ALASKA SYMPHONY OF SEAFOOD CELEBRATES INNOVATION, FLAVOUR, AND COMMUNITY

Alaska Symphony of Seafood celebrates innovation, flavour, and community. 2025 competition highlights creativity across Alaska’s Seafood Industry.

The Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation (AFDF) proudly announced the winners of the 2025 Alaska Symphony of Seafood, held October 23 at the King Street Ballroom in Seattle. The annual event recognises excellence in product development, honouring innovative, value-added seafood products that reflect Alaska’s commitment to quality and sustainability.

This year’s winners include:

Best New Retail Product

1st Place – Wild Salmon Curry – Thunder’s Catch
2nd Place – Sockeye Salmon with Teriyaki Glaze – Wild Alaskan Company
3rd Place – Eva’s Wild Salmon Jerky – Eva’s Wild

Best New Food Service Product

49th Star Wild Alaska Sockeye Salmon Italian Meatballs – E&E Foods

Most Innovative

wellFURst Calming Support Freeze-Dried Health Supplement for Dogs – Trident Seafoods

Beyond the Plate

Selkie Soak – Kachemak Kelp

People’s Choice

Crispy Battered Sauceable Wild Alaska Pollock Nuggets – Trident Seafoods

The 2025 judging panel featured some of Seattle’s leading culinary and seafood experts:

● Marisa Christenson – Director, Dining and Beverage Operations, Holland America Line
● Craig Glaser – Manager & Fish Buyer, Pike Place Market
● Katie Goldberg – Co-Founder, Tastemaker Comms
● Jason Hedlund – Principal Category Merchant of Procurement – Seafood, Whole Foods Market
● Charles Koh – Founder, EatSeattle; Seattle-based Food Writer
● Taichi Kitamura – Executive Chef/Owner, Sushi Kappo Tamura

“It’s inspiring to see the creativity and innovation shown by this year’s winners,” said Kristy Clement, CEO of AFDF. “Each product carries the spirit of Alaska— one built on community,
pride, and excellence.”

Nearly 300 guests from across the region’s seafood industry, culinary world, and community leaders attended this year’s event, which featured a seafood tasting reception, dinner, and live and silent auctions. A portion of proceeds will benefit SeaShare, a non-profit dedicated to fighting hunger with nutritious seafood donations nationwide.

The event was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including Captain Sponsor: Marine Stewardship Council, Spotlight Sponsor: Holland America Line, and Highliner Sponsors: Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) and Southeast
Conference.

For more information and a full list of winning products, visit AFDF.org.

About Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation

Founded in 1978, the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation (AFDF) is dedicated to empowering sustainable growth and innovation within Alaska’s seafood industry through collaborative partnerships, research-driven initiatives, and community-focused programmes.