Australian supermarket Coles has bagged the MSC Oceania Sustainable Seafood Supermarket of the Year Award for the third year running.
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) recognised brands adopting sustainable seafood practices within their sectors at the 2019 Wave of Change Awards.
Coles was commended for products across its fresh, chilled, frozen and tinned seafood. Coles Own Brand products were the first to obtain MSC certification for its seafood deli counters.
James Whittaker, Coles head of Responsible Sourcing and Quality said that the supermarket understands the importance of supporting its customers in making day-to-day choices, which deliver big change.
“It is Coles mission to ecolabel all of our Own Brand seafood to help our customers make the best choice and support our oceans. We are proud to be recognised for our ongoing focus on enabling people to live better lives within our planet’s limits,” said Whittaker.
“We will continue to challenge ourselves and look for new ways to support responsible fishing, as we believe it is our role to encourage our industry to set new standards to help create a better future for all Australians.”
Anne Gabriel, MSC Oceania Program director said Coles “continues to set new benchmarks within the grocery category” and that by making it as easy as possible to buy certified products the supermarket is helping to preserve seafood for future generations.
“We know that 75 per cent of consumers believe sustainability claims should be clearly labelled, yet just one in five (21%) notice eco-labelled products when shopping which is what makes this commitment so important. For this reason, we felt that Coles were the deserving winner once again,” Gabriel said.
Tuna company John West was named Sustainable Seafood Brand of the Year for its efforts in expanding its sustainable range to salmon, mackerel and kippers as well as adding new tuna certified products.
Safcol Flavoured Salmon and Campbell’s Sustainable Fish Stock bagged New Products of the Year and food business Goolwa PiPi Co took home the Global Reach Award, for expanding the global reach for their live and fresh, pre-cooked and frozen packs.
“Our mission is to raise awareness of certified seafood and educate consumers on what their choices mean for the future of our oceans. This would not be possible without the commitment and support from our award winners and we’re delighted to celebrate the progress we have made alongside them,” Gabriel concluded.
Sustainable Seafood Week takes place on March 11 – 17, celebrating fisheries, retailers, chefs and restaurants who support MSC’s mission to ensure sustainable seafood for future generations.
