Salmon and herring products win top prizes in Barcelona
Salmon rolls, smoked herring, saithe seafood sticks and Argentinian red shrimp processed in the UK were among the winners last night at the Seafood Excellence Global Awards in Barcelona.
The awards took place on the opening night of Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global, the world’s biggest seafood trade event.
Vičiūnai Group of Lithuania, which has previously won awards in this event, was named the winner in the Retail Product category for its “Smoked Herring Slices – Natural Flavour.” This product is made with simple ingredients and is ready to eat directly from the package with a clean, natural smoky taste. The judges noted the well-balanced herring and smoke flavours, the beautiful slicing and packing of the product, and the eye-catching packaging design.
Frais Embal won the grand prize for Best HORECA (hotel/restaurant/catering) Product for its entry, Salmon Roll. This product is a precisely sliced, thin rectangle of fresh salmon perfect for sushi rolls and other culinary applications. Packed in modified atmosphere packaging, the product offers consistent portions and streamlined preparation to improve restaurant operations and the customers’ dining experience
In addition to the grand prizes, the judges also gave four special awards.
Lerøy Seafood Group of Norway was awarded the Seafood Excellence Global special prize for Convenience for its Fish Taco Sticks. Boldly flavoured with a signature jalapeño and lime spice blend, these fish sticks are made with Atlantic saithe (also known as pollock, or coley) coated in a crunchy gluten-free breading. They are designed to make it easy to add fish to family taco night.
The Seafood Excellence Global special award for Retail Packaging was presented to Sykes Seafood Limited of the UK for its product, Argentinian Red Shrimp with Chimichurri Butter. The product pairs Argentinian red shrimp with a vibrant herb and crushed chili butter. The product is packed in a simple recyclable aluminium tray perfect for the recommended oven cooking method.
Iceco Fish of Lithuania won the Seafood Excellence Global award for Best Seafood Product Line for its line of herring tartares. The products are made with finely chopped premium Atlantic herring expertly balanced with other high-quality ingredients. The line includes original, Scandinavian, and herb flavours and is packed in recyclable tubs with cardboard sleeves in a bold modern design.
Reunimer of Reunion Island won the Seafood Excellence Global award for Innovation for its product Marlin Gravelax. This product offers a refined interpretation of the Nordic curing technique applied to firm, lean marlin fillets. The fish is delicately cured with sea salt, sugar, fresh dill, and spices resulting in a dense, silky texture and a beautiful translucent pink hue.
The winners of the 2026 Seafood Excellence Global awards were chosen from a field of 35 finalists representing 16 countries around the globe. The winners and finalists are on display in the Galleria, between Halls 4 and 5 at Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global, which runs now through 23 April.
The judges for the 2026 Seafood Excellence Global Awards competition were Raül Cervera, Seafood Purchasing Director for La Sirena stores in Spain; Madeleine Hüffelmann, Private Label Buyer for the Rewe Group in Germany; Damien Bocahu, Seafood Buyer for Picard Surgelés in France and Percy Addo, Procurement Manager for Wonderfield Group in the UK. Raül Cervera served as chair of the jury.
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