Seattle-based Trident Seafoods is boosting its efforts to introduce consumers to its protein noodles made from Alaska pollock.

The company, in partnership with the Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP), is expanding its in-store demoing of the product at Costco outlets in the San Francisco Bay Area, and from Virginia to Connecticut, GAPP said Wednesday.

Trident partnered with GAPP during the trade group's first round of its North American Partnership Program. Trident used GAPP funding to augment its own marketing efforts in Los Angeles and San Diego Costco outlets.

“We have learned from our initial demos that consumers are open to trying the protein noodle but are much more likely to purchase once they have tried them,” said Trident CEO Joe Bundrant. The additional demos funded by GAPP enable Trident to reach many more consumers and encourage them to purchase the product, he added.

The Alaska pollock-based noodles are made from eight all-natural ingredients, and are low carb, gluten free, high protein and come fully cooked and ready to prepare.

GAPP's North American Partnership Program provides support to companies throughout the pollock industry who are looking to bring new products to market and raise consumer awareness of Alaska pollock.

The organization received a record number of applications for the second round of funding through the program, and GAPP selected 12 of those proposals to move forward and receive funding. For 2019-2020, GAPP has set aside $3 million (€2.6 million) towards this initiative and has now earmarked nearly $1.3 million (€1.1 million) to date towards exciting partnerships in these first two rounds of funding.