Increasing Sustainable Seafood Options with MSC Certification

MSC manager of Australia and New Zealand, Patrick Caleo, said this was a major breakthrough for the market for sustainable seafood in Australia.

In Europe, there are many restaurants with MSC certification and now with Australias leading seafood distributor gaining certification Australia has the potential to become a top destination for diners looking for sustainable choices in seafood, he said.

Bidvest has shown their commitment to sustainable sourcing by having their supply chain independently assessed, ensuring product traceability from ocean to plate, enabling more seafood lovers in Australia to enjoy MSC certified sustainable seafood.

The MSC certification is a key element in Bidvests commitment to making a positive contribution to the environment. MSCs Chain of Custody verifies that in every step of the supply chain from the fisheries, to the processer, to the distributor, and the customer MSC certified seafood is not mixed with, or substituted for, non-certified seafood.

Bidvest has an extensive range which includes over 56,000 foodservice products, 3000 core hospitality products, and a comprehensive fresh offering of between 400 and 600 lines depending on season.

The Bidvest environmental policy is central to the way we do business, and affects the entire supply chain relationship - from supplier to customer. Chain of Custody certification proves complete traceability of our MSC certified sustainable seafood from ocean to plate, so now we can proudly promote the merits of policy at work. said Rachel Ruggiero Bidvest Chief Operating Officer.

This will open the doors for foodservice operators, such as canteens, cafes and restaurants, looking to serve MSC certified seafood to their customers, said Mr Caleo.

With our credible standards for sustainable fishing and seafood traceability were always seeking to increase the availability of certified sustainable seafood and our distinctive blue ecolabel makes it easy for everyone to identify it and make informed choices. Customers can feel good that their choices are helping support and reward fisheries that are committed to sustainable management that helps conserve the marine environment.

The Bidvest commitment to sustainability and the environment can also be demonstrated by the recent addition of an Eco-Friendly hybrid truck to their existing truck fleet. It was purchased with a view to gain a greater understanding of how hybrid vehicles work, and to assess their feasibility as a future transportation option.

The MSC maintains the most widely respected and accepted global standard for the certification of wild capture seafood. The program is based on a rigorous science-based standard and independent, third-party assessment by internationally accredited certification bodies. The MSC standard is defined by three core principles: the status of the fish stock, the impact of the fishery on the marine ecosystem, and the management system overseeing the fishery. The distinctive MSC blue ecolabel is a trust mark to buyers and consumers worldwide confirming that the seafood comes from a sustainable fishery that has been awarded MSC certification.