Eastern Fish releases appetizer line to fill “void” in US Asian foods market

Teaneck, New Jersey, U.S.A.-based seafood wholesaler and processor Eastern Fish has released a frozen appetizer lineup that fills a void the company recognized was prevalent in the Asian foods market within U.S. retailers and foodservice operations, according to Eastern Fish President Eric Bloom.

“When we reviewed products in this space, we determined there was a void of high-quality, seafood-first, handmade Asian appetizers and an accompanying demand,” Bloom told SeafoodSource.

To meet that demand, the company created the Golden Harvest dim sum line, which includes shrimp wonton, a shrimp dumpling trio, shrimp shumai, and shrimp spring roll offerings.

“Our aim with this line is to provide a convenient yet authentic dim sum experience for our customers,” Eastern Fish Executive Chef Bart Dewing said in a press release. “We meticulously crafted these products to ensure they meet the highest culinary standards while offering the convenience of quick preparation.”

As Eastern Fish has expanded its product line from a commodity seafood supplier to include more value-added products in recent years, it has paid close attention to market trends and consumer preferences, Bloom said. During the Covid-19 pandemic, demand grew for Asian food that consumers could easily make at home, and that demand has continued to grow post-pandemic, he said.

“Asian cuisine has been among the most popular in the U.S. and, on some surveys, surpasses Italian foods,” Bloom said. “Eastern [Fish] strives to be innovative and relevant in the market, taking full advantage of this trend while highlighting our shrimp.”

The retail products have a suggested sale price of USD 6.99 (EUR 6.42) to USD 7.99 (EUR 7.34), and can be stocked in frozen seafood sections or frozen grocery sections. Bloom said they can also easily be used as prepared foods for grocery stores’ grab-and-go sections or hot bars.

On the foodservice side, where Eastern Fish sells the line in higher pack-sizes, several major broadliners and specialty food distributors have already picked up the product, according to the company.

Bloom declined to name the shrimp supplier being used for the products, but said the company was based in Vietnam and that it has multiple food safety accreditations and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certification.

Photo courtesy of Eastern Fish