The Town Dock, which has long been ranked as a leading supplier of frozen calamari to foodservice operators, chefs and distributors in the United States, on January 19 announced that its recently expanded and redesigned retail product line will continue to roll out across North America this winter and spring.
“My father started this business with a commitment to the highest quality seafood and service,” said Ryan Clark, president and chief executive officer of the vertically integrated Narragansett, Rhode Island-based company that has been packing frozen squid products and cutting fresh fillets and whole fish landed from vessels on the Point Judith waterfront since 1980.
Clark added: “More than four decades later, we continue to meet high standards and adapt to consumer needs. Our new retail offerings allow us to better connect with home chefs, giving them easy access to responsibly sourced and delicious calamari along with great recipes to make in the comfort of their own kitchens.”
The Town Dock sells calamari rings or tubes, with or without tentacles, from both Longfin Inshore Squid (Doryteuthis pealeii) and Northern Shortfin Squid (Illex illecebrosus). Both species are products of the USA and certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). Meanwhile, Calamari Steaks cut from Peruvian Jumbo Squid (Dosidicus gigas) are new additions to the retail range.
Retail tray bags are a thing of the past, and all redesigned packs now include a recipe on the back of the box with a QR code that provides consumers with direct access to a video showing step-by-step cooking instructions.
The product line has already been listed by a number of national and regional retail chains, including Whole Foods, Acme Markets, Big Y, BJ’s Wholesale, Cub Foods, Hy-Vee, Market Basket, Safeway Eastern and other supermarkets. Consumers can also order direct delivery service through via Whole Foods or SizzleFish.com.
Here’s a list of the full rebranded lineup of frozen products:
• Longfin Calamari. This Rhode Island speciality is smaller in size with sweeter flavor and a tender texture. Packaging contains one pound of product, divided into two 8-ounce portions of rings, rings and tentacles, tubes or tubes and tentacles. Each is priced at $10.99.
• Shortfin Calamari. This is a slightly thicker squid with a more savory flavor. It is a choice product representing a goot value at $8.99 per pound of product divided into two 8-ounce portions of rings, rings and tentacles, tubes or tubes and tentacles.
• Calamari Steaks. Harvested grin the Pacific Ocean off the Peruvian coast, the four-ounce Jumbo Squid Calamari Steaks are offered at $8.99. High in protein and low-fat, they may be conveniently served in sandwiches, wraps and salads.
“When most people hear calamari, they think about the popular fried appetizer served at many restaurants,” said Dr. Brianna Hughes, The Town Dock’s vice president of operations, supply chain and quality. “Loaded with selenium and vitamin B12, the nutritious and versatile seafood is easy to prepare at home in many dishes ranging from pasta to risotto.”
The company partners with a dedicated fleet of fishing vessels, local fishermen and global suppliers to assure year-round availability of top quality products for its growing customer base.
