The fish that goes 'oink'
Trout rasher is a smasher, say judges in Seafood Excellence Awards
Move over pork bacon, there’s a new pig in town (although it’s actually a fish).
Trout Bacon, produced by Kalaneuvos Oy of Finland, was last night awarded the the grand prize for Best HORECA (hotel/restaurant/catering) Product at the 2025S Seafood Excellence Global Awards at Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona.
The “bacon” 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 flavour 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 options to their guests.
Vičiūnai Group of Lithuania won the prize for the Best Retail Product 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 flavours and the expert cutting that included just the right amount of truffles on each slice.
There were also four special awards handed out.
Vičiūnai Group also won the Seafood Excellence Global award for Innovation for its Cold-Smoked Salmon Loin with Black Ants. A first-ever for the competition, judges said the 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 same company also won the Retail Packaging award for its Cold-smoked Mussels in Chili Oil. The mussels are packed in a clear jar that shows their quality, then the jar is overwrapped with an embossed sleeve that communicates the product’s premium profile. The packaging is completely recyclable.
Isstormur efh of Iceland won the Best Seafood Product Line for its line of unique shelf-stable fish meals, and Frime S.A.U. of Spain was awarded the special prize for Convenience for its Tuna Pibil.
