The newest seafood innovation from Chicken of the Sea has been voted 2018’s best new foodservice product at Seafood Expo North America, the world’s largest seafood show.

Chicken of the Sea® Yellowfin Tuna Slices™, pre-seasoned, ready-to-eat tuna slices made from whole yellowfin tuna loins, has received the 2018 Seafood Excellence Award in the Best New Foodservice Product category. Now being rolled-out nationwide, the new line is a healthier, convenient alternative to traditional luncheon meats for sandwiches, salads, wraps and more.

Chicken of the Sea beat three other finalists to win the Award, which was determined by a panel of seafood experts on the basis of uniqueness and appropriateness to the market, taste, packaging, market potential, convenience, nutritional value and originality.

Chicken of the Sea® Yellowfin Tuna Slices was created by Thai Union’s Global Innovation Incubator, partly in response to the FDA’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020 which recommends Americans increase their seafood consumption to a minimum of two servings per week.

“We launched Chicken of the Sea Yellowfin Tuna Slices to compete with sliced turkey, ham and roast beef in America’s restaurants and delicatessens,” explained Scott Solar, group director of global food service and culinary development. “The Award is part of a larger wave of feedback that suggests that Americans are ready for a change in their lunch routine.”

Two initial flavor varieties, Black Pepper and Cajun are being offered, each without preservatives or artificial ingredients. Each vacuum-packed two-pound package contains 32 one-ounce yellowfin tuna slices, with five packages to a case. The product is shipped and stored frozen to ensure freshness.