Trident Seafoods announced on March 15 that its Crispy Battered Sauceable Wild Alaska Pollock Nuggets have been named Best New Foodservice Product at the 2026 Seafood Excellence Awards, held during the Seafood Expo North America in Boston.
The award is considered one of the seafood industry’s most prestigious honors for innovation and recognizes products that stand out in taste, convenience, and originality for foodservice operators. Trident Seafoods’ product was selected from more than 100 entries showcased at the expo’s New Product Showcase in the Wave Makers’ Zone.
“This award is a powerful validation of what our customers have been telling us since day one,” said Brian Head, Vice President of Food Service Sales at Trident Seafoods. “Operators today need menu solutions that are versatile, dependable and built for the realities of modern food service. These nuggets deliver on all fronts, from dine in to takeout and delivery, without sacrificing quality or texture.”
The Crispy Battered Sauceable Nuggets are made with sustainably harvested Wild Alaska Pollock and feature a neutral savory batter designed to stay crispy even when sauced or hot held. The bite-sized format is intended to support various menu applications including shareables, bowls, wraps, and main dishes across different cuisines.
The Seafood Excellence Awards are judged by a panel of industry experts based on criteria such as taste profile, uniqueness, market potential, convenience, nutritional value, and originality. Winners were announced during the first day of this year’s annual event.
“Our team set out to create a product that helps food service operators keep pace with evolving menu trends while staying true to our commitment to quality and responsible sourcing,” Head added. “Being named Best New Foodservice Product is a testament to the collaboration, innovation and deep seafood expertise behind this product, and to the incredible fishermen and employees who make it possible.”
This recognition follows an earlier People’s Choice Award win for the same product at the Alaska Symphony of Seafood.