What’s the Verdict on Plant-Based Fish Alternatives?

Promoting and Advancing Petroleum Marketing, Retail Grocery, and Convenience Stores in West Virginia

Driving Local Business and Community Growth Across West Virginia

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OMEGA is a West Virginia-based organization dedicated to supporting and advancing the business interests of the state’s petroleum marketing, retail grocery, and convenience store industries.

As a network of over 225 locally owned businesses, OMEGA actively promotes cooperation, advocates for favorable legislation, and provides education and resources to its members. With over 50,000 employees, OMEGA members significantly contribute to the state’s economy, generating more than 10% of all state taxes and supporting local communities through scholarships, charitable donations, and civic involvement.

OMEGA is committed to fostering industry growth while serving West Virginians with essential services like fuel, food, and convenience.

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Your Essential Connection in West Virginia

OMEGA offers three types of membership: Convenience Store Members, Petroleum Marketer Members, and Grocer Members, all of which play a vital role in providing fuel, food, and essentials across West Virginia. As a liaison with state and national agencies, OMEGA works closely with organizations like NACS, PMAA, FMI, and the N.G.A. to advocate on behalf of its members.

We keep members informed through newsletters, legislative updates, an online resource hub, and educational seminars. Additional member benefits include access to the Encova Workers’ Compensation Discount Program and participation in our annual Trade Expo and fundraising efforts for children’s charities. OMEGA is here to support, advocate, and enhance the success of our industry members.

Our 2021 Power of Seafood report finds the biggest reason behind an increase in grocery seafood sales is consumers are trying to eat healthier (59%). In fact, 72% of frequent seafood consumers are putting more effort into making healthy and nutritious choices since the COVID-19 pandemic. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend consumers enjoy of two servings of seafood per week and acknowledged the benefits of the healthy fats found in seafood.

<p>By: Rick Stein, Vice President, Fresh Foods, FMI<br /> <a href="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/pos-2021-inforgraphic-instagram.png?sfvrsn=ddd45175_0"><img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/pos-2021-inforgraphic-instagram.tmb-large-350-.png?sfvrsn=ddd45175_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="POS 2021 Infographic Instagram" title="POS 2021 Infographic Instagram" data-openoriginalimageonclick="true" style="float: right; margin: 10px;" /></a></p> <p>Our <a href="https://www.fmi.org/forms/store/ProductFormPublic/copy-of-power-of-seafood-2021"><em>2021</em> <em>Power of Seafood</em></a> report finds the biggest reason behind an increase in grocery seafood sales is consumers are trying to eat healthier (59%). In fact, 72% of frequent seafood consumers are putting more effort into making healthy and nutritious choices since the COVID-19 pandemic. The <em>Dietary Guidelines for Americans</em> recommend consumers enjoy of two servings of seafood per week and acknowledged the benefits of the healthy fats found in seafood.  </p> <p>Just how committed are seafood shoppers to experimenting? Are they willing to step out of the ocean and try something from, say, the land?</p> <p>Companies have been developing plant-based burgers and meats alternatives for a while and many have succeeded in tempting the most ardent meat-lover to try plant-based meat alternatives. Seafood consumers are ripe for exploring plant-based fish alternatives, which many shoppers perceive to be healthy, but will they dive in? The answer seems to depend.</p> <h5>Testing the Waters</h5> <p>According to<em> </em><a href="https://www.fmi.org/forms/store/ProductFormPublic/copy-of-power-of-seafood-2021"><em>2021</em> <em>Power of Seafood</em></a>, 46% of seafood consumers are likely to try plant-based seafood alternatives. Most frequent seafood consumers (59%) say they are likely to try plant-based seafood alternatives while only about one-third of occasional seafood consumers (34%) are likely. Most non-seafood consumers are not likely (50%) or not sure (22%) if they will try plant-based fish alternatives. </p> <h5>Joining the School</h5> <p>Shoppers willing to try plant-based seafood alternatives tend to skew male and average 40 years of age with affluent household incomes, higher education levels and children in their household. These shoppers shop in-store frequently, but also purchase groceries online including seafood, and tend to spend more than the average on groceries weekly.  </p> <h5>Driving the Current</h5> <p>Shoppers interested in plant-based fish alternatives are also concerned about nutritious and healthy eating (57%) and sustainability (62%). More than half (54%) also had high expectations for the taste of plant-based fish. Curiosity was also a reason for 35% of seafood shoppers to consider trying plant-based fish alternatives.</p> <h5>Moving ashore?</h5> <p>Well, without product on the market to test it remains to be seen. There are some strong trends around health and well-being and sustainability for plant-based protein companies to benefit from. However, companies will have to match shoppers’ perceptions of plant-based products already on the market when it comes to taste, convenience and culinary experience in order to win over shoppers.</p> <p>Download the must-read <a href="https://www.fmi.org/forms/store/ProductFormPublic/copy-of-power-of-seafood-2021"><em>2021 Power of Seafood</em></a> for insights on health and well-being, cooking seafood, sustainability, and much more.</p> <p><a href="https://www.fmi.org/forms/store/ProductFormPublic/copy-of-power-of-seafood-2021" class="button">Download 2021 Power of Seafood</a></p>

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Supporting West Virginia Communities

OMEGA members play a vital role in West Virginia, supporting communities through substantial tax contributions and a wide-reaching presence across the state. With over 55% of the population living in border counties, our members are dedicated to serving both local and regional needs. Beyond business, we’re proud to give back, having contributed over $3.1 million to children’s charities since 2003, reflecting our commitment to making a positive difference.