Retailers are promoting the health benefits of seafood, as many consumers kick off the New Year with diets and healthy eating goals.
For Heart Month in February, Big Y, a 57-store chain based in Springfield, Mass., will feature barramundi for USD 6.99 per pound. Additionally, the retailer is educating shoppers about the heart-healthy benefits of barramundi and other fish during February as part of its Living Well Eating Smart program.
"You will find EPA [eicosapentaenoic acid] and DHA [docosahexaenoic acid] in omega-3 rich fish such as salmon, tuna and barramundi. Much of the research done on the benefits of omega-3s comes from the consumption of EPA and DHA," wrote Carrie Taylor, Big Y's registered dietitian, in the retailer's Living Well Eating Smart newsletter.
PCC Natural Markets in Seattle is also promoting the health benefits of seafood via its monthly newsletter, point-of-sale brochures and on its Web site. "In addition to having omega-3s, it [seafood] is high in protein, low in saturated fat and sodium, and a great source of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients," wrote Eli Penberthy, PCC's public affairs specialist, in a 2009 article for PCC.
PCC is also working on a video for its Web site, educating shoppers about how they can choose sustainable and healthy seafood. "Also planned are shelf tags and other signage that will call attention to seafood PCC carries that is on the Monterey Bay Aquarium's ‘Super Green' list," said Diana Crane, director of sustainability for PCC Natural Markets.
Meanwhile, Publix Super Markets, a 1,012-store-chain based in Lakeland, Fla., "promotes the healthy benefits of seafood by using in-store POP [point-of-purchase] materials and message boxes in our ads," said Publix spokesperson Maria Brous.
Also in January, Publix was tying its healthy seafood message in with value. For the week of 20 January, the retailer's circular and in-store Meals Deals flyer promoted a potato-crusted fish meal that its shoppers could prepare for USD 15 for a family of four. It also touted fresh tilapia fillets for USD 4.99 per pound.
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