According to a new study out of the University of Florida, adding a nutrition label to packages of raw seafood may increase consumers’ motivation to buy.
Researchers note that while the USDA has required nutrition labels for raw meat and poultry since 2012, packages of was fish are exempt. During their study, they surveyed 1,000 parents with children living at home, asking them whether nutrition labels on seafood would better convince them to purchase the product.
The survey found that adding labels led to a greater willingness to pay for all types of seafood, while general health benefits only boosted the appeal of some types. It also showed that 80 per cent of respondents chose seafood for a family meal because of taste, followed by nutrition, variety, price, fat content, calories, and prep time.
“Though respondents understand the nutritional benefits of seafood and would choose seafood for health and nutritional benefits, some of them still deep-fry their seafood,” says Xiang Bi, a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Studies assistant professor and one of the study’s authors. “Light seafood consumers, particularly, do not want to prepare seafood at home.”
As a grocer, consider the ways in which you can better market your seafood selection. Highlight simple, healthful recipes involving these products that your customers can make at home, and advertise the health benefits—and nutritional content—of your raw seafood products in order to inspire consumers’ purchases.
