Ducktrap Ignites Flavor, Fusing 40-Year Heritage with Hot Honey Trend

MIAMI, FL – March 19, 2026 – Ducktrap, a brand synonymous with premium smoked seafood for over four decades, is making a bold play for modern palates by launching a new Hot Honey Smoked Salmon range. The move strategically positions the Mowi USA-owned company at the crest of the “sweet heat” wave, a culinary trend that has exploded from niche condiment to a mainstream flavor phenomenon.

The new line features two distinct varieties: a silky Hot Honey Cold Smoked Atlantic Salmon (4 oz) and a flaky Hot Honey Smoke Roasted Atlantic Salmon (6 oz). Both products marry Ducktrap’s time-honored smoking techniques with the irresistible sweet-and-spicy profile that has captivated consumers across the food industry, from pizza toppings to craft cocktails.

“Hot honey is not just a passing fad—it’s a flavor revolution that’s reshaping how people enjoy their food,” said Diana Dumet, Senior Director of Marketing & Category at Mowi CP of Americas. “At Ducktrap, we couldn’t resist jumping on this trend to create something truly special for our fans. These new Hot Honey smoked salmon options bring exciting, fresh energy to a beloved classic.”

The ‘Swicy’ Revolution Hits the Seafood Aisle

Ducktrap’s launch is a calculated entry into what industry analysts call the “swicy” (sweet and spicy) movement. Hot honey has become a dominant force, with research from food intelligence firm Datassential showing it now appears on over 11% of U.S. restaurant menus, marking a staggering 230% growth in the last four years. With 75% of consumers aware of the flavor and nearly half having tried it, the appetite for this balanced heat is undeniable.

While the trend has been heavily associated with proteins like chicken, its expansion into the seafood category marks a significant evolution. Ducktrap is betting that the rich, fatty notes of Atlantic salmon are a perfect canvas for the complex character of hot honey. The brand’s signature four-wood smoking blend—a meticulous combination of apple, cherry, maple, and oak—provides a smoky depth that complements the initial sweetness and lingering warmth of the honey and chili infusion.

The introduction of both a cold-smoked and a smoke-roasted (or hot-smoked) variety caters to different consumer preferences and uses. The delicate, silky texture of the cold-smoked salmon is ideal for topping bagels or creating elegant canapés, while the firm, flaky texture of the smoke-roasted portion can be a centerpiece in salads, pastas, or grain bowls. This dual offering broadens the product's appeal, transitioning it from a specialty breakfast item to a versatile, everyday protein.

A Strategic Play in a Competitive Market

The move is more than a simple flavor extension; it’s a strategic maneuver within the highly competitive premium seafood market. The global smoked fish market, valued at over $8.8 billion in 2025, is projected to exceed $11.2 billion by 2030. To capture growth, innovation is key, and competitors are not standing still.

Other major players have also recognized the power of trendy, bold flavors. Brooklyn’s Acme Smoked Fish Corp. is reportedly collaborating with condiment giant Mike’s Hot Honey on a dip, while the Honey Smoked Fish Co. already offers hot honey flavored products. Ducktrap's launch, therefore, is a timely and necessary step to maintain its leadership position and appeal to a younger, more adventurous demographic.

This initiative aligns perfectly with the broader strategy of its parent company, Mowi USA, which has been focused on de-commoditizing salmon and building strong, recognizable consumer brands. By infusing a heritage brand like Ducktrap with a contemporary flavor profile, Mowi is working to enhance brand recognition and create value-added products that stand out on crowded retail shelves. The launch is a testament to Mowi's global innovation pipeline, which aims to develop new products that resonate with current consumer tastes while upholding quality.

Quality Assured and Kitchen-Ready

To bolster consumer confidence, the Hot Honey Smoke Roasted Atlantic Salmon proudly carries the prestigious Good Housekeeping Seal. First introduced in 1909, the Seal is a widely recognized emblem of quality, assuring consumers that the product has passed rigorous testing by the Good Housekeeping Institute for performance, safety, and reliability. Backed by a two-year limited warranty, the Seal provides a powerful third-party endorsement that can significantly influence purchasing decisions in an era of overwhelming choice.

Beyond quality assurance, Ducktrap is emphasizing convenience and culinary inspiration. Both hot honey salmon products are fully cooked, portioned, and ready to eat, catering to the growing demand for healthy, high-protein, and convenient meal solutions. To help consumers integrate the new flavor into their kitchens, the brand has launched a series of recipe videos on its YouTube channel.

These tutorials provide easy-to-follow ideas, from quick snacks to impressive entertaining dishes, empowering home cooks to experiment with confidence. This focus on consumer education is a core part of Mowi's strategy to lower the barrier to preparing seafood at home and showcase its versatility. By combining a 40-year legacy of craftsmanship with a keen eye on the future of food, Ducktrap is aiming to prove that even a classic can learn new, exciting, and deliciously spicy tricks.