A showcase for new AK seafood products since 1994
From Seafoodnews.com
November 13, 2023
This week the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation (AFDF) announced the winners of the 2024 Alaska Symphony of Seafood, an annual competition for new value-added products made from Alaska seafood.
The Alaska Symphony of Seafood officially kicked off in Seattle on November 7 with a private judging session. This year the expert panel of judges was made up of Michael Mills (Sysco), BT Thompson and Becca Yeardsley (Rogge), John Burrows (Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute), Daniela Klimsova (BBRSDA), Scott Habberstadt (Alaska Airlines), Craig Morris (GAPP), Carli Stewart (National Fisherman), Greg Obeso and Dani Camden (Lynden Logistics/ AML) and Cynthia Nims (Mon Appetit LLC). Each judge tasted, deliberated and scored the product based on packaging, presentation, overall eating experience, price and potential for commercial success.
The 19 entrants for this year’s competition were revealed in late October, with new products hailing from seafood giants like Trident Seafoods, Ocean Beauty Seafoods, and High Liner Foods, among others in the industry. Categories include Retail, Foodservice, “Beyond the Plate,” and “Around the Plate.”
There are also a handful of special awards, including People’s Choice (Seattle), People’s Choice (Juneau), Bristol Bay Choice, Salmon Choice, and White Fish Choice. The first place winners in the Retail, Foodservice, “Around the Plate” and “Beyond the Plate” are listed below.
Retail: Echo Falls Smoked Wild Alaskan Sockeye Nuggets by Ocean Beauty Seafoods
Foodservice: Kraken Stash IPA Beer Battered Wild Alaska Pollock Fillets by Trident Seafoods
Around the Plate: Alaska Seafood Crunchies – Wild Fish & Sea Cucumber by Glacier Delights (dba The Bear House in Alaska)
Beyond the Plate: Polkadog Alaska Salmon Chips by Polkadog
The Seattle People’s Choice winner was also announced. This year the award went to Smoked Black Cod Pate by Whidbey Island Seafood Company LLC.
The Bristol Bay Choice award, which is given in partnership with benefactor sponsor Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association (BBRSDA), and is awarded to the best sockeye product entered, went to Wild Alaska Sockeye Salmon Breakfast Sausages by E&E Foods.
Each first-place winner will receive booth space at Seafood Expo North America in March, as well as airfare to and from the show, provided by sponsor Alaska Air Cargo. Winners will also be automatically entered into the Seafood Excellence Awards.
The full list of winners, including the 2024 Symphony Grand Prize winner, will be announced at the Symphony Awards Ceremony in Juneau on February 21.
