Alaska Symphony of Seafood Adds New Contest Category

The Alaska Symphony of Seafood will have a third location
and a new product category for the 22nd annual competition in February.
In addition to the usual gala soirees in Seattle and
Anchorage, the host Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation in Anchorage has
added a venue in Juneau, and along with retail, food service and smoked product
competition, a fourth category: Beyond the Plate, for entries made with parts
of seafood that would typically be deemed fish waste or a byproduct of the
primary processing. Entries may include fish oil, pet treats, fish leather and
many other products, says Julie Decker, executive director of AFDF. The
industry, said Decker, has heavily invested in development of new products from
traditionally unused seafood parts. The new category is being offered to
highlight and promote the improvements the industry has made to reduce fish
waste, develop new products and increase the value of Alaska’s seafood.
Entries will be judged on the product’s packaging and
presentation, overall eating experience, price and potential for commercial
success.
Dates of the Symphony of Seafood events will be announced at
the end of October along with the call for product. Entry forms and fees are
due by Dec. 31
Information on how to enter is online at http://www.afdf.org/symphony-of-seafood/
Since 1993, the Alaska Symphony of Seafood has celebrated
creative and innovative ideas in the seafood industry, bringing new products
before a panel of judges and the public. The event was created by the Alaska
Fisheries Development Foundation to promote new product development for seafood
harvested in Alaska waters by encouraging participation and sponsorship from a
variety of companies and organizations that together are building the future of
the Alaska fishing industry.

AFDF is a private, non-profit organization created in 1978
to further develop Alaska’s seafood industry. AFDF works with harvesters,
processors and the support sector to identify and prioritize problems common in
Alaska’s seafood industry, and collaborates with scientists, government
agencies and coastal communities to resolve these issues.