Eat Alabama Seafood

The Alabama Seafood Marketing Commission (ASMC) is preparing meal planners for the countdown to Christmas, which–according to industry experts–is likely to create higher demand for shrimp, all while increasing costs.

According to a Dec. 3 SeafoodSource.com article, Christmas marks the prime season for selling fresh food, with Neilson Perishables Group FreshFacts® Shopper Insights indicating an eight percent increase in U.S. sales during this time.

“Quality Gulf shrimp will still be enjoyed by many American families this Christmas, and seafood-lovers won’t mind spending a little more to enjoy this particular fresh food,” says Blankenship.

Popular holiday fresh food products include “destination items,” such as seafood. In particular, the article indicates that shoppers are 1.4 times more likely to purchase shrimp during Christmas week than any other period during the calendar year.

“The holidays are the perfect time for family and friends to gather together around the table for a special meal,” says Chris Blankenship, director of Alabama Marine Resources and ASMC program administrator. “So despite any price increase, we are confident that consumers will continue to enjoy local Gulf seafood whether shrimp, crab, oysters or fish.”

To find out where to purchase Alabama Gulf Seafood or recipes for your holiday table, visit EatAlabamaSeafood.com.

ABOUT THE ALABAMA SEAFOOD MARKETING COMMISSION

Established by Alabama Governor Robert Bentley by executive order signed in March of 2011, the Alabama Seafood Marketing Commission (ASMC) was created to help provide advice, oversight, management and encouragement to the marketing of Alabama seafood. Led by Chris Blankenship, director of the Alabama Marine Resource Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the ASMC is comprised of volunteer members appointed by the Governor that includes fishermen, processors, charter boat operators, retailers, restaurant owners and others directly and indirectly related to the Alabama seafood industry.

### Media Contact:Ashley Fulmer, APRPR Manager, Alabama Gulf Seafood(205) 322-5646 x 551ashley@bigcom.com