As Lent begins, demand for classic Friday fish-fry favorites ramps up fast – and this year it’s colliding with elevated seafood pricing, especially for staples like cod and shrimp.
At BSF, we see Lent as one of the most concentrated demand moments of the year. And that demand bump is arriving while supply and cost pressures remain stubborn, driven by tighter harvest volumes in some fisheries and ongoing input-cost pressure in aquaculture.
“Lent is one of the most important seasonal demand drivers of the year for seafood. This year, seafood pricing is being shaped by a mix of global supply realities and persistent operating costs.”
– Mark Frisch, Executive Vice President
On the whitefish side, Atlantic cod supply has been tight, keeping pricing firm and creating ripple effects across the category.
Our takeaway for operators: plan for flexibility early. Whether that’s adjusting specs, considering alternate species, or tightening your forecast for peak Fridays, the goal is the same: protect margins while keeping the tradition intact.
