Deutsche See GmbH and Alfocan S.A. were awarded the top prizes in the ninth annual Seafood Prix d’Elite new products competition at the European Seafood Exposition.
The winners were selected from a field of 36 finalists and were announced a Seafood Prix d’Elite reception on Tuesday.
Deutsche See GmbH of Bremerhaven, Germany took the top award for best new retail product with its entry, Seasonal Fresh Fish Convenience – Salmon in a Wooden Leaf. An innovative approach to barbecuing fish, this product is created by seasoning salmon with an aromatic marinade and then wrapping it in a wafer-thin wooden leaf. Each packet is garnished with a lemon slice and a bay leaf. The wood wrapper makes the salmon easy to barbecue, protects it from overcooking, and adds a spicy, smoky flavour to the fish as it chars on the grill. The judges particularly noted the unique approach to combining wood smoke flavour and fish, and how easy the product is for consumers to prepare.
In the foodservice category, the top prize was given to Alfocan S.A. of Seville, Spain for its product, Crayfish Skewers. The product is made from 100 per cent natural cooked, peeled and deveined crayfish tails, and packed under modified atmosphere. The skewers are ready-to-eat or can be browned gently on a griddle. The judges noted that the product has no additives and the convenience it offers to hotels, restaurants and caterers.
In addition to the two grand prizes, the judges also gave five special awards:
Retail prize winner Deutsche See’s product, Seasonal Fresh Fish Convenience – Salmon in a Wooden Leaf, was also presented with an award for Originality.
Fish ‘n Rösti from Royal Greenland of Aalborg, Denmark was awarded the award for Convenience.
The special prize for Health & Nutrition was given to Vinh Hoan Corporation of Hochiminh City, Vietnam for its product, Seafood Harmony.
The Organic Smokehouse of Montgomary, Great Britain was given the special award for Retail Packaging for its Elderflower Cured Organic Salmon.
The new Seaforth line of ready-to-serve products from Marine Harvest in Brugge, Belgium was presented with a special award for Seafood Product Line.
