And the Best New Foodservice Product winner is: Yellowfin Tuna Slices from Chicken of the Sea (COS). The judgment, rendered by a panel of industry experts during the 2018 Seafood Excellence Awards competition finals, was announced at Seafood Expo North America in Boston by Liz Plizga, group vice president of Diversified Communications.
Scores of entries were narrowed down to 12 products that were evaluated on the basis of uniqueness and appropriateness to the market, taste profile, packaging, market potential, convenience, nutritional value and originality.
Celebrating Chicken of the Sea’s “Best New Foodservice Product” award victory for the brand’s frozen Yellowfin Tuna Slices are (left to right) Thai Union Group team members Jeff Hill, John DaLoia, Scott Solar and Dr. Tunyawat Kasemsuwan.The newly launched frozen offering is being promoted as the world’s first pre-sliced, pre-seasoned tuna item made from whole yellowfin loins. The on-trend, healthy-eating product was developed to provide restaurant operators and deli counters with a convenient alternative to traditional luncheon meats.
Chicken of the Sea Yellowfin Tuna Slices are now being rolled-out across the USA. The line was created in response to the FDA’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020, which challenges consumers of all ages to increase their seafood consumption to a minimum of two servings per week.
“For years, nutritionists have been encouraging the public to work more seafood into their diet, but the foodservice sector has offered few new alternatives to the beef, pork, chicken and turkey routine,” said Scott Solar, director of culinary development and responsible sourcing at COS. “Our Yellowfin Tuna Slices are the first ready-to-eat tuna product that can compete in America’s delis and restaurant. We’re changing the classic deli experience forever by making sliced tuna a ready-to-eat option that adds the Omega-3 and health benefits to sandwiches, salads and anywhere else you use sliced turkey, ham and roast beef.”
This Cajun-style sandwich features award-winning Chicken of the Sea Yellowfin Tuna Slices.Two flavor varieties are initially being offered, Black Pepper and Cajun, each without preservatives or artificial ingredients. Distribution is in two-pound packages containing 32 one-ounce slices, with five packages to a case. The slices are vacuum-packed to allow for easy freezing, thawing and serving.
The product is expected to receive Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, the industry’s most exclusive sustainability designation, similar to other tuna and salmon products distributed under the brand.
About Chicken of the Sea
Founded in 1914, Chicken of the Sea is a major provider of responsibly sourced tuna, salmon, clams, crabs, oysters, shrimp, mackerel, kipper snacks and sardines. Headquartered in El Segundo, California, the Thai Union Group company packages the extensive COS product line at a state-of-the-art processing facility in Lyons, Georgia, as well as at third-party facilities.
