March 21, 2018

Thai Union, Iceland's Finest awarded for best products at US seafood expo

Thai Union - Chicken of the Sea and Iceland's Finest were declared winners for "Best New Foodservice Product" and "Best New Retail Product" at the recent Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America.

Thai Union was awarded for its Yellowfin Tuna Slices and Iceland's Finest for its Creamy Masago Bites.

Iceland's Finest describes Masago, which is made of capelin roe, as having "a subtle taste with a crunchy texture and a sensational sense of freshness".

Winners were selected from among 12 finalists during a live judging by a panel of seafood buyers and industry experts from the retail and foodservice industries. This year's judges included Johnny Poche, director of culinary/R&D Chef, Maggiano's; Mark Hogan, director of Center of the Plate Category, SGC Food Service; and Andy Caron, assistant category manager, Hannaford Brothers.

Finalists were previously selected through a screening of products participating in the Seafood Expo North America New Product Showcase. The New Product Showcase features seafood products, condiments and culinary dishes launched in the past year by exhibiting companies.

The Seafood Excellence Awards recognise the product leaders in the North American seafood market. The new products are judged based on several criteria including uniqueness and appropriateness to the market, taste profile, market potential, convenience, nutritional value and originality.