The Alaska Symphony of Seafood attracted 18 entries in the competition that has showcased and promoted new products made by major companies and small “Mom and Pops” since 1993.
The contest features market-ready products in several categories: retail and food service, salmon and whitefish and new to the line up is a Bristol Bay Choice which is awarded to the best new sockeye product.
Products made from Alaska seaweeds also are highlighted, says Riley Smith, deputy director of the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation, the Symphony host.
“We have Alaska Barbecue Sauce from Barnacle Foods with Alaska kelp in it. Premium Aquatics and Seagrove Kelp also entered their ribbon kelp.”
Barnacle Foods of Juneau won the Grand prize two years ago for its Bullwhip Kelp Hot Sauce.
Another category, Beyond the Plate, features more uses of fishery products. It attracted five entries –
“From AlaSkin Dog Treats, Alaska Smoked Sea Salt from Prince William Sound, salmon oils and Deep Blue Sea bath soak by Waterbody of Wrangell.”
An expert panel will judge all of the products on November 17 and seafood fans will get to taste them all at a bash at Seattle’s Bell Harbor Conference Center that evening. First place winners and a People’s Choice award will be announced at Pacific Marine Expo’s center stage on November 19.
Smith says a special presentation that day also will discuss how to get new products into the marketplace.
“We’ll be speaking to how to get a product ready from concept to design and recipes and packaging to market and celebrating the process and the work that goes into creating a new product.”
A grand prize winner and products placing second and third will be kept under wraps until the Symphony moves to Juneau for a special soiree in February where another People’s Choice will be announced.
Top winners get a free trip to the big Seafood Expo North America in Boston in March where their products will compete nationally.
