Trending Now - Seafood Sector Hopes Meat-like Appearance Boosts Fish Sales

WHO:

Jack Chi, spokesman for Tuna Fresh, a Taiwan-based company

Justin Rogers, sales manager with SK Food Brands in Los Angeles

Holly Phillips, spokeswoman for Harbor Bell Seafoods

Niaz Dorry, coordinating director of the North American Marine Alliance

Steve Markenson, vice president of research and insights for consumer marketing firm FMI

Joshua Bickert, seafood market reporter and analyst for Expana

Mike Simon, owner of Surfsnax, based in Hialeah, Florida

Danillo Souza Alves, spokesman for Friocenter Pescados

Ina Park, spokeswoman for the expo’s Korean pavilion

WHAT:

The seafood industry is introducing products that resemble meat to increase fish sales.

Americans consume approximately 19 pounds of seafood per year, compared to the global average of 45 pounds.

The seafood market is valued at $24 billion, with 10% of shoppers accounting for nearly half of sales.

New products include tuna nuggets, shrimp burgers, salmon snack sticks, and fish spareribs.

WHERE:

Seafood Expo North America, Boston, Massachusetts

WHEN:

Seafood Expo North America took place on March 17th, 2026.

WHY:

The seafood industry aims to overcome Americans' disinterest in seafood by making it look and taste less like traditional fish.

The shift to meat-like seafood products is a response to stagnant sales and a need to attract non-seafood eaters.

HOW:

Companies are creating seafood products that mimic the appearance and taste of popular meat items, such as fried chicken and salami.

Products are designed to be more palatable for those who are not fans of traditional seafood.

(UPDATED March 26, 2026 00:38 UTC)

At the Seafood Expo North America in Boston, industry leaders announced a new wave of seafood products designed to resemble popular meat items in an effort to boost sales and attract non-seafood eaters. With Americans consuming about 19 pounds of seafood per year compared to the global average of 45 pounds, the market, valued at $24 billion, is introducing innovative items like tuna nuggets, shrimp burgers, and fish spareribs. This shift aims to overcome the disinterest many Americans have in traditional seafood by making these products more appealing and palatable.