In a celebration of innovation and culinary excellence, the 2024 Seafood Excellence Awards, hosted by Diversified Communications, took center stage at the Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America (SENA).

Triumphs in Innovation

Social Kitchens Professional/SK Foods Brands claimed the spotlight by securing the Best New Foodservice Product award for its delectable Premium Shrimp Sliders.

Meanwhile, Highland Farms was awarded Best New Retail Product for its Salmon Salami. The announcement was met with a stirring serenade from a kilted bagpiper.

Rigorous Judging Process

A distinguished panel of seafood buyers and industry experts meticulously evaluated the finalists to determine the winners. Jason Driskill, VP of seafood at H-E-B; Bob Donegan, president of Ivar’s Restaurants; and Robin Fisher, director of corporate purchasing at HF Foods Group, lent their expertise to the judging process. Criteria such as uniqueness, market appropriateness, taste profile, market potential, convenience, nutritional value, and originality were carefully considered.

The Seafood Excellence Awards showcased the industry’s latest innovations, featuring a total of 70 entries in the New Product Showcase. From seafood products to condiments and culinary dishes, companies introduced their offerings to the North American market, highlighting advancements made over the past 18 months. Notable mentions included Aquamar’s Seafood Medley in Seafood Sauce, Acme Lox in a Box Snack Kits, and Western Edge Seafood Lil’Haddies Battered Haddock Portions.

Global Recognition

The Seafood Excellence Awards program is an extension of the esteemed Seafood Excellence Global Awards competition, originally held in Barcelona, Spain. The expansion continued with the introduction of the Seafood Excellence Asia Awards in 2023, coinciding with the 11th edition of Seafood Expo Asia in Singapore. Diversified Communications, the producer of all three shows, orchestrates these prestigious events, fostering innovation and excellence on a global scale.