New FMI data at the Seafood Expo North America (SENA) 2026 in Boston frames seafood as a hidden growth engine. Hispanic-focused grocers, specifically, stand to gain the most from this Hispanic grocery seafood growth opportunity.
“Power of Seafood 2026” confirms the category urgently needs more shelf space, stronger storytelling, and greater digital visibility in Latino food markets.
FMI’s 2026 research, presented by Steve Markenson and Rick Stein, reveals a clear pattern. Seafood attracts higher-income, larger households that consistently ring up above-average basket sizes.
Health, Value, and Frequency Drive Hispanic Grocery Seafood Growth
This positions seafood as a strategic traffic and ticket builder for retailers who execute well. FMI’s report also confirms seafood’s powerful “health halo.” Shoppers overwhelmingly associate fish and shellfish with heart health, high-quality protein, and brain support.
Moreover, health and wellness considerations now drive a growing share of seafood purchasing decisions. However, price perception remains a stubborn barrier.
In the 2025 report, 37% of Americans who cut back on seafood blamed inflation or high prices. That affordability tension remains front and center in 2026.
For Hispanic operators, SENA’s message was direct: reframe seafood as an everyday protein rather than a “special occasion splurge”. Clear value messaging, competitive price points on key species, and multi-serving family packs support this shift.
Furthermore, FMI data shows that when seafood lands in the basket, total trip spend more than doubles. Converting Hispanic shoppers from occasional to frequent seafood buyers will produce an outsized impact on total-store performance.
Related Article: The Retail Academy: Fish and Seafood
Convenience, Education, and Digital Engagement
One of SENA 2026’s strongest themes centered on making seafood easier — easier to choose, easier to cook, and easier to buy across channels. FMI’s Markenson noted that roughly half of consumers worry about keeping seafood fresh and avoiding waste.
Additionally, more than four in ten shoppers say limited knowledge about buying or selecting seafood holds them back. Suppliers on the Boston show floor responded with a surge of ready-to-cook, marinated, and value-added items.
These products move from tray to table in under 20 minutes. Frozen formats also address both waste and budget concerns simultaneously.
For Hispanic grocers, the opportunity is clear. Pairing these innovations with bilingual signage, in-aisle how-to guidance, and in-app content can demystify species, cooking methods, and flavor profiles.
Equally important, this content can connect directly to familiar Latin recipes like ceviche, stews, and rice dishes.
“We are working to appeal to the Hispanic consumer by developing new product lines that match their specific taste profiles,” said Daryl Gormley, CEO of Aquamar Seafood, which exhibited a wide variety of prepared entrées at the show.
Sustainability and Culture Take Center Stage
Sustainability continues to rise as a driver of purchases. FMI’s report shows that shoppers increasingly seek assurances on responsible sourcing and environmental impact, particularly among frequent seafood consumers.
Suppliers are leaning into certifications, traceability solutions, and story-rich packaging. This allows retailers to spotlight origin, community impact, and ocean stewardship directly at the shelf.
This trend dovetails with broader FMI research on Hispanic shoppers. These consumers demonstrate higher trust in farmers and producers and respond strongly to brands that authentically honor cultural identity and shared values.
Seafood is no longer just a niche fresh case. It now functions as a cross-department, omnichannel platform with significant revenue potential.
Hispanic retailers who invest in locally tailored assortments, family-first pricing and pack architecture, and culturally celebratory digital content are well-positioned for success. They can convert the health-seeking, value-oriented Latino shopper into a frequent seafood buyer, a profile FMI identifies as essential to growth in 2026 and beyond.