The holidays are a prime opportunity to drive sales, but a packed calendar can make planning tricky. As your trusted seafood partner, Channel Fish is here to help you get ahead of the holiday rush. By stocking the right products at the right time—from Thanksgiving gatherings to New Year’s celebrations—you can capitalize on seasonal demand and keep customers coming back.
Here’s our guide to a successful seafood season.
Thanksgiving: A Flavorful Alternative
As shoppers finalize their Thanksgiving menus, many are looking beyond traditional turkey to serve something new. This is your chance to position seafood as a fresh and delicious alternative or addition.
What to stock:
- Shrimp: A versatile appetizer, shrimp is a classic crowd-pleaser for pre-dinner mingling.
- Haddock: Ideal for main courses, haddock can be baked with herbs or breadcrumbs as a flavorful centerpiece.
- Value-Added Items: Promote convenient options like breaded haddock or pollock for quick side dishes that save time in a busy kitchen. For more ideas on how these items are perfect for family meals, read our blog: Battered, Breaded & Better Than Ever.
When to promote: Start showcasing these items in early November to capture pre-order traffic and inspire early planners.
Christmas & Christmas Eve: The Feast of the Seven Fishes
For many families, Christmas Eve means a long-standing tradition: The Feast of the Seven Fishes. This is the biggest seafood sales event of the season, and having the right products on hand is crucial.
What to stock:
- Cod and Haddock: These New England favorites are the cornerstones of many traditional Italian-American dishes and should be well-stocked in both fresh and frozen options.
- Skin Pack Items: Offer premium, individually sealed portions like cod and haddock. Their extended shelf life and attractive presentation make them perfect for busy holiday shoppers.
- Value-Added Items: Make it easy for customers with our battered and breaded options, which are perfect for a quick fish fry that’s a cornerstone of the feast.
To see how these products help families make meals a team effort, read our blog: All Hands on Deck.
When to promote: Begin your promotions in late November and build momentum throughout December, with a final push the week before Christmas.
New Year’s: Ringing in the New with Flavor
As New Year’s approaches, the focus shifts to celebratory gatherings and party platters. Shoppers are looking for quick, festive, and delicious appetizers to serve their guests.
What to stock:
- Shrimp: Once again, shrimp is a star. Flavorful breadings elevate your offerings and offer customers easy-to-prepare options.
- Scallops: Promote them as a premium, easy-to-sear party food.
- Value-Added Items: Offer quick-fry items like breaded haddock bites or fish sticks that can be put in an air fryer or oven for a last-minute appetizer.
When to promote: Launch a targeted campaign the week after Christmas to capture shoppers looking for last-minute party supplies.
Plan Ahead & Win the Holidays
With Channel Fish, you don’t have to navigate the holiday season alone. Our portfolio is built to meet every seasonal demand, from traditional feasts to modern family gatherings. For more inspiration on healthy dishes to promote during the winter months, read our blog: Healthy Pollock Dishes for the Winter. Contact us today to finalize your holiday orders and start planning your promotions.
