Frozens were high fliers among 12 finalists in the Seafood Excellence Awards competition held at Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America in Boston on March 15. Trident Seafoods won the “Best New Foodservice Product” prize for its Crispy Battered Sauceable Nuggets (pictured above) and .Icy Waters, LLC received “Best New Retail Product” accolades for Coconut Margarita Haddock under The Good Fish Company brand.
Among the finalists, selected from 108 market-ready products that are launching or have been introduced in North America during the past 18 months, were companies whose entries were identified as unique to the market and excel in taste profile, packaging, market potential, convenience, nutritional value and originality. Judges included Anthony Snow, sourcing director for seafood at the Albertson’s chain; Tim Gill, director of foodservice operations for Hissho Sushi; and Mark Hogan, director of proteins at SGC Foodservice.
Descriptions of the winner and finalists in the foodservice category follow:
• The Winner: Trident Seafoods (USA)
Crispy Battered Sauceable Nuggets (pictured above)
Distributed in frozen form, this crispy, bite-sized, flavor-flexible protein features sustainable Wild Alaska Pollock. Made for bold menus and busy kitchens, its neutral-savory battered coating delivers desirable texture and flavor on its own or can be easily elevated with a wide range of sauces, making it ideal for global flavor profiles, seasonal LTOs, and customizable menu builds. This nuggets hold their crispy texture even when sauced and hot-held for an hour.
• King & Prince Seafood (USA)
Mrs. Friday’s Honey Butter Biscuit Wild Alaska Pollock 2-3 oz.
Sweet meets savory with this Honey Butter Biscuit Pollock offering. Sourced from Alaskan waters, the high quality MSC-Certified Pollock (pictured below) offers a light, flaky, mild-tasting bite that pairs well with the brand’s signature honey butter biscuit coating. With a homestyle look and versatile menu applications, it delivers consistency, ease and dining appeal.
• Azuma Foods International Inc. (USA)
Tako Wasabi
A staple of Japan’s izakaya casual pub culture, the delicacy of this product (seen below) features marinated premium raw octopus that boasts a snappy texture and a deep umami finish, highlighted by the kick of wasabi. Reimagining traditional Japanese marination techniques for the modern palate, it is a high-protein asset that may be served solo or as a bold fusion topping.
Descriptions of the winner and finalists in the retail category follow:
• The Winner: Icy Waters, LLC (USA)
Coconut Margarita Haddock
This 6-oz. single-serving size Atlantic Haddock fillet distributed is crusted with an everything topping and a tequila, coconut and lime sauce. The fish is topped with an everything seasoning and the product includes a sauce packet to apply as a finishing sauce towards the end of cooking. The two-step cooking process evokes a “home cooked” feel by adding the sauce at the end.
• Cox’s Wholesale Seafood LLC (USA)
Wild Caught American Shrimp, Kickin Tikka Masala
Made with 100% USA-sourced wild-caught shrimp, this product delivers 23 grams of protein per serving with no chemicals or preservatives. Sustainably harvested and crafted with simple, clean ingredients, it meets the rising demand for health and transparency. Portioned and ready to plate in five minutes, this portioned product transforms frozen seafood into a refined, effortless meal solution. Offered in five chef-inspired flavors, it brings elevated taste, nutrition and sustainability together.
• Angel Oak Smokehouse (USA) Angel Oak Hot Smoked Salmon Ravioli
Angel Oak brings hot smoked salmon into an entirely new format by pioneering its use as a premium pasta filling, expanding the category beyond conventional presentations. Combined with creamy ricotta, bright lemon zest and chives in ravioli, it delivers robust, complex flavors with flaky texture. Each package of eight ravioli packs 38 grams of protein, making it as nutritious as it is indulgent.
• Aquamar (USA)
Aquamar Cacio e Pepe Risotto Cakes with Shrimp
This product (pictured below) features a crunchy rice coating filled with a creamy, cheesy, cracked black peppery shrimp risotto developed by international award-winning Certified Master Chef Brad Barnes. Designed for effortless indulgence, the cakes heat quickly in an air fryer or oven, giving consumers the rich taste and texture of restaurant-quality risotto without the time or skill required to make it from scratch. The product stands out as a premium, elevated freezer option that balances convenience with bold flavor.
• DOM International Limited (Canada)
DOM Reserve Salmon Sashimi Singles 8x525g
This pre-sliced, restaurant-quality sashimi comes in convenient individually sealed portions. Frozen to preserve peak freshness, each tray includes nicely paired soy sauce and wasabi. With five trays per box, it’s ideal for quick snacks, effortless appetizers, or on-the-go meals – simply thaw and serve.
• Echo Falls Seafoods (USA)
Echo Falls Smoked Norwegian Atlantic Salmon Party Slices
These smoked salmon slices are promoted as an ideal choice for party appetizers. Premium Norwegian Atlantic salmon is delicately smoked over beechwood, then sliced for effortless serving. With three distinct flavors – Pepper, Traditional and Dill – this sampler provides a variety of tastes to enjoy from one platter.
• Multi X S.A. (Chile)
Latitude 45 Ceviche
Latitude 45 Ceviche is a new grab-and-go product designed to meet the growing demand for convenient, ready-to-eat meal solutions. Featuring lightly smoked salmon cubes paired with ceviche-style seasoning and an included spoon, the Ceviche delivers a flavorful experience in a modern, portable format that fits perfectly for on-the-go lifestyles.
• Thunder’s Catch (USA)
Alaska Fisherman’s Cioppino
This product (pictured above) draws inspiration from the traditional coastal fisherman’s stew – made with whatever the sea provided that day. At its heart is wild Alaska Sockeye salmon from Bristol Bay, complemented by shrimp and clams sourced from Pacific coastal fisheries. Simmered in a slow-developed tomato and wine broth with fennel, roasted garlic and herbs, it delivers deep, layered flavor and a vibrant, rustic presentation.
• St. James Smokehouse, Inc. (USA)
Saint — Fruit Wood Limoncello Smoked Salmon
Saint Pure Fruit Wood Smoked Salmon with Limoncello is handcrafted using traditional dry-curing and gentle fruit wood smoking, then infused with authentic Italian Limoncello made from Amalfi Coast lemons. Bright citrus notes balance the salmon’s buttery richness, creating a light, refined flavor that moves smoked salmon beyond breakfast into lunch and dinner occasions. Ideal for salads, pastas and entertaining platters, each 4 oz pack delivers 24 grams of ready-to-eat protein and is high in omega-3, offering a convenient way to enjoy premium smoked salmon.
