Barcelona, Spain – (6 May 2025) Vičiūnai Group of Lithuania and Kalaneuvos Oy of Finland, won the top prizes in the 2025 Seafood Excellence Global Awards at Seafood Expo Global, the world’s largest seafood trade event. The winners were selected from a field of 40 finalists and were announced this evening at a special Seafood Excellence Global Awards reception. The competition recognizes the best products exhibited at Seafood Expo Global.
The top award for Best Retail Product was presented to Vičiūnai Group for its entry, Cold-smoked Atlantic Salmon with Truffles. This product features four perfectly sliced pieces of premium smoked salmon infused and topped with the rich, earthy aroma of truffles. The judges noted the perfect balance of the truffle and salmon flavors and the expert cutting that included just the right amount of truffles on each slice.
Kalaneuvos Oy of Finland won the grand prize for Best HORECA (hotel/restaurant/catering) Product for its Trout Bacon. This product offers a completely new way to serve fish. It is cooked like bacon in a pan, oven, or air fryer and becomes very crispy, so it can be served like pork bacon in pizzas, burgers, pasta, baked potatoes, or as part of a healthy breakfast. The judges noted the great flavor and texture of the product and its nutritional benefits, as well as the menu versatility it gives chefs and recipe developers who want to offer non-meat options to their guests.
In addition to the grand prizes, the judges also gave four special awards:
Frime S.A.U. of Spain was awarded the Seafood Excellence Global special prize for Convenience for its Tuna Pibil. This ready-to-eat product is made with yellowfin tuna cooked at a low temperature and sauced and shredded, pibil-style, with Mexican aromas and spices. The result is an easy-to-use, high protein filling for tacos, burritos, sandwiches, and other quick meals, making it perfect for busy consumers.
– more –
The Seafood Excellence Global special award for Retail Packaging was presented to Vičiūnai Group for its Cold-smoked Mussels in Chili Oil. The product is made with delicately smoked mussels packed in a zesty oil infused with vibrant chili flavor. The package is completely recyclable. First the mussels are packed in a clear jar that shows their quality, then the jar is overwrapped with an elegant embossed sleeve that communicates the product’s premium profile.
Isstormur efh of Iceland won the Seafood Excellence Global award for Best Seafood Product Line for its line of unique shelf-stable fish meals. Featuring bold branding and design, the line includes three ethnic-inspired dishes that can be served hot or cold – Hawaiian Salmon Salad, Mackerel with Chickpeas in a spicy Moroccan sauce, and Tuna Risoni. This line was recognized by the judges for the overall quality of the products, the attractive pouch packaging, and the convenience offered to the consumer.
Vičiūnai Group also won the Seafood Excellence Global award for Innovation for its product Cold-Smoked Salmon Loin with Black Ants. A first-ever for the competition, this product offers a bold twist on the popular gourmet smoked salmon by topping it with edible black ants. The ants provide a striking appearance and notable crunch when contrasted with the rich, buttery texture of the salmon, creating a new option for the adventurous eater.
The winners of the 2025 Seafood Excellence Global awards were chosen from a field of 40 finalists representing 15 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 8 May.
The judges for the 2025 Seafood Excellence Global Awards competition were Paula Merrigan, Purchasing Director, Europe for the Wonderfield Group in the United Kingdom; 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; and Jonathan Rotge, Fresh Fish Buyer for Carrefour stores in France. Ms. Merrigan served as chair of the jury.
The Seafood Excellence Global finalists were judged on taste and overall eating experience, packaging, marketability, convenience, nutritional value, and innovation. The judges’ scores were verified by the accounting firm of PwC.
Photos of the winning products and the award reception can be viewed here.
###
About Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global
Seafood Expo Global and Seafood Processing Global make up the world’s largest seafood trade show. Thousands of buyers and sellers from around the world attend the three-day annual event to meet, connect, and do business. Buyers include importers, exporters, wholesalers, restaurants, supermarkets, hotels, and other companies in the retail and foodservice sectors. Exhibitors showcase the latest innovations in seafood products, processing and packaging machinery, and services for the seafood industry. SeafoodSource.com is the official media partner of the event. The organizer is Diversified, the international leader in seafood events and media. www.seafoodexpo.com/global
About Diversified
Diversified is a global B2B events and media company that strengthens business communities by fostering a space, in person and online, for professionals and businesses to connect and grow. The company serves as a trusted partner across several industries including active lifestyle, business management, clean energy, commercial marine, healthcare, seafood, technology and more. The company’s global seafood portfolio of expositions and media includes Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America, Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global, Seafood Expo Asia and SeafoodSource.com. Established in 1949 and headquartered in Portland, Maine, the global company has divisions and offices around the world in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. Diversified is a third-generation, family-owned business. For more information, visit: www.divcom.com.
Media Contact:
LLYC
Clara López – [email protected]
Maria Vidal – [email protected]
Mireia González – [email protected]
+34 932 172 217
Diversified
Lindsey Robinson
PR Specialist
+1 207-842-5573
