GAPP Announces New 2023-2024 Partnership Program Funding Recipients at Wild Alaska Pollock Annual Meeting

 

SEATTLE, Wash.— At its fifth-ever Wild Alaska Pollock Annual Meeting, the Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP) announced today the names of the companies who have been awarded fiscal year 2024 Partnerships.  The more than 200 attendees were the first to hear the news about which programs are funded for the coming round of partnerships and heard from current partners about the programs that are currently underway.  

“The Partnership Program is one of the most important ways GAPP builds demand and awareness of Wild Alaska Pollock and there’s no better place to make this important announcement than at the industry’s largest gathering and flagship event,” said Bob Desautel, GAPP’s Chairman of the Board.  “Between the work GAPP does with its ‘always on influencer marketing program’ and this significant Partnership Program we are making the brand of Wild Alaska Pollock stronger, more enduring and turning our fish into our household name. By partnering with companies like our new partners that believe in Wild Alaska Pollock as much as we do, GAPP is able to leverage our contributions with that of our partners and spread the work about the amazing taste, provenance and sustainability attributes of our Super Fish.” 

This year’s awardees include a number of past North American partners such as Trident Seafoods and the Oak View Group as GAPP looks to build on the success of introducing Wild Alaska Pollock products at Climate Pledge Arena by expanding sales in other Oak View Group entertainment venues across North America.  

Trans-Ocean will continue its successful series of digital campaigns promoting its Crab Classic line of products at retail. Gorton’s, fresh off its successful launch of its Air Fried Fillets, will be looking to repeat that success by promoting one existing product and one new product at Sam’s Clubs in the fall of next year. King and Prince will promote its Craft Beer-Battered Wild Alaska Pollock Fillets with a focus on casual dining and tavern segments.   

Also returning this year is Highliner Foods with a promotion of four SKUs made from Wild Alaska Pollock at college and university foodservice. GAPP is also pleased to welcome two companies new to the Partnership Program.  Arby’s will use its GAPP matching funds to expand the promotion of its Crispy Fish Sandwich made with Wild Alaska Pollock at its restaurants across North America. The other North American newcomer is the Texas-based retailer H-E-B, which will conduct a year-long promotion for its line of “Great Catch” Wild Alaska Pollock surimi seafood and fillet products made with Wild Alaska Pollock at its stores throughout Texas.  

Internationally, Angulas Aguinaga will conduct its third Partnership Program as it continues to build Spanish consumers’ awareness and appreciation for the quality of its Krissia brand surimi seafood made with Wild Alaska Pollock. GAPP is also very excited to be launching projects with three new international partners. In Japan, Nissui will promote the superiority of its Spicy Wild Alaska Pollock roe products in Japan’s Costco stores, while Trident Japan will do the same for its Kanikama surimi-based seafood products at Costco. Last, GAPP has awarded its second partnership in South America to Antillana, a seafood processor and distributor in Colombia, to promote its line of surimi and fillet based Wild Alaska Pollock products in Colombian retail and foodservice channels.  

“This year’s Program was extremely competitive with applications totaling a request of more than $3 million with over $10 million in partner spending,” said Ron Rogness, Director of Partnerships. “GAPP very much appreciates those that applied, and we look forward to working with all our partners in the coming year. Our sincere congratulations to all the recipients.” 

Current partners including Tracey Schram, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Fujisan; Mike Tigani, Director of Marketing for King and Prince Seafood; Jake Holbrook, and Vice President of Marketing at Gorton’s Seafood; and Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Trans-Ocean Products, Lou Shaheen, shared with attendees the impact that the GAPP Partnership Program has had on their ability to continue to expand their use of Wild Alaska Pollock and reach even more consumers, amplifying the core attributes of the fish.  

“It’s a real opportunity for us as an industry as people age they eat more seafood. We are really focused on marketing on the channels where those younger people are so they grow with seafood,” said Holbrook. “The Partnership Program has helped us do that, do more, every year.”  

“The partnership program has been great to Trans-Ocean, since GAPP has come together and really promoted Wild Alaska Pollock, in a big way,” said Shaheen. “We wouldn’t do half of the things we do today without GAPP’s Partnership Program funding.”  

The meeting once again brings together representatives across all segments of the Wild Alaska Pollock industry for a day-long agenda at the Four Seasons, Seattle. GAPP would like to thank its current sponsors: USI Insurance Services (Title Sponsor); Alaska Airlines, Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, Arctic Storm Management Group LLC, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., Beck Pack Systems, Glacier Fish Company, Global Seas, and UniSea (Gold Level Sponsors); American Seafoods, Aquamar, Gorton’s Seafood, Highland Refrigeration, Lafferty’s EMS, Marine Stewardship Council, NORPEL, Port of Seattle, Trans-Ocean Products, Trident Seafoods, Urner Barry and Westward Seafoods (Silver Level Sponsors); Alaska Marine Lines, Alaskan Observers, Aleutian Pribilof Island Community Development Association (APICDA), Baader Food Processing Machinery, Clark Nuber, Global Seafood Alliance, Golden Alaska Seafoods, High Liner Foods, ICR, Inc., Islandsbanki, Ketchum, Northwest Farm Credit Services, and Petro Marine (Bronze Level Sponsors); and Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation, Angulas Aguinaga, Bank of America, Coastal Villages Region Fund, Neptune Snacks, Perkins Coie LLP, and Restaurant Depot (Supporting Sponsor).