In December, seafood sales experienced a noticeable decline as shifting consumer spending habits and seasonal preferences impacted market demand. While the holiday season typically drives increased grocery sales, many shoppers prioritized traditional meats like turkey and ham over seafood, leading to a dip in overall seafood purchases. Additionally, supply chain disruptions and fluctuating seafood prices may have further contributed to the downturn in sales during the final month of the year.

December Seafood Sales Decline: High Prices Impact Consumer Demand

The seafood industry faced major challenges in December, with fresh and frozen seafood experiencing sales declines. High prices contributed to lower consumer demand.

Fresh and Frozen Seafood Sales Drop

According to a 210 Analytics report based on Circana data, fresh seafood sales dropped 8.7% year over year. Frozen seafood also declined by 5.6%. However, shelf-stable seafood saw a modest increase of 3.3%.

Factors Behind the December Seafood Sales Decline

High Prices Deter Shoppers

The primary reason for declining seafood sales is high prices. The average cost per pound for fresh seafood reached $10.02, far above chicken ($3.18), pork ($3.19), and beef ($6.69). These elevated prices discouraged holiday shoppers from purchasing seafood.

Shellfish Sales Decline Sharply

Fresh shellfish suffered the most, with an 18.3% drop in December compared to 2023. Lobster sales plummeted by 32.9%, while crab saw a 21.9% decrease.

Other Food Categories See Mixed Performance

Meat and Produce Show Resilience

Fresh beef sales increased by 4.9% year over year. Ground meat and processed chicken also performed well. Meanwhile, frozen fruits and vegetables grew, but shelf-stable fruits declined.

Plant-Based Alternatives and Frozen Foods Struggle

Plant-based meat alternatives saw an 8.7% drop in December and a 9.7% decline over the past year. Frozen and refrigerated foods remained steady, with some growth in frozen plain potatoes.

2025 Outlook: Strategies for Seafood Sales Growth

Boosting Shopper Engagement

To recover from the December seafood sales decline, retailers must focus on trip optimization and customer conversion. Re-engaging lost shoppers and increasing visits will be key strategies for growth.

Stay Updated on Seafood Market Trends

Looking ahead, 210 Analytics’ Anne-Marie Roerink suggests that conversion and trip optimization could be key strategies for growth in categories like seafood. Bringing back lost households and increasing shopper visits will be crucial for recovering the losses seen in 2024 and reigniting growth in the seafood department. Stay informed on pricing trends and strategies to drive future sales. click here!