What a whirlwind few weeks it's been here at The Town Dock! We just wrapped up our participation in not one, but two incredible industry events: the 2025 Seafood Expo North America in Boston and the 2025 International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas. We're still buzzing from all the fantastic connections we made, the delicious samples we shared, and the exciting conversations about the future of seafood.
For those who couldn't make it, or for those who want a little trip down memory lane, grab a cup of coffee (or maybe a slice of pizza topped with calamari?), and let's dive into our experiences at these two major events.
Boston in March – there’s just something about the crisp air and the buzz of the seafood industry converging. As a Rhode Island-based company, the Seafood Expo North America always feels a bit like coming home. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with our long-standing partners, forge new relationships, and showcase the freshest, highest-quality seafood we’re so passionate about.
Our booth was a hub of activity throughout the expo, and the star of the show, as always, was our famous calamari. The aroma of perfectly fried, tender calamari filled the air, drawing in crowds eager for a taste. We heard it time and time again: "This is the best calamari I've ever had!" And honestly, hearing that never gets old. We take immense pride in the meticulous process that goes into ensuring our calamari is consistently exceptional. Many customers were thrilled to see Premium Domestic Calamari (USA, MSC Northern Shortfin Squid) back in stock, and newcomers were pleasantly surprised at the delicate texture of our imported Fully Cleaned Calamari.
But the calamari wasn't the only delight on offer. We also showcased the briny sweetness of our frozen mussels, steamed to perfection and highlighting their clean, vibrant flavor. Many attendees were impressed by their size and the care we take in ensuring they arrive at their destination in peak condition.
For those craving a taste of the shore, our plump and juicy imported whole shell clams were a hit; our USA clams were also appreciated. And let's not forget our crispy and convenient wide cut, jumbo clam strips! These little bites of the sea are perfect for a variety of applications, from casual appetizers to adding a delicious crunch to seafood platters. Their consistent quality and appealing texture make them a popular choice, with many comments that they were superior to what they currently had in stock.
Beyond the delicious tastings, SENA provided invaluable opportunities to connect with chefs, distributors, retailers, and other industry professionals. We had insightful conversations about sustainability initiatives, the latest trends in seafood consumption, and how The Town Dock can continue to be a reliable and innovative partner. The energy and enthusiasm for the seafood industry were palpable, and we left Boston feeling energized and inspired.
And the response was fantastic! We sampled pizzas featuring our signature calamari, prepared in various ways. Many attendees, from pizzeria owners to chefs, were genuinely surprised by how well the tender calamari complemented the other pizza ingredients.
We also highlighted the potential of our calamari, mussels, and clams as unique additions to gourmet pizzas, seafood-inspired flatbreads, appetizers, and pastas. Imagine a white clam pizza with fresh garlic, parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil – the possibilities are endless!
The Pizza Expo always offers a different kind of energy. It was fast-paced, creative, and filled with passionate individuals dedicated to the art of pizza making. It was inspiring to see the level of innovation and dedication within this culinary world.
Our presence at the Pizza Expo sparked some truly interesting conversations. Many attendees were looking for ways to differentiate their menus and offer unique and high-quality toppings. Our seafood, with its premium quality and distinct flavor profiles, presented a compelling option. We left Las Vegas feeling optimistic about the potential for seafood to become a more prominent and exciting ingredient in the pizza restaurant landscape.
Both the Seafood Expo North America and the International Pizza Expo were incredible successes for The Town Dock. They provided us with invaluable opportunities to:
We're incredibly grateful for everyone who stopped by our booths in Boston and Las Vegas. Your enthusiasm and positive feedback fuel our passion for what we do. Stay tuned for more updates from The Town Dock, including our participation in Seafood Expo Global and the National Restaurant Show!