Seoul, South Korea-based Dongwon Group, owner of the StarKist brand, fired an autumn volley with Autentico, chunk light tuna with jalapeños, chili peppers and other seasonings with an Hispanic flair. The line debuted in Walmart stores in October, according to Jennifer Albert, marketing director for Pittsburgh-based StarKist. Walmart remains the line’s exclusive retail outlet.
Within weeks, Oregon Seafoods was on grocers’ shelves in the Pacific Northwest with Sea Fare Pacific, six ounces of albacore that is smoked or flavored with jalapeños or sea salt. The preservative-free retorted pouches retail in the $5.50 to $7.00 range, with a smaller pouch set for distribution through sporting goods stores and other retail outlets outside the food sales mainstream.