Supermarket Perimeter - October 2024 - 33

DEMAND FOR FRESHLY MADE SUSHI in grocery prepared foods
departments continues to surge, as more adventurous consumers look
for alternatives to longtime prepared foods staples.
Hissho Sushi's retail grocery business is experiencing " remarkable
growth, " said Matt Wilken, the company's president.
The main driver, Wilken said, is the company's single-minded focus
on quality.
" In a market where consumers are increasingly informed and
discerning, we've prioritized hand-crafted sushi made with responsibly
sourced seafood, ensuring that sushi lovers can trust every product
they pick up. This dedication to excellence has resonated deeply. "
Equally important, he added, is the accessibility of Hissho's product.
By positioning product inside grocery stores, Hissho has made it
convenient for busy sushi lovers to enjoy restaurant-quality sushi
without the extra stop or compromise on taste.
Hissho also prides itself on a wide range of products, ranging from
classic favorites to innovative new rolls, Wilken said. The company has
been fortunate, he added, that it has strong partnerships with retailers
and franchisees who share Hissho's vision of what a successful retail
sushi program can look like.
That vision, in a phrase? " Elevating the grab-and-go experience. "
" Together, these factors have created a powerful synergy that propels
our business forward, " Wilken said. " And we've established ourselves as
a leader in culinary innovation, consistently pushing the boundaries of
what sushi can be. "
In the past year, that's meant the introduction of two new lines:
the Chili Lime Mango Salmon collection and the Sichuan Chili Crisp
California Roll, made with Fly by Jing.
The Chili Lime Mango Salmon Roll & Bowl delivers a zesty, refreshing
twist, while the Sichuan Chili Crisp California Roll adds a spicy, umamipacked
kick, Wilken said.
Up next for Hissho are two more innovative products big on flavor:
the Nashville Hot Shrimp Roll and the Sweet Potato Crunch Roll.
The Nashville Hot Shrimp Roll has the perfect kick for those who love
a bit of spice, while the Sweet Potato Crunch Roll delivers a satisfying
and unique blend of seasonal flavors, crafted especially for those who
appreciate a delicious vegetarian option, Wilken said.
" One of the most exciting developments in the sushi category
this year is the relentless push for accessibility paired with inspiring
innovation in flavor profiles. While grab-and-go sushi isn't a new
concept, what's truly exciting is the increased access to high-quality,
bold flavors. "
But it's about more than just product for Hissho, Wilken said. A
commitment to its employees, franchisees and retail partners alike helps
set the company apart.
" We believe investing in our team is the foundation of our success,
and this focus on people drives every aspect of our business. Everyone
at Hissho is committed to delivering an exceptional product and
experience. This dedication extends to our fully integrated supply chain,
which allows us to establish and maintain the highest standards of
quality and consistency. "
By carefully sourcing the finest ingredients and ensuring every step of
the process meets its rigorous standards, Hissho is able to create sushi
that its customers can trust and enjoy, Wilken said.
Another crucial component to the company's success, he added, is
its best-in-class marketing strategies.
" We understand the importance of connecting with sushi lovers in
meaningful ways, and our innovative marketing efforts ensure that
Hissho Sushi remains top of mind. "
Whether it's creative promotions, engaging social media campaigns,
or strong partnerships with retailers, Hissho's marketing strategies are
designed to resonate with sushi lovers and drive continued growth,
he said.
Sushi day, every day
The Kroger Co. first began selling fresh in-store sushi in 1991. Today,
Kroger is the largest sushi retailer in America, offering rolls and related
items at more than 1,800 stores nationwide.
" Every day is sushi day at Kroger, " according to the company.
Customers can order freshly prepared sushi, including rolls and
combos, dumplings, poke bowls, bottled sauces and more on DoorDash
and Uber Eats.
Orders are prepared and packed by in-store sushi chefs at Kroger
stores, with delivery facilitated by couriers directly to customers'
doorsteps in as little as 25 minutes.
Each week, customers purchase more than one million rolls of fresh
sushi from Kroger, according to the retailer. Boasting something for
every palate, Kroger offers cooked and sashimi sushi rolls, party platters,
dumplings, bao buns, poke bowls, salads and Asian rice bowls.
" No matter how you find your favorites or explore innovative new
rolls, Kroger's fresh selection of sushi is specially prepared by chefs in
our stores each day; promising restaurant-quality rolls at an everyday
low price, " said Dan De La Rosa, Kroger's group vice president of fresh
merchandising.
Kroger showed its commitment to its sushi program in a big way
on June 18, International Sushi Day, with limited-time flavors and
special deals.
One highlight was the CHEETOS®
FLAMIN'
HOT®
California Roll, which was available
through July 31.
The roll is coated with crushed
CHEETOS®
Crunchy FLAMIN' HOT®
cheese flavored snacks and topped
with a spicy sauce. It was followed
this fall by the rollout of the
DORITOS®
FLAMIN' HOT® Limón
Shrimp Tempura Roll.
Also for International Sushi Day,
with special deals available June
12-18, in-store customers could save
$2 on any fresh sushi item of $11.99 or
greater with a loyalty card.
And DoorDash and Uber Eats customers
enjoyed a " Buy one fresh sushi roll, get one
free " deal.
In addition, From June 20-July 24, DoorDash DashPass members
enjoyed 50% off Kroger sushi orders of $20 or more purchased through
the DoorDash app.
supermarketperimeter.com
OCTOBER 2024 - 33
CHEETOS
Crunchy FLAMIN'
HOT is one of
Kroger's newer
options.
Hissho, Kroger
http://www.supermarketperimeter.com
Supermarket Perimeter - October 2024

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