GlobeXplore of France and Pescanova España of Spain scooped the two top prizes in the 2022 Seafood Excellence Global awards at the Seafood Expo Global trade event.
The winners – selected from a field of 38 finalists – were announced at a special awards reception, held at the expo.
The top award for Best Retail Product was presented to Pescanova España for its Salmon Noodles entry. This product represents a new market category of pastas made with fish that are high in protein, a natural source of omega-3, and low in fat.
Judges noted the nice flavour and texture of the pasta, its fresh, natural appearance and the attractive package design.
GlobeXplore won the grand prize for Best HORECA (hotel/restaurant/catering) Product for its Seaweed Spread – Yuzu and Ginger. This product is a mix of sea lettuce, ginger and yuzu designed to accompany both vegetable and meat dishes.
The judges particularly noted the unique, yet delicious flavour.
In addition to the grand prizes, five special awards were also given:
- Balfegó & Balfegó SL of Spain was presented the Seafood Excellence Global special award for Health & Nutrition for its Balfegó Bluefin Tuna Loin
- The Seafood Excellence Global special prize for Convenience was given to JC Mackintosh of Spain for its Smoked Wild-Caught Bluefin Tuna Carpaccio
- Krijn Verwijs Yerseke BV of the Netherlands was presented the Seafood Excellence Global special award for Retail Packaging for its product Bangkok – Mussels in Fresh Sauce with Lemongrass and Ginger
- Pescanova España’s Salmon Noodles were also awarded the Seafood Excellence Global special award for Innovation
- Krijn Verwijs Yerseke also won the Seafood Excellence Award for Best Seafood Product Line for its line of BAP-certified and organic mussels in fresh sauces
The judges for the 2022 Seafood Excellence Global competition were Debby Verheyen, Retail Business Partner for Seafood and Frozen Food for Ahold Delhaize in Belgium; Daniel Diaz, Seafood Purchasing Manager for La Sirena stores in Spain; Nicholas Baroux, Seafood Director for Supermarché Match in France; Sebastian Kiel, Fish and Seafood Product Manager for Chefs Culinar in Germany; and Paula Merrigan, Head of Purchasing for Yo! Sushi in the UK.
Verheyen served as chair of the jury.
The Seafood Excellence Global finalists were judged on taste and overall eating experience, packaging, marketability, convenience, nutritional value, and innovation. The judges’ scores were verified by the accounting firm of Price Waterhouse Coopers.
