SAN DIEGO – Sept. 7, 2004 – Chicken of the Sea® is first to market a complete line of pouched shellfish, including crab, shrimp, clams, smoked oysters and imitation crab, expanding upon its line of tuna and salmon pouches.

The new, single-serve shellfish pouches, on store shelves now, are available in 3.53-ounce varieties, with the exception of smoked oysters, which come in a 3-ounce serving.

"Chicken of the Sea has a history of innovation and responding to consumers' desires," said Don George, senior vice president of marketing for Chicken of the Sea."The new shellfish pouches offer Chicken of the Sea quality seafood in a convenient, ready-to-eat package that meets the needs of our customers' busy and healthy lifestyles."

"The new pouched shellfish are low-fat and low-calorie," said Sharon McNerney, registered dietitian, "providing a healthful alternative to other protein choices."

Chicken of the Sea's pouched shellfish also allow everyday cooks to make gourmet recipes quickly and easily, said Culinary Expert Lena Cutler.

"By adding pouched shellfish to salads, pastas and other dishes, people can add pizzazz to some of their favorite recipes," said Cutler. "The fresh-tasting pouches can also be stored easily in a pantry or cupboard."

The new line of pouched shellfish comes on the heals of Chicken of the Sea's introduction of its new chunkier chunk light tuna in the can earlier this year. In late 2004, the company will move into the frozen food aisle with the introduction of Chicken of the Sea Frozen Shrimp and will introduce pasteurized crab to the foodservice industry.

The company began offering pouched seafood in 2001, with its Chicken of the Sea tuna in a foil pouch, followed by the introduction of boneless/skinless salmon in a foil pouch in 2002; both products are popular among consumers, prompting the introduction of the shellfish pouches.

A seafood category leader, Chicken of the Sea provides a variety of shelf-stable seafood products, including tuna, salmon, crab, shrimp, oysters, clams, mackerel and sardines. The Chicken of the Sea brand and famous Mermaid icon are among the most recognized brands in America.