ShrimpTails spoke to several marketing specialists, importers, and exporters to get first-hand tips and insights on how to effectively market shrimp. In the “understanding the shrimp consumer” article, ShrimpTails already discussed the food marketing triangle, which advises a focus on three important aspects of the shrimp product – namely health, sustainability, and traceability.
Focus on health benefits of eating shrimp
The Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP), a U.S.-based organization promoting seafood consumption, actively campaigns for awareness of the health benefits of shrimp.
“Shrimp is a lean protein and a great source of selenium and iodine, which are both helpful in thyroid support, and a healthy thyroid supports a healthy metabolism,” Valerie Agyeman, registered dietitian and SNP’s communications manager, said.
SNP has also recently launched the “Little Seafoodies” campaign with the aim to encourage parents and kids to incorporate seafood in their meals at least twice a week. By introducing shrimp to kids at an early age they might be more likely to continue consuming seafood into adulthood.
“The Little Seafoodies campaign highlights the importance of seafood and omega-3 for young children,” Steve Hart, Chair of the SNP and VP of the Global Aquaculture Alliance said. “We are executing a highly targeted digital campaign to test this messaging aimed at parents and young families.”
In focusing on the health aspects of shrimp, it is also important to dispel any negative connections to shrimp, such as shrimp containing antibiotics and/or bad cholesterol. Finding a balance between promoting shrimp’s health benefits, while making sure that products are actually safe to eat, is key.
Photos courtesy of ShrimpTails Magazine/Seafood Trade Intelligence Portal
