(seafood.com) Retailers across the US took advantage of the influx of fresh and frozen tilapia fillets in the market to offer more promotions for tilapia during the 2012 Lenten season.
Looking at Urner Barry's retail features, fresh and frozen fillets were on promotion in 2,801 stores per week in the seven weeks from January 2 -- February 13; this figure then jumped to 3,879 stores during the week of February 20, just prior to the start Lent on February 22, 2012.
During the next seven weeks of the Lenten season, the number of stores with tilapia promotions averaged 3,790. 35% above the average weekly total prior to Lent. Reasons for the boost in retail discounts included steady 2012 pricing of fresh fillets, while frozen fillet prices fell. Additionally, supplies to the US are at record highs.