© Seafood Expo Global
Perhaps the most outlandish winner was Vičiūnai Group's cold-smoked salmon loin with black ants, which won the innovation award. A first for the competition, the ants provide a striking appearance and notable crunch when contrasted with the rich, buttery texture of the salmon.
Vičiūnai also won best reatil product for its cold-smoked Atlantic salmon with truffles. The judges noted the perfect balance of the truffle and salmon flavours and the expert cutting that included just the right amount of truffles on each slice. They completed their hat-trick with the award for retail packaging, for their cold-smoked mussels in chilli oil.
Kalaneuvos Oy of Finland won the grand prize for Best HORECA (hotel/restaurant/catering) Product for its trout bacon. This product offers a completely new way to serve fish. It is cooked like bacon in a pan, oven, or air fryer and becomes very crispy, so it can be served like bacon in pizzas, burgers, pasta, baked potatoes, or as part of a healthy breakfast. The judges noted the great flavour and texture of the product and its nutritional benefits, as well as the menu versatility it gives chefs and recipe developers.
Frime of Spain was awarded the convenience award for its tuna pibil. This ready-to-eat product is made with yellowfin tuna cooked at a low temperature and sauced and shredded, pibil-style, with Mexican aromas and spices. The result is an easy-to-use, high protein filling for tacos, burritos, sandwiches and other quick meals.
Isstormur of Iceland won award for best seafood product line for its line of unique shelf-stable fish meals – hawaiian salmon salad, mackerel with chickpeas in a spicy Moroccan sauce, and tuna risoni. This line was recognised by the judges for the overall quality of the products, the attractive pouch packaging, and the convenience offered to the consumer.
