Juneau, Alaska, August 18, 2006 – This fall, the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) presents “The Great State of Crab” and “Grab a Fork. There’s a lot more out there.” merchandising materials. Posters, table tents, server buttons, menu sheets and trade education brochures are included in this promotional package, which is intended to help operators capitalize on the popularity and current seasonal availability of Alaska crab.  Each “Great State” piece is designed to entice customers to order wild Alaska crab that comes from the place of massive glaciers, untamed wilderness and vast icy seas.  The “Grab a Fork.” messaging communicates that the carefully managed, sustainable fisheries of Alaska provide crab of the highest quality.  Indeed, Alaska is The Great State of Crab.

Over half of the seafood harvested in the U.S. is from Alaska, where tight regulations ensure the sustained abundance of this prized natural resource.  Consumer awareness of sustainable fisheries is higher than ever and they are expressing a preference for seafood from Alaska.  Recent consumer research indicates that 86 percent of patrons polled chose “Alaska King Crab” over regular King Crab on menus.  ASMI’s newest foodservice promotional materials help operators take advantage of consumers’ preference for wild seafood.

Alaska King, Snow and Dungeness crab are harvested throughout the year providing foodservice operators with these delicious varieties year-round. 

Pioneers in Sustainability
Alaska is the pioneer of sustainability. Since acceptance into the Union in 1959, Alaska has been the only state in the nation whose constitution mandates 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, the State of Alaska and federal grants.  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.

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Contact Laura Fleming
ASMI Communications Director
800-478-2903

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