Habanero Shrimp, Chicken Fried Wild Alaska Sole Tenders, Super Fish Sticks, and Mini Salmon Arepas.
“You have to get more interesting… Read More
Published on
March 26, 2026
Reflecting trends playing out across the K-shaped U.S. economy, upscale restaurant chains owned by Orlando, Florida, U.S.A.-based restaurant operating group Darden Restaurants have experienced spikes in foot traffic.
Foot traffic analysis firm Placer.ai told SeafoodSource that same-store visits rose 12.3 percent at Eddie V’s, 8 percent at The Capital Grille, and 7 percent at Ruth’s Chris Steak House in February.
These trends represent a… Read More
