Coast to Coast Kitchen, founded by Emma Hernan, expanded its signature empanada lineup with Lobster Empanada and Sweet Chili Shrimp Empanada, plus a new Crab Rangoon. The two empanada flavors were developed exclusively for Target and extend the seafood appetizer range that the brand introduced at the retailer in February 2026.
The rollout joins existing items such as New England Crab Cakes, Bacon Scallops, Shrimp Spring Rolls and Crab Minis and is available at Target stores nationwide, including Alaska and Hawaii. Coast to Coast Kitchen makes its products through two manufacturing facilities outside Boston, valued at $5.5 million and $7.5 million. Its operations employ more than 100 people, the majority of whom are women.
For shoppers, the products deliver handheld seafood flavors inspired by New England lobster and West Coast sweet chili shrimp in familiar appetizer formats. The expansion reflects demand for convenient, globally influenced frozen foods while giving Coast to Coast Kitchen more shelf presence and allowing Target to broaden its seafood selection with exclusive products.
Image Credit: Coast to Coast Kitchen
What's Driving This Trend
- Premium Frozen Seafood
- Elevated shellfish ingredients in freezer-aisle formats create space for restaurant-style appetizers that feel indulgent while remaining convenient for at-home occasions.
- Global Handheld Appetizers
- Cross-cultural fillings packaged in familiar finger-food formats signal potential for brands to blend regional flavors with accessible frozen snacking experiences.
- Retail-exclusive Flavors
- Exclusive product launches with major retailers strengthen differentiation in crowded frozen aisles while giving emerging food brands a scalable path to national visibility.
Who This Affects Most
- Frozen Foods
- Premiumization and global flavor innovation are reshaping freezer categories as consumers seek easy meal and appetizer solutions beyond basic staples.
- Seafood
- Value-added seafood products open new growth paths by translating lobster, shrimp and crab into approachable formats with broader household appeal.
- Grocery Retail
- Private and exclusive brand partnerships allow retailers to expand category excitement, improve shelf distinction and capture demand for convenient specialty foods.
