Looking Back
The Seafood Prix d’Elite competition was first held in 2001 and has since grown to become known as one of the most important places to launch new products into the seafood industry and gain world-wide recognition.
Over the years the competition has evolved as a result of its prestige and place in the seafood industry. The “Best New Product Line” category was created for 2003, due to a high quantity of applicants with qualifying product lines, in addition to individual products.
Also through the years, the judges have sees the trends and patterns in the seafood industry shape the Seafood Prix d’Elite competition entries. In the past few years they have seen a trend toward healthy foods, as well as those that are quick and easy to prepare, as family lifestyles are also following these trends. More recently, an increase in products that are sustainable, or “green,” has mirrored this global trend in the food industry.
In 2009, Vinh Hoan Corporation from Vietnam was the first Asian company to win a Health and Nutrition award at Seafood Prix d’Elite for its Seafood Harmony: scallops, topped with sun-dried tomato, capers and roasted garlic butter sauce. Vinh Hoan Corporation has reported higher profits as a result of special recognition and exposure from the Seafood Prix d’Elite competition.
Seafood Prix d’Elite continues to grow and play an important role for companies looking to introduce new products and gain market share. It also serves as an engine for innovation and creativity as companies compete to win the highly respected first place prize leading to greatly valued company, brand, and product recognition.