Sales of MacKnight Smoked Salmon’s Bagel Slice have been “absolutely booming” since the product’s debut early last year, Stephen Nicholson, the Miami-based company’s VP, told SeafoodSource.
In fact, Bagel Slice sales reached USD 1 million (EUR 709,000) in December alone, and Costco Wholesale, the Unites States’ largest club-store chain with more than 560 outlets, is now carrying the product, said Nicholson.
MacKnight’s customer-service department receives two to three calls per day with positive feedback about the product, he added.
Bagel Slice appeals to consumers because it’s portion-controlled, cost-effective and convenient without compromising the aroma and flavor of traditional smoked salmon, said Nicholson.
The judges of last year’s International Boston Seafood Show new product competition agreed — Bagel Slice beat out more than 70 entries to win the contest’s best new retail product.
MacKnight is introducing two products at this year’s show in mid-March. One is similar to the Bagel Slice in that it’s a portion-controlled slice, but instead it’s made from a lobster-based protein. The other, said Nicholson, is “top secret.”
Nicholson emphasized that remaining innovative is key to maintaining or even increasing seafood sales during an economic downturn. “We’re always pushing ahead,” he said.
MacKnight plans to introduce Bagel Slice in the European market this year.
The International Boston Seafood Show new product competition was renamed the Seafood Excellence Awards this year. To register your product in the competition, click here. The deadline is 5 February.
