From Barcelona to Chicago: Bringing Rhode Island Seafood to the World!
What a whirlwind it's been! The past few weeks have seen The Town Dock team crisscrossing the globe, proudly showcasing the incredible seafood that Rhode Island has to offer. From the bustling halls of Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona to the energy of the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, we've been on a mission to share our delicious calamari, shellfish, and fresh local fish.
Seafood Expo Global: A Global Stage
Our journey began in Barcelona, Spain, at one of the premier seafood trade events in the world: Seafood Expo Global. This show is an absolute must for anyone serious about seafood, bringing together buyers and sellers from every corner of the planet. We were thrilled to be exhibiting within the USA Pavilion, a platform that highlights the quality and diversity of American seafood.
Being part of the USA Pavilion is always a point of pride for us. It allows us to stand alongside other American companies, collectively demonstrating the strength of our domestic seafood industry. We had countless productive conversations, reconnected with long-time partners and forged exciting new relationships. The interest in our calamari was, as always, incredibly strong, and it was wonderful to see the global appetite for the sustainable, high-quality products we offer.
From discussions about evolving market trends to showcasing our latest product innovations, Seafood Expo Global was an invaluable opportunity to connect with the international seafood community. We were particularly excited by the growing awareness and appreciation for the traceability and sustainability practices that are at the core of everything we do at The Town Dock. It's clear that consumers and businesses worldwide are increasingly prioritizing seafood that is not only delicious but also responsibly sourced.
National Restaurant Association Show: A Taste of Rhode Island in Chicago
No sooner had we unpacked our bags from Barcelona than we were packing them again for Chicago and the National Restaurant Association Show! This event is a mecca for the foodservice industry, bringing together chefs, restaurateurs, and culinary innovators from across the nation.
We were honored to represent Rhode Island at the Taste of the States Pavilion. This unique section of the show is dedicated to showcasing the culinary delights and unique food products from various states, and has a greater focus on food than some of the technology-focused parts of the show.
And what did we bring to the table? A veritable feast of Rhode Island's finest! We were dishing out generous samples of our beloved Rhode Island Calamari, prepared in mouth-watering ways that had attendees coming back for seconds (and thirds!). But we didn't stop there. We also highlighted the incredible versatility and flavor of our clams and mussels, demonstrating just how easy it is to incorporate these delicious and sustainable shellfish into diverse restaurant menus.
The energy at the Taste of the States Pavilion was electric. It was fantastic to interact directly with chefs and foodservice professionals, answering their questions about sourcing, preparation, and the unique characteristics of Rhode Island seafood. Many were surprised by the tenderness and flavor of our calamari, often having only experienced lesser-quality alternatives. It was a true pleasure to educate them on what makes Rhode Island Calamari so special – its delicate flavor and tender texture, a direct result of our commitment to quality and responsible fishing practices.
We had so many engaging conversations about the history of calamari in Rhode Island, its cultural significance, and how it can be a versatile and profitable addition to any menu. We also saw a significant interest in our clams and mussels, with chefs particularly keen on their consistent quality and the convenience of our ready-to-heat options.
What's Next?
These shows are more than just trade events for us; they're opportunities to share our passion for seafood and connect with people who share our love for great food. The feedback we received in both Barcelona and Chicago was overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing our belief that the quality and reputation of Rhode Island seafood, particularly our calamari, is truly world-class.