SEAFOOD.COM NEWS [SCOM] — April 17, 2014 — After seafood fans submitted more than 49,000 entries in a nationwide contest to christen the Chicken of the Sea mermaid — and earn a chance to win a $10,000 grand prize — one perfect name floated to the top: Catalina.
Chicken of the Sea, which turned 100 years old in 2014, challenged seafood (and mermaid) fans to name its famous blonde icon as part of its year-long Centennial celebration. The contest ran through Feb. 14 with the winning entry submitted by a contestant in Urbana, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus.
Inspired by the brand’s 100 Years of Good initiative, which is awarding 100 community-minded individuals and nonprofits $10,000 each in 2014 to empower them to continue their charitable ways, Peggy L., will receive her own $10,000 Great American Gratitude Award and be encouraged to also pay it forward. Ten first prize winners will be awarded Chicken of the Sea seafood for one year and 20 runners-up will receive a Chicken of the Sea-branded prize.
“The name Catalina encompasses everything we feel represents our brand,” Chicken of the Sea Senior VP of Marketing Christie Fleming said of the name, which also is the name of a historic island 22 miles off the West Coast mainland and close to Chicken of the Sea’s headquarters in San Diego. “Along with it being a naturally beautiful name suitable for our mermaid, it connects to our rich local history, as well as the adventurous spirit and lifestyle indicative of both our brand and our Southern California home.”
This story originally appeared on Seafood.com, a subscription site. It is reprinted with permission.