TWO PRODUCTS SCORE TOP SIAL D'OR HONORS

PARIS -- A turkey in a box and a lobster in a tube tied for top honors in the 2002 SIAL D'Or competition, designed to identify food and beverage product innovation and commercial successes.

tegory winners. SN represented the United States on the SIAL D'Or jury.

At the awards ceremony, Oct. 21, held in conjunction with the SIAL trade show here, two products split the Global SIAL D'Or prize. From Canada, the President's Choice Semi-Boneless Easy Carve Turkey, a private-label product from Loblaw Brands Ltd., is an oven-ready turkey that comes with stuffing and cranberries. The turkey is semi-boned, with drumsticks but no wings, providing eight to 12 portions. It was introduced to the market in November 2001.

From France, the other winner was the Langouste Surgelee Deja Fendue from Pescanova France. A whole lobster, frozen alive and split lengthways, is held together with a red cord, protecting the lobster meat from freezer burns. The packaging is a clear plastic tube and comes with a recipe booklet; it was introduced in Dec. 2001.

Among other category winners were:

Dairy Products, Ice Cream and Eggs: Farmers Pride Butter Oil Mist, Tatua Cooperative Dairy Co. (New Zealand).

Meat, Poultry and Deli Meats: President's Choice Semi-Boneless Easy Carve Turkey, Loblaw Brands Ltd. (Canada).

Fish & Seafood (tie): Star-Kist Premium Tuna in a Pouch, Star-Kist Foods, a subsidiary of H.J. Heinz (U.S.); Langouste Surgelee Deja Fendue, Pescanova France (France).

Fruits and Vegetables: Grape Tomatoes, Perfection Fresh Australia (Australia).

Grocery Products: Spoon Biscookies, Giusti's Panetteria Ltd. (New Zealand).