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A lack of understanding is limiting the acceptance of farm-raised seafood.

Educating consumers about the origins of seafood is increasingly crucial and challenging. Many shoppers are confused about terms like “farm-raised” and “aquaculture,” leading to hesitation in purchasing decisions. Research by FMI reveals that only 23% of seafood shoppers prefer farm-raised options, while 39% favor wild-caught, and the rest are indifferent or unaware of the differences. Knowledge gaps are evident, as 63% understand wild-caught seafood, but only 57% are familiar with farm-raised varieties.

Aquaculture, involving the breeding and harvesting of various species in controlled environments, is key to sustainability. Despite only 23% of consumers preferring farm-raised seafood, 58% approve of it, recognizing benefits like environmental impact and sustainability. Conversely, wild-caught seafood is perceived as higher quality and more natural.

Rick Stein of FMI emphasizes the need for a balance between wild-caught and farm-raised seafood to ensure sustainability and prevent overfishing. Educating consumers about aquaculture is difficult due to its technical nature, but retailers should focus on providing balanced information through knowledgeable staff and digital platforms.

Read the full article here.