Fisheries development group calls for products

Published on December 21st, 2009

By ALASKA NEWSPAPERS STAFF

Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation announced last week that it will again hold its Alaska Symphony of Seafood new products contest in Seattle. The event will be held on Feb. 3.

The event gives fisheries and seafood promoters the opportunity to introduce new and innovative value-added seafood products from Alaska fisheries and gain exposure with industry and culinary experts, seafood distributors and national media. The overall goal is to inspire better use of Alaska's natural seafood resources.

"We're thrilled to hold the 17th Annual Alaska Symphony of Seafoods new products contest in Seattle again this year," said Jim Browning, executive director of the foundation. "It is a great opportunity to not only showcase these great products to the seafood industry, but also celebrate our common interests in a healthy and sustainable resource with our friends in Seattle."

Each participant in the contest is grouped into one of three categories: Retail (salmon, whitefish or shellfish), Foodservice (salmon, whitefish or shellfish) or Smoked Products. Product entries are then individually evaluated by a panel of expert judges during a private judging session. Evaluations are based on the product's packaging and presentation, overall eating experience, price and potential for commercial success.

After the judges are finished reviewing and tasting the products, the chefs, manufacturers, buyers, sellers and media are also invited to vote on their favorite product at the Seattle open house. This "Seattle People's Choice Award" will be announced at the end of the event in Seattle on Feb. 3.

The overall grand prize, first, second and third place winners of each category are kept confidential until Feb. 19, when the results are announced at the Gala Soirée in Anchorage. The "Anchorage People's Choice Award" will also be announced. First place winners from each category and both People's Choice winners receive complimentary booth space at the International Boston Seafood Show in March 2010, the industry's biggest event of the year, as well as free airfare to and from the show.

Call for Products is now available online at www.symphonyofseafood.com. The deadline for consideration in this year's competition is Jan. 8. Considered products must be market ready (in commercial production) by the date of the competition.

The Seattle open house is by invitation only in recognition of Seattle's role in the Alaska fishing industry and its many friends in the market, transportation and service sectors.

For more information contact Val Motley: 206-352-3922, or at valmotley@symphonyofseafood.com.