The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) celebrated the champions of sustainability at the annual Sustainable Seafood Awards Australia 2024 last Friday. Among the standout winners were Simplot’s esteemed brands: John West, I&J, Birds Eye, and Top Sail.

John West Salmon Bowls clinched the prestigious MSC Best Sustainable Seafood Product – Shelf Award, while I&J secured the ASC Best Responsible Seafood Brand Award. Birds Eye's Steamfresh range received recognition with the ASC Best Responsible Seafood Product Award, and Top Sail proudly took home the ASC Best Responsible New Seafood Product for its Barramundi Burger.

Phoebe Dowling, Simplot’s Head of Sustainability in Australia, said “It's truly a remarkable achievement for our brands to be recognized with these prestigious awards. It's a testament to our company's commitment to responsible seafood sourcing. This recognition validates the dedication and hard work of countless individuals across various facets of our business over the years. It's immensely gratifying to see this effort acknowledged by the MSC and ASC.”

These independently judged awards, honor organizations and individuals for their significant contributions to the future of fish, as recognized by their participation in the ASC and MSC programs. Each award category aligns with specific ASC and MSC criteria.

Marking the beginning of Sustainable Seafood Week in Australia, these awards set the tone for a week-long celebration from 18 - 24 March. During this annual event, the ASC and MSC unite to urge collective action for the protection of our oceans, lakes, and rivers. The overarching goal of Sustainable Seafood Week is to heighten awareness regarding the critical importance of making responsible seafood choices so that we preserve marine resources for generations to come.