Double honour for Mowi at ASC awards night
Mowi Scotland was named the Aquaculture Stewardship Council’s Farmer of the Year in the UK at a ceremony at Fishmongers’ Hall in London yesterday and also picked up the ASC’s Brand of the Year award for its MOWI label.
The ASC said Mowi has more than 30 ASC-certified farms in Scotland, demonstrating its sustained commitment to meeting the accrediation organisation’s environmental and social requirements.
The Brand of the Year award recognises the company’s investment in making ASC-certified seafood more visible and accessible. "With 100% of its MOWI branded products carrying the ASC sustainability label, Mowi has worked across retail, digital communications, and chef education to build consumer awareness and understanding of certification," said the organisation.
Teamwork and investment
Ben Hadfield, chief operating officer farming for Mowi in Scotland, Ireland, the Faroes, and Canada East, said: “Certification is an important part of how we demonstrate our commitment to our farming practices, and maintaining it across a growing number of farms takes considerable teamwork and investment. At the same time, we’ve focused on making ASC certification a visible part of our brand, helping customers understand the high standards behind the salmon they buy.
“Winning both awards is particularly rewarding because it recognises these two sides of our business and the people who make them possible.”
Alison Hutchins, ASC producer engagement director, said: “Achieving and maintaining ASC certification requires ongoing commitment from farmers and their teams. Mowi’s journey, from Scotland’s first ASC-certified salmon farm to more than 30 certified farms today, shows the value of taking a long-term approach.
“What’s equally important is the role that market demand plays in supporting that commitment. Mowi’s success in both farming and branding demonstrates how certification can connect the work happening on farms with the expectations of seafood buyers and consumers. It's encouraging to see that recognised through two awards.”
Five in a row for Sainsbury's
Sainsbury’s, which sources its own-label salmon from Mowi, was named ASC Supermarket of the Year for the fifth consecutive year, recognising its sustained commitment to making ASC-certified farmed seafood widely available to customers, both in-store and online.
Co-op was named ASC Newcomer of the Year award in recognition of its commitment to introduce ASC labelling across 100% of its own-brand farmed seafood range by 2027.
Waitrose’s organic Kefalonian sea bass fillets were crowned ASC Product of the Year following a public vote that attracted more than 1,000 participants.
New England Seafood was named ASC Supplier of the Year, recognising its important contribution to bringing ASC-certified seafood to the UK retail market.
