Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) wrapped up the second National Skill Olympiad on Seafood Value Addition during Seafood Expo Bharat 2026 in Kochi. The event brought together ten trained seafood processing professionals who showcased their culinary skills and technical expertise in preparing value-added seafood products. Prior to this, MPEDA conducted 50 Seafood Value Addition Training Programs across India’s east and west coasts, training over 2,500 seafood processing workers and professionals for high-demand international markets.
The ten finalists, selected from regional rounds on June 30, 2026, presented six products sought after in international markets. These included Nobashi shrimp, breaded butterfly shrimp, cooked peeled deveined tail-on (PDTO) shrimp, marinated shrimp skewers, breaded squid rings, and fish fillets. The winner received a cash prize of Rs 1,00,000, with the second and third prize winners receiving Rs 75,000 and Rs 50,000, respectively. A consolation prize of Rs 25,000 was awarded to the fourth-place contestant.
Participants were judged based on technical skill, hygiene, precision, presentation, and product quality. P. Jawahar, Chairman of MPEDA, emphasized that the Olympiad signifies a crucial step in fortifying a resilient and globally competitive seafood sector that can meet the changing demands of international markets. MPEDA continues its efforts to enhance quality assurance, food safety, processing excellence, workforce skilling, sustainable seafood production, and reliable supply chains.
The event attracted officials from the Central and state governments, seafood exporters, international buyers, industry leaders, technical experts, and delegates attending Seafood Expo Bharat 2026. The award-winning value-added seafood products crafted by the finalists were exhibited at the Skill Olympiad Pavilion, accompanied by live demonstrations and tasting sessions featuring export-oriented seafood value-added products developed through MPEDA’s training initiatives. Additionally, a tasting session of the products was held at the MPEDA Skill Olympiad Pavilion.
