2026 Category Catalysts: Deli Snacks and Prepared Seafood

2026 Category Catalysts: Deli Snacks 

Deli dollar sales increased 3 percent during the 52 weeks ending May 31, 2026, according to Circana. PRETZELIZED has focused on bringing fun and excitement to the deli snack category through seasonal innovation. Sam Kestenbaum, CEO of PRETZELIZED’s parent company, 7 Mile Brands, discussed the brand’s success.

“Building on the success of our July 4th Patriotic Stars, we will more than triple the volume of our Cinnamon Roll Pita Chips for the holidays and launch our new Pretzel Football Snackers for the college bowl season, NFL playoffs and Super Bowl,” noted Kestenbaum.

Kestenbaum acknowledged the challenges and opportunities of operating in the deli channel. “The challenge is that conducting business in this channel is more expensive than ever. We must continue finding creative ways beyond traditional promotions to support our retail partners, drive consumer trial and build the category efficiently. The biggest opportunity is attracting the modern consumer who is driving growth in other areas of retail, including accounts like Target. That requires bringing more innovation, excitement and fun into the deli. We believe the deli is transforming—and two years from now, it will look very different than it does today. At the same time, consumers have become increasingly value-conscious, so brands and retailers must create greater efficiency in both everyday pricing and promotional programs,” stated Kestenbaum.

Understanding consumer expectations remains central to PRETZELIZED’s strategy. “Consumers are looking for the complete value proposition. Ingredients and price remain important, but shoppers are also prioritizing quality, innovation and the overall experience a product delivers,” noted Kestenbaum. “They want products that feel new, exciting and worth paying for—not simply the least expensive option on the shelf.”

He added, “One misconception—both in deli and across the broader food industry—is that price sensitivity means consumers are unwilling to pay more. There is an important difference between absolute price and value. Consumers will still pay a premium when they clearly understand the value proposition, whether it comes through better ingredients, superior quality, meaningful innovation or a more enjoyable experience.”

Beyond innovation, PRETZELIZED helps its retail partners increase engagement. “Retailers are looking for brands that can help them attract a new, modern consumer and create excitement within the department. They have learned that success is not driven by price or ingredients alone; it is also about delivering an experience,” shared Kestenbaum. 

“Brands must bring innovation, help grow the category and provide efficient programs that work for both the retailer and the shopper.”

He continued, “The leaders will be the brands that stay ahead of the shopper, particularly given today’s longer innovation and supply-chain lead times. They must anticipate where consumers are going rather than react after the market has already moved.”

2026 Category Catalysts: Prepared Seafood

As more Americans seek convenient meal solutions at home, the prepared seafood category is experiencing growth. According to the USDA Economic Research Service and the National Fisheries Institute, overall US seafood consumption has trended upward over recent decades, with fresh and frozen products leading growth.

Daryl Gormley, CEO of Aquamar, believes growth for the category is good for everyone. The company has focused on inspiring new consumers and consumption occasions for seafood. This approach has created growth opportunities not only for Aquamar, but also for its retail partners. 

“Our growth has been driven by a simple belief: Seafood has an enormous opportunity to grow, but to capture that growth we need to address the barriers that continue to hold it back. For too long, the seafood category has largely competed for the same consumers, with similar products addressing similar needs. Meanwhile, consumers are looking for delicious, convenient, approachable meals that fit their busy lives. We see an opportunity to challenge the conventions of the category and make seafood a more compelling choice for everyday eating,” explained Gormley.

He continued, “At Aquamar, we’re bringing together consumer-driven innovation and bold brand building to change that. We’re developing products that solve real mealtime challenges while investing in advertising that encourages consumers to rethink seafood’s role in their lives. We’re not just competing with other seafood brands. We’re competing for occasions currently dominated by chicken, beef, and other proteins.”

Gormley highlighted the innovations driving the company’s success. “Our pioneering role in surimi helped make the California Roll a mainstream favorite. Today, we’re bringing that same spirit of innovation to a much broader range of seafood occasions.”

“Our expanding portfolio includes Pan-Seared Pacific Cod Fillets, Crispy Scallop Bites, Salmon Wellington, and an exciting range of Risotto Cakes and Crunchy Seafood Bites. These products are designed around what consumers actually want: great taste, convenience, and exciting meal solutions that don’t require extensive preparation or cleanup,” detailed Gormley.

He added, “But innovation alone isn’t enough. We’re also investing in building consumer demand through a refreshed Aquamar brand and bold new advertising. Our latest campaign challenges America’s reliance on chicken dinners and introduces seafood as a delicious alternative any night of the week.”

For Gormley, the ultimate goal extends beyond building Aquamar’s market share to growing the seafood category as a whole.

“For us, category growth remains top of mind because, in our opinion, the biggest question facing seafood isn’t how do we get consumers to choose one seafood brand over another. It’s how do we get them to choose seafood more often in the first place.”