The Big Prawn Company and Globe Export were awarded the top prizes in the 13th annual Seafood Prix d’Elite new products competition at the European Seafood Exposition in Brussels, the world’s largest and most prestigious seafood event. The winners, selected from a field of 42 finalists representing 10 countries, were announced Tuesday evening.
The Big Prawn Company of Melton Constable, United Kingdom, took the top award for best new retail product with its Squid and Apple Black Pudding with Scallops and Minted Pea Purée.
A convenient, ready-to-cook version of a favorite British dish, this product presents each component in individual compartments in a clear tray with a colorful sleeve. Created as a gourmet starter or main course for the seafood connoisseur, it features a squid and apple version of the traditional pork black pudding combined with roeless scallops and a minted pea purée. The judges particularly noted the quality of the ingredients, the well-balanced flavor combinations and the originality of the packaging.
“We’re over-delighted. We set out this year to show some innovation. We put a lot of work into the products, and it’s a great finish to a hard year of work,” said Sean O’Hanlon, chairman of Big Prawn Co., which had seven products entered in this year’s competition, six of which were named finalists. “It’s something quite special and original. It’s a lovely accolade to have. For our customers, it’s as much their award as it is ours.”
In the foodservice category, the top prize was awarded to Globe Export of Rosporden, France, for its Fresh Seaweed in Sea Water. This line of five different fresh seaweeds from Bretagne includes dulse, nori, wakame, sea lettuce and sea bean packed separately in seawater in 400-gram tubs.
The sea vegetables are ready to use in a wide variety of chef-inspired dishes after a quick rinse in fresh water. The seawater is flavored by the seaweed and can also be retained and used to flavor stocks and sauces. The judges liked the high quality of the seaweed, the differences in flavors offered by the five varieties, and the growing potential for these types of products in Europe.
When asked about winning the grand prize, Christine Le Tennier, owner and manager of Globe Export, said: “Wow, wow! Two wows! What to say? Those products are for us really something amazing, Because in Brittany, when I started, not many people believed in us. I’m internationally recognized! I’m proud to bring this back home.”
In addition to the two grand prizes, the judges also gave five special awards. Globe Export was a double winner, as it also won a special award for Seafood Product Line.
Anillas de Mar from Angulas Aguinaga of Irura, Spain, was awarded the Seafood Prix d’Elite special award for Convenience. This product uses Alaska pollock surimi and jumbo squid to create seafood rings designed to replicate the texture and flavor of squid rings. Available in natural and garlic flavors, the chilled product is designed for consumers who are looking for tasty, healthy seafood options at a good price. It can be quickly prepared in a variety of ways, and is ideal for battering and frying as it doesn’t release moisture during cooking.
Seven by Médithau Marée of Marseillan, France, was presented a special award for Retail Packaging. Seven top-quality oysters are packed in a vertical wooden box along with a tasting kit including a tablecloth and oyster knife. The package provides detailed product information in a fun, colorful design. A QR code links to a mobile application with more product information and a video about how to open the oysters. Seven is designed as a dinner party gift or special occasion treat.
Seven by Médithau Marée was the second double winner, as it was awarded a special prize for Health & Nutrition. The naturally healthy oysters presented in this product provide a good source of lean protein, natural taurine and beneficial trace elements.
Jens Møller Products of Heming, Denmark, was recognized for originality for its Fruit-art® Passion Pearls in Cool Mint Vodka. This innovative product combines passion fruit seaweed pearls in mint-flavored vodka packed in a 2-cl tube. Designed to be enjoyed at parties directly from the tube, it offers a new and trendy cocktail option. The product is offered in other flavors, so partygoers can choose their favorite. It also gives the foodservice operator an easy way to offer a pre-mixed cocktail.
The winners and finalists of the 2013 Seafood Prix d’Elite will remain on display at a special Seafood Prix d’Elite stand, Patio-4609, at the European Seafood Exposition and Seafood Processing Europe, which runs through Thursday 25 April.
The judges for the 2013 competition were Juergen Pauly, category manager for Fresh Fish with Globus in Germany; Roberto Diego Aja, fish category manager for Grupo Eroski in Spain; Debby Verheyen, Product Expert for Delhaize Supermarkets in Belgium; Roy Perrett, Vice President of the Craft Guild of Chefs of the United Kingdom; Maxime Lefebvre, Seafood Buyer for Elior in France; and Roger Bing, Vice President of Seafood Purchasing with Darden Restaurants in the United States. Mr. Pauly served as chairman of judges. The Seafood Prix d’Elite finalists were judged on taste and overall eating experience, packaging, marketability, convenience, nutritional value and originality. The judges’ scores were verified by the accounting firm of Ernst & Young.
