American Pride Seafoods, AquaCuisine and Tustumena Smokehouse were among the winners of the 19th annual Alaska Symphony of Seafood, announced at a ceremony in Anchorage, Alaska, on Monday.
Kylee’s Alaskan Salmon Bacon by Tustumena Smokehouse of Soldotna, Alaska, took home the grand prize and captured first place in the smoked seafood category.
“I am overwhelmed,” said Fred West of Tustumena Smokehouse. “Kylee’s Alaska Salmon Bacon was made especially for my granddaughter, who has severe food allergies. Kylee suffered an allergic reaction a few years ago to beef, chicken and pork containing growth hormones and steroids. Our Salmon Bacon is made of all natural ingredients, no preservatives, gluten free and contains no MSG or nitrates. It makes the grand prize win even more special.”
American Pride Seafoods’ Sweet Potato Crunch Alaska Pollock Sticks placed first in the foodservice category, while AquaCuisine Naturally Smoked Salmon Frank placed first in the retail category.
Last week, Alaskan King Crab Bisque from Tracy’s King Crab Shack of Juneau, Alaska, won the Seattle People’s Choice Award.
A total of 19 entries were evaluated by a panel of 10 judges in Seattle last week. The entries were judged on packaging and presentation, overall eating experience, price and potential for commercial success.
The grand prize and first place winners in each category receive booth space at next month’s International Boston Seafood Show, as well as airfare to and from the annual event. Organized by the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation, the event is designed to inspire better use and innovation of Alaska’s seafood resources.
This year’s sponsors were the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation, Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, At-Sea Processors Association, Northwest Fisheries Association, Marel, Trident Seafoods, Copper River Seafoods, Alaska Air Cargo, Alaska Longline Co., Marine Stewardship Council, American Seafoods, NFS Surefish, Alaska Commercial Fishing and Agriculture Bank, Alaskan Brewing Co., Ocean Beauty, Bristol Bay Economic Development Corp. Lynden, Alaska Whitefish Trawlers Association, Ken Simpson, Columbia Bank, Kruzof Fisheries, United Fisherman of Alaska and Northern Air Cargo and SeaFood Business magazine.
