An unintended consequence of COVID-19 is that while it has lifted the sales of the largest shelf-stable seafood brands, it is also driving new business for many smaller, niche brands as well.
Sales of Safe Catch brand canned tuna, for example, surged nearly 48 percent in the 52 weeks ended Aug. 9, according to the latest IRI retail data. The sales growth outpaced gains by much larger more recognized competitors such as Starkist, Bumble Bee and Chicken of the Sea in terms of percentage year-over-year growth.
