For many, summer offers a refreshing change of pace and a change of schedule. School is out, days are longer, and there is a slightly more relaxed spirit this time of year. You might be able to find those extra few minutes you need to make a long-lasting impact on your business for the remainder of the year.
Mid-Year Seafood Checklist
Taking the time to do a mid-year review of your seafood sales and identify opportunities for growth will yield even stronger third and fourth quarters. Here is a short checklist to make sure you are maximizing your seafood sales.
Be Sure You Have the Right Product Mix
Are you seeing any trends in usage occasions for your customers? For example, perhaps you’ve seen a shift from more formal dining to snacking. People are finding innovative ways to serve seafood, like the seacuterie board.
If you are seeing a trend, think about how you could offer the same flavors in a new format. Maybe a breaded fish portion with two sides is too much for your customer. How about fish tacos or a fish sandwich to give them the flavors they crave in a new way? By switching things up, you could be satisfying customers and saving on costs.
Refresh Your Existing Items for Seasonality
A comforting bowl of breaded fish and mashed potatoes may be exactly what your customers need in the fall and winter but not their preference for the summer when a fish snack wrap, corn on the cob, and a salad is just right. Think about your fall menu items. The world might not be quite ready for pumpkin spice fish sticks, but how about pairing your fish sandwich with some other favorite seasonal accompaniments or garnishes?
Consider a New Item Launch
Customers appreciate having new, varied options to go along with the tried-and-true favorites. Therefore, consider launching a new item mid-year. Have you tried adding glazed seafood items to your menu? How about fillets with a dry rub? These items have flavor built right into the product, so sit back and enjoy the savings on labor. Meanwhile, your customers will love having something new and exciting to add to their plates.
Review Your Value Proposition
Share the story of the product you are selling, including its source, nutritional value, and sustainability. There is more to the story than just the fish on a plate, and diners want to hear it. With customers paying more attention to where their food comes from and taking an interest in being more green, you want to source your seafood products from fish processors who are recognized for their high standards for quality and their sustainable practices.
Get Ready to Sell
Adding new products is great, but don’t forget your merchandising as you spruce up your mid-year seafood offerings. A promotional sign, window cling, menu graphic, or even a social media post could go a long way toward building demand for your seafood items.
This summer, give your future self a break. A little planning now can go a long way toward strong seafood sales in the third and fourth quarters.
