Supermarket Coles was named Best Sustainable Seafood Supermarket at the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Sustainable Seafood Awards 2020 for the fourth consecutive year.
Coles was recognised for its MSC certified products with the blue fish tick marked on its fresh, chilled, frozen and tinned seafood range. It also took home Best Sustainable Seafood Public Engagement and was Highly Commended in the Best Sustainable Seafood Product category for its MSC certified Aussie Banana Prawn Skewers – Garlic & Chilli.
“We know our customers love seafood and we are delighted to be able to offer a wide range of fresh, delicious seafood while giving them the confidence that it’s been responsibly sourced. We are proud to be recognised by the MSC for the fourth year running for our commitments and achievements to responsibly sourced seafood,” said Brad Cook, Coles general manager own brand, quality and responsible sourcing.
“We’re also excited to see our MSC certified garlic and chilli banana prawns receive a Highly Commended award in the product category, as this was a direct result of us listening to our customers and responding to demand over the busy summer entertaining period.”
Discount grocer Aldi featured among the winners for the first time, taking the award for Best Sustainable Seafood Mid-Size Retailer and was Highly Commended for its MSC certified Ocean Rise Smoked European Sprats in the Best Sustainable Seafood Product category.
“We show our devotion to the ocean through sustainable sourcing and transparency, ultimately helping customers support responsible fishing and farming practices. We are thrilled to be the Australian retailer with the largest range of MSC certified own-label fish and seafood, and to be recognised for our shared commitment to end overfishing,” said Kate Doctor, buying director of seafood at ALDI Australia.
The MSC awards recognise pioneering organisations and individuals helping to end overfishing and ensure plentiful seafood supplies for future generations. The Council gave 10 awards and five commendations to the fishing and sustainability sectors.
This year, MSC introduced the People’s Choice Award, for the general public to vote for their favourite seven household name brands, including seafood specialists to retailers. Woolworths was crowned the winner, with 30 per cent of the vote.
“These awards not only influence what seafood lovers see in stores and on menus, but give well-deserved credit to the people who work tirelessly to ensure seafood supplies for years to come. While we’ve certainly begun making waves in reversing the cycle of decline in ocean health, there is so much more that needs to be done,” said Anne Gabriel, MSC oceania program director.
“Our vision is of the world’s oceans to be teeming with life, and seafood supplies safeguarded for this and future generations. With the help of organisations and individuals like our Sustainable Seafood Award winners, and through the use of the MSC blue fish tick label on all certified products, we are transforming the seafood market to a sustainable one, in turn helping to create a future full of fish for all.”
Retailers’ own brand products featured heavily in the Products category, with Aldi and Coles leading the rankings, followed by Skull Island Tiger Prawns, Paspaley Pearl Meat and John West Alaskan Salmon range.
