SeafoodSource recently talked to Emily Lane, VP of sales at Calendar Islands Maine Lobster, about the launch of the Portland, Maine, company’s new Maine Lobster Pizza. Lane discussed the potential for value-added lobster in the gourmet retail market and the future of Calendar Islands Maine Lobster, which is owned by 38 Maine lobstermen.
Grandin: What was the motivation behind creating Calendar Islands Maine Lobster Pizza?
Lane: Our goal was to present Calendar Islands Maine Lobster in a creative and versatile product form to retail. Lobster pizza has garnered accolades in fine restaurants up and down the East Coast and across the country. Our gourmet partners were excited to develop our rendition for national specialty retailers. Our lobster pizza can be served as either a center of the plate item or an appetizer. Serving our gourmet fare, filled with the delicious taste of Maine, lets dinner guests know they are truly appreciated.
Where is Maine Lobster Pizza produced?Our product is manufactured in Maine. Our lobster meat comes from the Maine lobstermen who own our company, and our other Maine fishing partners.
Can you talk about your lobster as it pertains to sustainability and traceability?All our lobster comes from Maine. Each lobster we harvest is hand-selected according to strict guidelines. The Maine lobster industry is the model of a well-managed fishery. Maine harvesters have been environmentally conscious and eco-friendly since long before it became fashionable. We harvest our lobsters the same careful way they have been harvested for 100 years — by hand, one trap at a time — thus protecting the quality of our product, the marine environment and the sustainable nature of our natural resource.
How is lobster faring at retail right now? Lobster is experiencing increased demand in seafood markets and the gourmet world. However, the demand is not solely for lobster in its traditional form. Many customers are seeking Maine lobster in user friendly, premium applications. Our recipes enhance the naturally sweet taste of Maine lobster and offer the customer Maine lobster in both traditional and innovative product forms.
Are sales of value-added lobster products on the rise?We have experienced an increased demand in value-added Maine lobster products. Our company adds value on more than one level. Our model is the first to include Maine lobstermen in the ownership of a brand dedicated to the elevation of Maine lobster, and also the first to create a unique partnership that marries culinary distinction with the Maine lobstermen’s long history of quality and conservation. Thorough this partnership, our customer is provided knowledge about the source of our lobsters and the identity of our harvesters and creative foodies.
How are you marketing Maine Lobster Pizza at retail?We are marketing using a direct-sale platform on our website and targeting major specialty food retailers. We hope to define a new category of value-added Maine lobster in retail. Our marketing campaign is primarily web-based, focused on telling our story, explaining our partnership and promoting our new products to the world.
Has the initial feedback been positive? Product will be released into retail in March and the initial feedback is very positive.
Do you have plans to launch more lobster products?Yes. We are offering Maine Lobster Stew, Maine Lobster Corn Chowder, Maine Lobster Bisque in both foodservice and retail, Maine Lobster Pot Pie, Maine Lobster Mac & Cheese, Maine Lobster Cakes (foodservice and retail) Maine Lobster Fluffed Raw Tails (foodservice and retail) and Maine Lobster Rangoons (foodservice). As we move forward we will continue to develop and offer new and relevant prepared Maine lobster products.
