Will the New Seafood Consumer Trends Change the Game?

Seafood consumer trends are changing all the time. 

However, last year’s COVID-19 pandemic, along with a more conscientious consumer base, has saw these trends proceed at an even quick pace than they used to. 

Norway has bee one of the key players in the seafood sphere for long. It it is going to maintain its place, it will need to continue to stay atop of what consumers are now looking for, especially in the following areas. 

New Sales Channels 

As is the case with most elements of life, the online world is becoming more and more important in the seafood industry. 

Back in 2016, a French study found that online consumers were less likely to purchase seafood than they were with their other groceries. 

This study was repeated two years later. The second time, there was a higher percentage of respondents willing to buy their seafood groceries online, which indicates that there is an increased trust in this type of sales channel. 

A recent study from the Norwegian Seafood Council has revealed that countries in Asia are particularly fond of purchasing their food this way. 

As our lives become more and more digitally focussed, eCommerce represents a massive opportunity for the seafood industry. 

Of course, online stores have different requirements than their physical equivalents. Thus, ensuring this sales channel doesn’t cause issues with the other more traditional ways of selling seafood has to be a priority. 

However, providing a genuine option for the consumer online has to be an important priority for seafood producers going forward. 

Increased Demand for Sustainability 

The world is becoming more climate conscious and with that, the demand for more sustainable products has increased drastically. 

Research has shown that consumers are taking a more conscious effort to purchase ethically sourced groceries. Therefore, it is essential for the seafood industry to follow the best practices and offer consumers what they want. 

The dynamic shift that has occurred during the pandemic has also accelerated decision the EUs’ ‘sustainability agenda’, with as much as 37% of its coronavirus recovery fund earmarked for ‘green projects’. 

With Gen Z pushing sustainability and climate change issues as one of the key issues of our time, this is a consumer trend that is only going to become more prominent in future years. 

Convenience 

The fact that consumers are concerned about convenience is not a new phenomenon. 

However, with changes in technology, buyers are enjoying a level of convenience that was previously unheard of. 

Inherently linked to the previous point about sales channels, the modern consumer is now looking for a hassle-free process, whether that be in the physical world, or its online equivalent. 

It should also be noted that our day-to-lives are busier than they used to be. Hence, more people are on the lookout for easy solutions at mealtime. 

A 2020 study from the Norwegian Seafood Council echoed this point. It revealed that 40% of respondents have bought ready-to-eat seafood products. 

Once again, this need for convenient solutions should be viewed as an opportunity, rather than a challenge. For the seafood industry, it is creating another chance to give the buyer exactly what they are looking for. 

Health & Wellness 

If there is one thing that the last 18 months have brought into focus, it is our health and wellness. In terms of seafood consumer trends, this was already an area that was in motion pre-pandemic. 

Health-conscious consumers have long recognised the advantages that this type of produce has. 

According to a Norwegian Seafood report, health is the third most important reason why consumers buy seafood. 

People are continuously becoming more considerate about what they choose to eat, so this is a trend that isn’t going away any time soon either.

The health aspects of seafood are well known. However, there are new markets on the horizon, such as gymgoers who are seeking high protein meals.  

Food Transparency

The covid-19 pandemic has changed how we view every element of our lives, from how we interact, to what we eat. 

As previously alluded to, we are now more willing to buy online, but we also want transparency in terms of where the produce we purchase is coming from. 

Excuse the pun, but there has never been this level of hunger for knowledge within the seafood industry. 

Once again, what a wonderful opportunity for businesses to share their journey with the consumer going forward.  

Seafood Consumer Trends

As you can see, seafood consumer trends and the different demands associated with them are changing. 

They are offering those within the seafood industry opportunities that didn’t previously exist. Still, the change will no come without effort .