Vičiūnai Group of Spain and Unima Distribution of France took the top prizes in the 2023 Seafood Excellence Global Awards competition at Seafood Expo Global trade show in Barcelona. The winners, selected from a field of 39 finalists, were announced on April 25 at a special reception.
The top prize for Best Retail Product was presented to members of the Vičiūnai crew (pictured above) for their Black Sepia Dumplings with Shrimp and Thai Broth Filling entry. This product wraps shrimp, spinach and a delicately spiced coconut broth in a black dumpling wrapper that is colored and flavored with squid ink.
Judges noted high quality of the shrimp and the flavor of the broth, as well as the uniqueness of the product, and the attractive package design. The dumplings provide retailers with an exclusive offering made to attract consumers looking for a new seafood experience.
Unima Distribution won the grand prize for Best HORECA (Hotel/Restaurant/Catering) Product for its Organic Body-Peeled Madagascar Shrimp. The shellfish are carefully selected during growth and raised in a low-density eco-model ensuring animal well-being, environmental protection and community development in Mahajama Bay in northwest Madagascar. The winning variety is presented head- and tail-on with the body peeled. Jurists praised the high quality of this shrimp, its excellent texture and complex, intense delicately iodized flavor.
In addition to the grand prizes, the judges also presented five special awards:
Unima Distribution was also awarded the Seafood Excellence Global Special Prize for Convenience for its Organic Body-Peeled Madagascar Shrimp. A recipient of the French “Label Rouge” designation, this product provides chefs with added convenience by peeling the body but leaving the head and tail intact.
Clearwater Seafoods and Macduff Shellfish of the United Kingdom received the Special Award for Health & Nutrition for their Wild-caught Whole Hebridean Langoustines. Caught in one- to two-day trips in the waters of the Outer Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland, they have a rich, vibrant orange color, firm texture and a sweet, delicate flavor. The product provides numerous nutrients including high quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids and a host of vitamins and minerals such s iodine, phosphorus, copper and vitamin B12.
Vega Salmon A/S of Denmark was presented the Special Award for Retail Packaging for its Cold-smoked Salmon in Sustainable Packaging. The package is made with 50% less plastic and offers a clear and concise waste separation guide on the pack to ensure proper recycling.
The Seafood Excellence Global Special Award for Innovation went to Hot-Smoked Salmon with Cheese and Pine Nuts “Kinziukas,” also from the Vičiūnai Group. Based on one of Lithuania’s best-known traditional smoked foods, the product substitutes salmon for meat and combines it with hard cheese and pine nuts before shaping and smoking takes place. Wrapped with twine and packaged in an attractive retail box. It can be enjoyed as a snack and also used as an ingredient in other dishes.
Mussel Soups from Vilsund Blue of Denmark won the Seafood Product Line Special Prize. Created to increase the consumption of mussels among Danish consumers, three flavors are featured: Thai Green Curry, Spicy Paprika and Moules Frites. This line was recognized by the judges for overall quality, consumer appeal, and recyclable, shelf-stable packaging.
Judges for the 2023 Seafood Excellence Global competition were Debby Verheyen, retail business partner for seafood and frozen food at Ahold Delhaize in Belgium; Daniel Diaz, seafood purchasing manager for La Sirena stores in Spain; Nicholas Baroux, seafood director for Supermarché Match in France; Brian Legg, senior director of procurement for HelloFresh International in Germany; and Paula Merrigan, head of purchasing for Snowfox Group in the United Kingdom.
