El Segundo, California, U.S.A.-based seafood brand Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods (COSFF) has launched Signature Solutions, a new foodservice line comprising 10 value-added shrimp products.
“Signature Solutions is built around a simple philosophy: Start with the consumer and the menu,” COSFF Senior Vice President of Sales, Foodservice, and Wholesale Drew Watts said. “We identify emerging trends, determine where operators can capitalize on those opportunities, and then apply our sourcing, innovation, and product development capabilities to deliver solutions that help operators grow while meeting consumer demand.”
Fully cooked appetizers in the new line include Korean BBQ Shrimp Dumplings, Sweet Mango Shrimp Wontons, Hot Honey Shrimp Spring Rolls, and Kung Pao Shrimp Purses, all of which align with COSFF goals to help foodservice operators capitalize on high-growth flavors and formats while reducing preparation demands and back-of-house complexity.
Other value-added offerings include Wonton Crusted Stuffed Shrimp, Salt and Pepper Crispy Fried Butterfly Shrimp, Vegetable Tempura, and Tempura Shrimp, the latter of which ranks among the top three sought after shrimp appetizers on U.S. menus, according to market research firm Datassential, with 72 percent consumer recognition and 16 percent growth on appetizer and side menus over the past four years.
Elsewhere, COSFF’s new 3-ounce Shrimp Cocktail Tray provides a ready-to-merchandise option for prepared foods, snack programs, and grab-and-go occasions.
These products are designed for applications ranging from appetizers and shareables to bowls, baskets, sushi programs, and center-of-plate offerings, COSFF said.
The move comes shortly after COSFF appointed Vnay Bedi as senior vice president of business development, a role in which he will oversee the new line and others in the brand’s wider portfolio.
“COSFF brings together an exceptional combination of seafood expertise, innovation and customer focus,” Bedi said. “As I step into this role, I’m energized by the opportunity ahead. Signature Solutions demonstrates exactly where the industry is headed: products built from real consumer and menu insights, designed to help operators navigate changing tastes while simplifying execution.”
The new line also comes after COSFF placed a greater emphasis on growing its foodservice business, including the recent expansion of a national network of foodservice brokers and hiring Watts in May to oversee its foodservice and wholesale business.
The former move, which focuses on key foodservice and wholesale segments, such as group purchasing organizations, multi-unit operators, convenience and gas operators, and independent stores, added more than 200 in-market representatives to COSFF’s broker network, providing coverage in all 50 U.S. states.
The expanded broker footprint aims to better present COSFF’s premium seafood portfolio to distributors and end users across the country, as well as enable COSFF to participate more consistently in food shows, general sales meetings, and customer presentations, ensuring its brands remain visible and competitive across foodservice and wholesale channels, the company said in a release earlier this year.
“These investments reflect our long-term commitment to building a stronger, more responsive foodservice and wholesale business,” COSFF President Dan Halford said. “By investing in experienced leadership and expanding our in-market presence, we’re putting our products closer to customers, strengthening partnerships, and creating a platform for sustained growth.”
The network is also designed to improve COSFF’s day-to-day engagement with customers across foodservice and wholesale channels.
“Local representation in all regions provides COSFF with timely market feedback, helping the company stay aligned with regional needs and purchasing trends,” COSFF said.
