When temperatures drop and the holiday season approaches, shoppers look for warm, comforting meals that make winter gatherings easier—whether they’re hosting family, entertaining guests, or simply looking for convenient meals during a busy time of year. Seafood chowders, casseroles, and stews consistently rise to the top of cold-weather favorites. They are hearty, nourishing, and perfectly suited for both festive occasions and everyday winter dining.

At Channel Fish Processing (CFP), we offer a wide range of ready-to-cook and ready-to-heat solutions—Pollock, Cod, Haddock, Flounder, Salmon, Shrimp, Scallops, Fish Sticks, Nuggets, and Breaded/Battered fillets—that make it easy for retailers and consumers to bring these seasonal dishes to life with ease, especially during the bustling holiday period.

Whether you’re planning your deli hot bar, building a grab-and-go program, or looking for family-friendly dinner inspiration, seafood belongs at the center of your cold-weather rotation.

Three Ways to Win with Winter—and Holiday—Seafood Favorites

Below are merchandising ideas and recipe-ready concepts built around the dishes customers crave most during colder months and the holiday rush.

1. Warm Up With Chowders

Best Products: Pollock, Haddock, Cod, Salmon, Shrimp, Scallops

Chowders are timeless cold-weather staples—and perfect for hot cases, soup bars, or heat-and-serve containers.

Merchandising Ideas

  • Offer 8–12 oz. grab-and-go chowder cups featuring whitefish or mixed seafood.

  • Create a “Chowder + Bread” pairing using fresh rolls, biscuits, or oyster crackers.

  • Introduce a weekly rotating chowder feature.

  • Build family-size quart containers for home meal planning.

Recipe Inspiration – Creamy base, diced potatoes, celery, onion, herbs, and a blend of whitefish pieces for a rich, satisfying soup.

2. Cozy Up With Seafood Casseroles

Best Products: Pollock Portions, Breaded/Battered Fillets, Cod, Salmon

Casseroles deliver warmth, convenience, and great value—ideal for ready-made meal kits and deli entrées.

Merchandising Ideas

  • Offer oven-ready casserole trays (single and family-size).

  • Highlight value-added breaded products as easy “top-and-bake” solutions.

  • Pair casserole pans with frozen vegetables, cheese blends, and breadcrumb toppers in a themed display.

  • Promote casseroles as cold-weather comfort bundles.

Recipe Inspiration – Pollock portions layered with seasonal vegetables, a light cream or lemon butter sauce, topped with breadcrumbs and baked until golden.

3. Heat Things Up With Seafood Stews

Best Products: Shrimp, Scallops, Salmon, Cod

Stews offer a hearty, warming option that fits beautifully into grab-and-go programs or easy home meals.

Merchandising Ideas

  • Sell ready-to-heat seafood stew cups for lunch and dinner traffic.

  • Build a “Stew Essentials” display, including stocks, mirepoix blends, and crusty bread.

  • Offer mix-and-match seafood packs for customers making stew at home.

  • Feature global winter flavors using shrimp and scallops.

Recipe Inspiration – Shrimp simmered with potatoes, corn, peppers, and herbs in a savory broth, warming, bright, and perfect for cold days.

Why Cold-Weather Seafood Drives Sales

Adding seafood chowders, casseroles, and stews to winter menus benefits both retailers and shoppers:

  • High demand: These dishes are top seasonal comfort foods.
  • Strong margins: Seafood stews and chowders are cost-efficient with excellent sell-through.
  • Easy prep: CFP’s consistent, portion-controlled products reduce labor and waste.
  • Better-for-you comfort: Seafood offers a lighter, high-quality protein option without sacrificing warmth or flavor.

Tip: Explore our winter-ready seafood formats for greater value.

By leaning into winter-friendly seafood favorites, retailers can position their departments as go-to destinations for holiday meals and cold-weather comfort—helping consumers enjoy flavorful, nourishing dishes all season long.