Chicken of the Sea Introduces New Level of Quality in Chunk Light Category

SAN DIEGO - Jan. 22, 2004 - Continuing its 90-year commitment to quality and responding to consumers' desire for a better-canned tuna product, Chicken of the Sea International introduces a chunkier chunk light tuna.

The higher-quality tuna, which was test-marketed along the Eastern Seaboard in 2003, can be found nationwide in late February 2004 and is marked by a new "Now Chunkier" label.   The chunkier tuna is available in 3-ounce, 6-ounce and 12-ounce cans of Chicken of the Sea's chunk light tuna. 

"Consumers, who have trusted the Mermaid's products for almost a century, can now expect our chunk light tuna to be firmer, with larger pieces, and the same great taste and low-price, "said Don George, senior vice president of marketing at Chicken of the Sea.

"In fact, the new chunk light is pouched-quality tuna for the canned-tuna price," said George.   

Unbeatable product quality has always been the standard at Chicken of the Sea, and the company has re-committed itself to provide the best chunk light product in the market, said George.

According to the U.S. Tuna Foundation, chunk light tuna accounts for more than 70 percent of all canned tuna sold.

Consumers looking for the chunkier chunk light tuna will also be greeted by a newer, fresher Chicken of the Sea Mermaid, who began appearing on labels last summer.

"Our chunk light product is new inside and out," said George.  "Market research showed that brand loyal consumers were looking for a more modern image for the 50-year-old icon."

Since she was introduced in the 1950s, the Mermaid has been updated three times to better reflect the style of the era.   

"We've taken the best and made it better, from the quality of our products in the can to the familiar face that graces it," he said.     

Winner of the "Best Taste Award" from the American Culinary Institute, Chicken of the Sea is a seafood category leader providing a variety of canned 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.

For recipe ideas, here are just a few of the great-tasting recipes available for Mermaid Club members:

...Frittata Al Tonno - Delicious combination of sautéed tomatoes, onions, zucchini and garlic mixed with tuna and eggs to form a light frittata.  The higher-quality chunk light ensures meaty bites of great tasting tuna, not flaky, mushy product.

...Smoked Gouda Tuna Melt - While not on the low-cal menu, this Smoked Gouda Tuna Melt served with soup and some fresh fruit would make a complete and satisfying lunch option.  Chicken of the Sea's new chunk light gives this sandwich the texture it needs for a great melt.

...Pasta with Tuna & Fresh Basil - Light, savory pasta salad mixed with chunky tuna, fresh mushrooms, sweet red pepper, garlic and fresh basil topped with grated Parmesan cheese.