Costco, Luke’s Lobster, and other companies are aiming to boost their sales of Maine lobster products with several promotions running before, during, and after Maine Lobster Week, which runs this year from 23 September through 27 September.
“We typically see a bump in sales during this time and a general increase in awareness,” Luke’s Lobster Vice President of Marketing Meaghan Dillon said. “It's been important to us to celebrate National Lobster Day [25 September] and Maine Lobster Week over the years to shine a light on the industry and bring recognition to the fishermen who we rely on for this wonderful product. We like to remind folks that even though it's not the middle of summer, lobster rolls are great all year long, especially in the fall when fishermen are still hauling and we're getting premium fresh lobster.”
Luke’s, which is based in Saco, Maine, U.S.A., is offering a buy-one, get-one free special on four-pack lobster rolls from 19 to 25 September. Additionally, in celebration of the company’s 15th anniversary, Luke's Lobster shacks nationwide will be offering Split Lobster Tails, a limited-time menu item, from 25 September to 1 October.
Costco is not offering a discount, but it’s touting its East Coast Seafood Lobster Roll Sliders during the week, available at Costco stores nationwide. Each kit includes cold lobster meat, six brioche rolls, and lobster butter.
Stonington, Maine-based Greenhead Lobster is offering six-count and 12-count live lobster options in various sizes, while Hancock Gourmet is promoting 15 percent off its National Lobster Day collection from 25 September through 27 September. Products include Lobster Grilled Cheese Appetizers and a Maine Shore Dinner for Two.
“With tender, sweet meat and firm shells, it's the perfect time to indulge in this coastal treat,” the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative said in a release.
Maine restaurants are also celebrating Maine Lobster Week with special lobster dishes from 22 September to 29 September. The annual week-long celebration brings locals and visitors into the state’s restaurants, Sea Glass at Inn by the Sea General Manager Nick Shumate told SeafoodSource.
“Our talented chefs all over the state create mouthwatering menus that highlight the culinary delights of fresh, local lobster while helping to promote and support the fishermen and coastal communities that depend on this very important industry,” Shumate said.
Maine's two U.S. senators, Susan Collins and Angus King, released a joint statement to celebrate National Lobster Day and the crustacean's importance to the state they represent.
“There are hundreds of small businesses along our coastline that comprise our lobster industry, and their iconic catch is synonymous with Maine’s identity, history and culture,” they said. “For centuries, the men and women who power the fishery wake up early every day proud to carry on this Maine tradition and ensure the long-term sustainability, resiliency, and health of our Atlantic waters. Today, we recognize those lobstermen and women and communities across Maine who contribute hundreds of millions to our state and incalculable pride to our people.”
The industry hauled in over USD 600 million (EUR 539 million) last year, making it a top economic driver for the state, according to the senators.
