The holidays are when guests come in ready to celebrate, and they’re looking for something that feels a little more special than their usual order.  Whether you’re on Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, or Hawaiʻi Island, a wild-caught seafood feature is one of the easiest ways to deliver that experience to your customers. Wild Argentine red shrimp bring a sweet, lobster-like flavor and a naturally red color that looks great on the plate, and they fit everything from plate lunch specials to party trays. The holidays are also one of your busiest stretches for both dine-in and takeout. In a National Restaurant Association holiday survey, 63% of adults said they planned to eat out over the season and 48% planned to order takeout or delivery. Of those ordering in, 74% said they’d add appetizers, so whether it’s a family dinner or a pūpū spread for the office party, guests are ready to treat themselves. A wild-caught shrimp feature gives them something worth ordering. 

Why Wild-Caught Sells 

Specific words on your menu can make a big difference to your bottom line, especially “wild-caught.” In a Datassential survey, half of consumers said they prefer wild-caught seafood, compared to just 14% who prefer farm-raised. That preference climbs to 58% among households earning more than $100,000 a year and among guests aged 25 to 34. In another consumer survey, 80% of guests who prefer wild-caught seafood said they’ll pay a premium for it. Calling out the type and origin of your seafood can add even more perceived value. Putting “wild-caught Argentine red shrimp” or “wild Patagonian shrimp” on your holiday menu tells guests they’re getting something worth the upgrade. 

Sweet, Lobster-Like, and Better for You 

Argentine red shrimp are prized for their naturally sweet flavor, which many people compare to lobster, and a tender texture that stands out from other shrimp. They’re caught wild off the coast of Patagonia in the cold waters of the South Atlantic, and they’re naturally red even before cooking. They’ve also become one of the fastest-growing seafood categories over the past 15 years. They’re a great fit for health-minded guests too. Seafood has a strong health halo, with consumers widely seeing it as a high-quality protein that supports heart, brain, and overall health. Shrimp is a lean protein, so it’s an easy way to offer a lighter option on an indulgent holiday menu. 

Upgrade Your Garlic Shrimp Plate 

Garlic shrimp is already one of the most loved plates on our islands, and wild Argentine red shrimp bring a sweet, lobster-like flavor to the classic. The Y. Hata exclusive Pierport EZ-Peel cut keeps the shell on for that traditional shell-on garlic shrimp style. The shell soaks up all that garlic butter while protecting the tender meat underneath. At 16/20 count, each shrimp is big enough to make an impression, and the natural red color makes the plate look as good as it tastes. Because the shrimp come split and deveined, your kitchen skips the prep work, and since they cook quickly, you can keep plates moving during the holiday rush. Add a small grilled steak and a scoop of truffle mac salad for a plate lunch-style surf & turf, and you have a holiday special that puts a festive twist on a familiar classic. The same shrimp works for seafood mix plates and party platters too, so one product covers a lot of your menu. 

The Right Shrimp for Every Dish 

Y. Hata exclusive Pierport Wild Argentine Red Shrimp Raw EZ-Peel 16/20 is made for your showpiece plates. The shell stays on but is split and deveined, so it holds up on the grill and still peels easily at the table. Beyond plate lunch, use it for surf & turf, grilled skewers, shrimp tacos, and peel-and-eat platters. Just keep the cook time short, because these shrimp cook quickly and are best served tender. Aqua Star Broken Argentine Shrimp gives you the same sweet flavor and red color in peeled and deveined pieces, sold in economical packs. It’s ideal for dishes where shrimp is mixed in, like pastas, soups, and salads, so you can add wild-caught shrimp to more of your menu at a better cost per plate. 

Menu Inspo: Hot Honey Garlic Shrimp Plate

One of the biggest trends right now is “swicy,” the sweet and spicy combo, and hot honey is leading it. That fits really well with garlic shrimp. It takes the local plate lunch everyone already knows and adds a trending twist. 

Start Your Holiday Seafood Planning  

Wild-caught Argentine red shrimp give your guests a reason to celebrate and give you a premium feature that’s easy to execute. Order Pierport Wild Argentine Red Shrimp and Aqua Star Broken Argentine Shrimp today on Shop Y. Hata, or contact your Y. Hata Account Manager for more details.