2025 Seafood Excellence Global Awards: Celebrating Innovation and Quality

The prestigious Seafood Excellence Global Awards took place at Seafood Expo Global, the world’s largest seafood trade event, where Vičiūnai Group from Lithuania and Kalaneuvos Oy from Finland claimed the top honors. Chosen from a competitive field of 40 finalists, the winners were revealed during a special awards reception held this evening, recognizing exceptional products in the seafood industry.

Top Honors Awarded

The coveted award for Best Retail Product was awarded to Vičiūnai Group for their innovative Cold-smoked Atlantic Salmon with Truffles. This exquisite entry includes four perfectly sliced pieces of premium smoked salmon, elegantly infused with the rich aroma of truffles. Judges praised the harmonious balance achieved between the truffle and salmon flavors, as well as the meticulous cutting that ensured each slice featured just the right amount of truffle.

Kalaneuvos Oy triumphed in the Best HORECA (hotel/restaurant/catering) Product category with their unique Trout Bacon. This innovative creation can be prepared in various ways, such as in a pan, oven, or air fryer, turning crispy and providing a delightful alternative to traditional pork bacon—which is excellent for use in pizzas, burgers, pastas, baked potatoes, or even as part of a nutritious breakfast. The product’s flavor, texture, and versatility were key factors that impressed the judges.

Special Awards Recognizing Excellence

Alongside the main categories, four special awards were also given:

• Frime S.A.U. of Spain earned the special prize for Convenience for their Tuna Pibil. This ready-to-eat dish features yellowfin tuna cooked at low temperatures, infused with traditional Mexican spices, providing a high-protein filling that’s perfect for quick meals such as tacos, burritos, and sandwiches.
• Vičiūnai Group received the special award for Retail Packaging with their Cold-smoked Mussels in Chili Oil. These carefully smoked mussels, housed in eco-friendly packaging, combine flavor and aesthetics, showcasing both quality and premium branding.
• Isstormur efh from Iceland won for Best Seafood Product Line with their unique offering of shelf-stable fish meals. This line includes three ethno-inspired dishes, recognized for their quality, attractive pouch packaging, and the convenience they provide to consumers.
• Vičiūnai Group also took home the award for Innovation with their Cold-Smoked Salmon Loin with Black Ants, a daring product that combines gourmet smoking techniques with the crunch of edible black ants for adventurous palates.

A Global Showcase

The finalists hailed from 15 countries, and the winners are prominently displayed in the Galleria between Halls 4 and 5 at the ongoing Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global, running until May 8th.

The Judgment Process

A panel of esteemed judges evaluated the finalists based on taste, overall eating experience, packaging, marketability, convenience, nutritional value, and innovation. The judges’ scores were verified by accounting firm PwC.

Meet the Judges

The panel was led by Paula Merrigan, Purchasing Director for the Wonderfield Group in the UK, alongside:

• Raul Cervera, Seafood Purchasing Director for La Sirena stores in Spain
• Luca Grosoli, Category Manager for Sodexo Italia
• Madeleine Hűffelmann, Private Label Buyer for the Rewe Group in Germany
• Jonathan Rotge, Fresh Fish Buyer for Carrefour stores in France

The Seafood Excellence Global Awards continues to highlight innovation and quality within the seafood industry, paving the way for future advancements.