Vičiūnai Group of Lithuania and Frais Embal of France have taken the top honours at the 2026 Seafood Excellence Global Awards, announced during a special reception at Seafood Expo Global, the world’s largest seafood trade event.
Selected from 35 finalists representing 16 countries, the awards recognise outstanding seafood products showcased at the exhibition. Winners were chosen based on taste, innovation, packaging, convenience and marketability, with judging overseen by PwC.
Vičiūnai Group secured the Best Retail Product award for its Smoked Herring Slices – Natural Flavor. Judges praised the product’s balance and presentation. “The harmony between the herring and smoke is exceptional, and the slicing and packaging are beautifully executed,” the jury noted.
Frais Embal claimed the Best HORECA Product prize for its Salmon Roll, a thinly sliced salmon portion designed for sushi and culinary applications. “This product delivers consistency and efficiency for professional kitchens while enhancing presentation,” a judge commented.
Four additional special awards highlighted innovation across categories. Lerøy Seafood Group of Norway won the Convenience award for its Fish Taco Sticks, while Sykes Seafood Limited of the UK received the Retail Packaging award for Argentinian Red Shrimp with Chimichurri Butter.
Iceco Fish of Lithuania earned Best Seafood Product Line for its herring tartares, and Reunimer of Reunion Island was recognised for Innovation with its Marlin Gravlax.
Raül Cervera, chair of the jury, said the competition was particularly strong this year. “These products reflect evolving consumer expectations for quality, sustainability and ease of use,” he said. “The level of creativity and execution continues to rise globally.”
