San Diego, California, U.S.A.-based Bumble Bee Seafoods has added 11 new products to its portfolio during National Seafood Month in October.
The new products are available at major grocery chains such as Target, Walmart, Albertsons, Ahold, Hannaford, Meijer, and Publix, as well as digitally on Amazon.
Capitalizing on the increasing success of convenience products, Bumble Bee is rolling out an Everything Bagel Seasoning Tuna Salad Snack on the Run! Kit, which is Marine Stewardship Council-certified. The kit includes a can of pre-mixed wild-caught tuna along with crackers and adds to Bumble Bee’s seven other Snack on the Run! tuna kit flavors, including Ranch.
“Everything we create is driven by what consumers value most: nutrition, flavor, and convenience that fits into real life," Bumble Bee Senior Director of Innovation and Insights Jeremy Zavoral said. "Our goal is to make it easier than ever for people to enjoy seafood in ways that are both practical and delicious.”
Bumble Bee is also launching its first flavored albacore tuna pouch: Wild-Caught Solid White Albacore Tuna in Lemon & Garlic flavor.
“The mild-flavored albacore tuna creates a perfect canvas to showcase the bright burst of lemon flavor with savory garlic notes,” the company said.
Among several other moves, Bumble Bee has also brought back sardines into its portfolio after experiencing “overwhelming demand” to bring the fish back after discontinuing such products in 2021.
Due to the demand, the company decided to launch Wild-Caught Sardines products in four varieties: Sardines in Oil, Sardines in Water, Louisiana Hot Sauce, and Mustard Sauce.
“Sardines continue to skyrocket in popularity with no sign of slowing down as consumers seek convenient, ready-to-eat foods,” the company said.
Bumble Bee is also adding Wild-Caught Tiny Shrimp to its Prime line of premium products.
“As the most consumed seafood in America, shrimp have nearly universal appeal,” the company said.
El Segundo, California, U.S.A.-based Chicken of the Sea, owned by Thai Union Group, also expanded its on-the-go seafood options in October with two seafood snack kits.
The customizable kits – Packet Up! Tuna and Salmon Salad – deliver “nutritious and delicious high-quality lean protein and flavor – the dynamic duo of on-the-go snacks,” Chicken of the Sea said.
"For us at Chicken of the Sea, innovation starts and ends with creating delicious and convenient options for consumers looking for healthy solutions that fit their lifestyle," Chicken of the Sea Director of Marketing Griffin Raasch said. "With the launch of Packet Up! Kits, we're excited to be delivering customizable, versatile options that fans are looking for to enjoy a happier, healthier life.”
The tuna kit, which features 19 grams of protein, includes a 2.5-ounce Wild-Caught Albacore tuna packet, dried cranberries, light mayonnaise, four artisan crackers, a mixing tray, and a serving spoon. The salmon kit, which features wild Alaskan salmon, includes a 2.5-ounce pink salmon packet, dijon mustard, light mayonnaise, four artisan crackers, a mixing tray, and a serving spoon.
Both Bumble Bee’s and Chicken of the Sea’s launches are timely as Americans are buying more shelf-stable seafood products, according to research firm Circana. The sub-category realized the greatest sales success across seafood in September at U.S. retailers, with sales by volume soaring 8.6 percent year over year and dollar sales rising 1.8 percent to USD 256 million (EUR 237 million).
