For 2024, as the availability of bacon rose and pricing leveled off to what consumers are willing to pay, retailers have begun promoting it and consumers are responding by purchasing bacon at or above prior levels.

Salmon has among the highest household penetration of all seafood categories, making it a great fish to promote “because it simply draws more eyes than a more specialty variety,” said Anne-Marie Roerink, principal at 210 Analytics.

The Specialty Food Association estimates that specialty food sales reached $207 billion at the end of 2023.

In addition to emphasizing prepared foods, discounts, marketing, and education will be key to growing seafood sales in 2024.

While analysts expect fresh seafood sales to continue to be challenged in 2024 due to shoppers’ economic concerns, sales of prepared seafood items should continue to grow.

Despite a drop in revenue, net earnings were $971 million, or $2.10 per share on the common stock, compared with $712 million, or $1.55 per share, in the previous year’s third quarter.

While shellfish sales declined in the most recent quarter, price deflation — particularly for snow crab — is driving sales and volume increases for certain species.

The first half of 2023 was a great one for berry volumes and quality, said Jim Roberts, president of sales for Naturipe Farms.

Higher prices more than offset a decline in volume/mix at Corbion in the six-month period ended June 30.

In the 12 weeks ended July 15, Flowers Foods net income was $63.77 million, equal to 30¢ per share on the common stock, up 19% from $53.68 million, or 25¢ per share, in the second quarter of 2022.