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Insight of the Day: Frozen Fish and Seafood Category - A Static Market Where Price Dictates Purchases

Detailed Findings:

  1. Market Decline and Price Sensitivity:

    • The frozen fish and seafood market saw an 8.5% volume decline in the past year, primarily due to a 13% price increase.

    • Consumer demand has compressed due to inflation, reducing purchasing power and increasing product costs.

  2. Market Share and Consumer Perception:

    • Frozen fish and seafood represent 3.7% of total frozen product volume and 5% of its value.

    • Negative consumer perceptions about frozen products being lower quality than fresh alternatives impact sales, despite the necessity of freezing for certain species like mackerel, herring, and shrimp.

  3. Brand-Specific Insights:

    • Alfredo Seafood: Growth primarily in fresh and de-frosted fish, supported by advanced technology and robust national distribution.

    • Frosta: Growth in fish-based semi-prepared products during Q1 2024 was followed by a summer decline attributed to lower consumption during unusually high temperatures.

  4. Sales Channels and Trends:

    • Discount stores dominate sales, accounting for 58.5% of volume and 52.6% of value, followed by hypermarkets with 25.4% volume and 28.4% value.

    • Modern retail grew by 15%, driven by discounters and online channels, while traditional retail stagnated.

  5. Consumer Preferences and Challenges:

    • Price remains the primary purchase criterion, followed by delivery speed and availability.

    • Small package sizes for one or two servings are most popular.

    • Quality is not a top criterion for purchase, highlighting a need for better consumer education.

Key Takeaway:

The frozen fish and seafood market faces significant challenges, including price sensitivity, declining volumes, and persistent consumer misperceptions about frozen products' quality.

Trend:

Price-Sensitive Food Purchases Amid Inflation

Consumer Motivation:

  • Affordability: Consumers prioritize lower prices due to diminished purchasing power.

  • Convenience: Preference for pre-processed products and smaller portions.

What is Driving the Trend?

  • Inflation: Rising costs of goods reduce consumer spending.

  • Perceived Quality Gaps: Mistrust of frozen products compared to fresh alternatives.

  • Economic Conditions: Stagnation in traditional retail and consumer hesitation to invest in premium products.

Who are the People the Article is Referring To?

  • Producers and Retailers: Companies like Alfredo Seafood and Frosta adapting to market challenges.

  • Consumers: Price-sensitive buyers focusing on affordability and convenience, spanning middle-income households.

Description of Consumers, Product, or Service, and Their Age:

  • Consumers: Middle-income individuals aged 25–65 prioritizing cost and convenience in food purchases.

  • Products: Frozen fish and seafood, including fish fingers and defrosted shrimp.

Conclusions:

The frozen fish and seafood market is in a downturn, driven by rising prices and misinformed perceptions about product quality.

Implications for Brands:

  1. Emphasize Quality: Educate consumers on the benefits and necessity of frozen products.

  2. Innovate Packaging: Offer smaller, affordable packaging to match purchasing trends.

  3. Focus on Value: Use targeted promotions exceeding 20% to attract price-sensitive buyers.

Implications for Society:

  • Misconceptions about frozen food quality could limit access to affordable, nutritious options, especially for low-income families.

Implications for Consumers:

  • Consumers are driven by price, often overlooking quality, which may limit their choices for nutritious seafood.

Implications for the Future:

  • Brands must focus on consumer education and innovative strategies to rebuild trust in frozen seafood and regain market share.

Consumer Trend:

Affordable and Accessible Food Solutions

Consumer Sub-Trend:

Rising Demand for Convenient and Smaller Packaging

Big Social Trend:

Economic Adaptation to Inflationary Pressures

Local Trend:

Frozen Product Sales Stagnation in Retail

Worldwide Social Trend:

Global Shift to Value-Oriented Food Purchases

Name of the Big Trend Implied by Article:

"Price-Driven Market Transformation"

Name of Big Social Trend Implied by Article:

"Inflationary Impact on Consumer Behavior"

Social Drive:

  • Economic resilience through affordability-focused food options.

Learnings for Companies to Use in 2025:

  1. Invest in Education: Launch campaigns to dispel myths about frozen seafood quality.

  2. Leverage Technology: Ensure high-quality freezing and distribution processes are part of the brand narrative.

  3. Collaborate with Retailers: Expand visibility in discount stores and online channels.

Strategy Recommendations for Companies to Follow in 2025:

  1. Adapt Pricing Strategies: Introduce promotions strategically to appeal to cost-conscious consumers.

  2. Enhance Consumer Trust: Offer transparency about product origins and quality control.

  3. Develop Smaller Packages: Focus on portion-controlled packaging to meet demand trends.

Final Sentence (Key Concept):

The frozen fish and seafood market must adapt to inflation-driven consumer behavior by focusing on affordability, transparency, and educational campaigns to build trust and enhance market appeal.

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