ANCHORAGE — The Alaska Symphony of Seafood announced the winners of its 19th annual New Products Contest judging event held in Seattle. The competition enlists chefs and industry experts to pick the best new seafood products each year. The winners were announced Friday at the Gala Soiree in Anchorage, where contestants, industry representatives, media and attendees gathered to celebrate and toast the winners.
This year’s first place winners included: Sweet Potato Crunch Alaska Pollock Sticks by American Pride Seafoods in the Foodservice category, AquaCuisine Naturally Smoked Salmon Frank by AquaCuisine in the Retail Category and Kylee’s Alaskan Salmon Bacon by Tustumena Smokehouse in the Smoked category. The grand prize, awarded to the product that received the most overall votes, also went to Kylee’s Alaskan Salmon Bacon by Tustumena Smokehouse.
“I am overwhelmed,” says Fred West of Tustumena Smokehouse of his Grand Prize win. “Kylee's Alaska Salmon Bacon was made especially for my granddaughter who has severe food allergies. Kylee suffered an allergic reaction a few years ago to beef, chicken and pork containing growth hormones and steroids. Our Salmon Bacon is made of all natural ingredients, no preservatives, gluten free, and contains no MSG or nitrates. It makes the Grand Prize win even more special!”
The first place winners from each category, and the grand prize winner, will receive booth space at the distinguished International Boston Seafood Show in March, as well as airfare to and from the show.
The Alaska Symphony of Seafood New Products Contest kicked off on February 2nd in Seattle, where the judges tasted, deliberated and selected their favorite products. Evaluations were based on the products’ packaging and presentation, overall eating experience, price and potential for commercial success.
This year’s judges included: Nancy Blakey with SnoPac Prodcuts, Kathy Casey with Kathy Casey Food Studios, Lisa Dupar with Lisa Dupar Catering, Brock Johnson with Dahlia Lounge, Adrienne Lasko with Etta’s and Seatown, Clifton Lyles with LSG Skychefs, Janet Nelson with Sysco Foodservice of Seattle, Fiona Robinson with Seafood Business, Karl Uri with Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute and Gretchen Vannice with Omega -3 RD.
Sponsors for this year’s event include: the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation, Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, At-sea Processors Association, Northwest Fisheries Association, Marel, Trident Seafoods, Copper River Seafoods, Alaska Air Cargo, Alaska Longline Company, Marine Stewardship Council, American Seafoods, NFS Surefish, Alaska Commercial Fishing and Agriculture Bank, Alaskan Brewing Co., Ocean Beauty, Bristol Bay Economic Development Corporation. Lynden, Alaska Whitefish Trawlers Association, Ken Simpson, Columbia Bank, Kruzof Fisheries, United Fisherman of Alaska, Seafood Business and Northern Air Cargo.
The Gala Soiree concluded with the announcement of the Anchorage People’s Choice winner, Tracy’s Alaskan King Crab Bisque, based on the attendees’ votes.
For a complete list of this year’s winners go to: http://www.symphonyofseafood.com.
About Alaska Symphony of Seafood
Since 1993, the Alaska Symphony of Seafood has celebrated creative and innovative ideas in the seafood industry, bringing together a host of new products before a panel of judges and the public. It was created by the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation to promote new product development for seafood harvested in Alaskan waters by encouraging participation and sponsorship from a wide variety of companies and organizations that together, are building the future of the Alaska fishing industry. For more information, visit: www.symphonyofseafood.com.
About Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation
The Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation (AFDF) was chartered as the first fisheries development corporation in 1978 after passage of the Fisheries Conservation and Management Act claiming the marine resources from 3 to 200 miles off our shores. For 33 years, AFDF has worked in support of the Alaskan commercial fishing industry with accomplishments such as bringing surimi technology from Japan to the first shore-based processing facility in Alaska, Steller Sea Lion research, and bringing Beech Nut Foods & Ocean Beauty Seafoods together to produce Beech Nut Wild Alaskan Salmon and Sweet Potato Baby Food. It is a 501 C (3) private non-profit entity, and has hosted the acclaimed Alaska Symphony of Seafood for 19 years as a showcase for new products from Alaska’s fishery resources and has supported technological advancements and educational outreach in all areas of the seafood industry. For more information, visit www.afdf.org
Source: Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation