Major U.S. grocery chains have rolled out a slew of discounts and promotions on seafood to start 2025.
As part of its “Resolution Reset Week,” which was held from 14 to 18 January, Lakewood, Colorado, U.S.A.-based Natural Grocers, which operates 167 stores in 21 states, offered its loyalty members a free can of its own-brand tuna or sardines with any purchase.
“Many people are looking for items that can help kick off healthy habits and nutritious choices at the beginning of the year,” Natural Grocers Director of Public Relations Katie Macarelli told SeafoodSource.
The tuna and sardines giveaway offered “a convenient and nutritious fun freebie that packs a powerful protein punch,” she said, adding that offering a free can of seafood also had the benefit of allowing shoppers to trial the products and potentially purchase them during future shopping trips.
“Once customers try our tuna or sardines, we’re confident they’ll return for more. Plus, as with all of our house-brand products, they’re delightfully priced without compromising on taste or quality,” Macarelli said.
The grocery company’s albacore and skipjack tuna is wild-caught through pole-and-line fishing, which is “better for marine life and results in lower mercury levels compared to conventionally caught tuna,” Macarelli said.
Natural Grocers’ sardines are also wild-caught and offer shoppers a healthy source of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, she explained.
“[Natural Grocers strives to] showcase our seafood offerings in exciting and accessible ways all year long – through recipes, sales, and end-cap displays,” she said.
The company recently highlighted seafood’s role in reducing inflammation and the risk for certain diseases as part of its 2025 trends to look out for.
“Inflammation drives overall poor brain function and has been linked to the development of degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. In 2025, we’re going to take a closer look at the diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors that contribute to excessive inflammation and will find ways to counteract it to foster emotional well-being and optimal brain function,” the retailer said.
Elsewhere, retail chain Aldi is featuring numerous frozen seafood items in its “Aldi Finds” section in January, including Fremont Fish Market Shrimp Skillets for USD 6.99 (EUR 6.70) each, Fremont Fish Market Shrimp Queso or Bacon Scallop Bites for USD 4.99 (EUR 4.80), Fremont Fish Market Boom Boom Shrimp for USD 5.99 (EUR 5.75), Fusia Asian Inspirations Shrimp Spring Rolls for USD 4.89 (EUR 4.70), and Specially Selected Lobster Tails for USD 12.99 (EUR 12.46).
Greensboro, North Carolina, U.S.A.-based The Fresh Market is offering a variety of seafood specials and is including a few different species in its meal specials in the lead up to Valentine’s Day.
Current weekly specials in the grocery chain’s fresh seafood department include wild Alaska sockeye salmon fillets and wild sashimi tuna steaks, along with two “Little Big Meals” that can feed a family of four for USD 25 (EUR 24).
The Fresh Market Valentine’s Day offerings include a Crab Cake Meal, a Sea Bass Cakes Meal, and a Filet and Crab Cake Meal, all priced at USD 59.99 (EUR 57.50) for the meals, which feed two people.
Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.A.-based Kroger is touting several “perfect bowl” recipes that include seafood and other proteins, along with grains and vegetables.
"Bowls are a perfect template for a fresh and hearty meal that are easy to prep ahead of time for a lunch away from home or no-hassle dinner," Kroger Group Vice President of Fresh Merchandising Carlo Baldan said. “Make mealtime fun with a build-your-own bowl night where everyone can help with dinner.”
Among the recipe ideas Kroger provides are The Poke Bowl, The Rice Bowl and Build Your Own Bowl. One of the suggested proteins shoppers can add to the bowls is Kroger’s Fresh Farm Raised Atlantic Salmon Half Fillet for USD 12 (EUR 11.50) per 16-ounce package.
The new offerings from across the retail landscape come after seafood sales dipped to end 2024.
Total fresh seafood sales dropped 5.4 percent by value in December 2024 compared to December 2023, dipping to USD 738 million (EUR 722 million), while sales by volume dropped 8.2 percent, according to Circana data.
