Juneau, Alaska. May 13, 2008 – The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) was presented with the Award of Excellence for The Alaska Seafood Spice Pantry, during this year's international conference. The International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) Awards of Excellence honor the top culinary professionals in their field. ASMI was presented with the award in the Consumer Educational and Communication Materials category which recognizes excellence of materials created and printed in 2007 by or for corporate, small business or cooking school members of the IACP. The other finalists included the Communication Arts Institute and Vidalia Onion Committee.

The Alaska Seafood Spice Pantry was created to illustrate how today’s ethnic flavors complement wild and sustainable Alaska Seafood. As an industry service, the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) developed 84 recipes from regions within Latin America, Asia and the Mediterranean for the guide. The resource also includes a species and spice matrix—with profiles of 14 of Alaska’s seafood species, and information on 50 different herbs and spices.

The Alaska Seafood Spice Pantry is also on the web at www.ciaprochef.com/alaskaseafood/. This online version includes streaming videos with CIA chefs, recipes, the species and spice matrices, and detailed information on Alaska seafood including harvesting methods, sustainability, identification and product handling. The Alaska Seafood Spice Pantry is free to industry professionals. For more information and to order visit  www.alaskaseafood.org.
 
Since acceptance into the Union in 1959, Alaska’s Constitution has mandated that “fish…be utilized, developed and maintained on the sustained yield principle.” This long-term dedication to sustainability has resulted in keeping the world stocked with a continuous, ever-replenishing supply of wild seafood. Indeed, Alaska's effective and precise fisheries management practices are considered a model for the world.

The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute is the State of Alaska’s official seafood marketing arm. It is a public agency of the State of Alaska, funded by the Alaska seafood industry with support from state and federal funds. ASMI promotes Alaska seafood throughout the U.S. and in 16 other countries. ASMI also provides education and training to the seafood industry in food safety and quality assurance practices.

The International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) www.iacp.com, is a not-for-profit professional association which provides continuing education and development for its members who are engaged in the areas of culinary education, communication, or in the preparation of food and drink.

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Contact: Claudia Hogue                                                         
Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute                           
800/806.2497