Direct Seafoods, Brakes and M&J Seafood win MSC awards

Bidfresh business Direct Seafoods has won the Marine Stewardship Council Award for Fresh Fish Foodservice Supplier of the Year for the second year running.

The MSC awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and performances in sustainable fishing and seafood across the entire UK business spectrum.

The Fresh Fish Foodservice Supplier of the Year award is given to a supplier who has supported its customers in identifying new MSC products and species for restaurant businesses, whilst demonstrating commitment to driving progress of certified sustainable seafood within the UK foodservice sector.

Laky Zervudachi, who has held the role of Direct Seafoods’ director of sustainability for more than 15 years, said: “I’m really proud of our team and their achievements and this award is testament to their hard work and commitment, despite another challenging year for the industry.

“The MSC Award recognises our decision to put sustainability at the heart of our business. We offer one of the largest ranges of MSC certified products, along with extensive customer support including menu planning, recipe inspiration and training.

“Sourcing fish responsibly is paramount to us and we work closely with both our mainstream and specialist fish suppliers, believing passionately in promoting the most sustainable products available to our customers.”

Sysco companies Brakes and M&J Seafood were also winners at the MSC Awards, jointly collecting the MSC Foodservice Wholesaler of the Year award for the ninth consecutive year.

Sysco is committed to supporting customers to create more sustainable and healthier menus, from the way ingredients are sourced and produced to their handling through the supply chain and menu development. Working with organisations and certifications including MSC, MCS and ASC, Brakes and M&J Seafood have developed an ‘enviable range’ of sustainably sourced seafood.

Sysco GB merchandising director Stuart Smith said: “We have unique expertise in fish, with M&J’s long-established reputation for sourcing the best of the catch and Brakes’ unrivalled scale and foodservice knowledge, providing customers access to an incredible foodservice fish proposition.

“While it’s fantastic that we’ve been awarded Foodservice Wholesaler of the Year for the past nine years, we are committed to continuing to build the category, bringing customers new, exciting and sustainable fish options that will enhance any menu.”

Brakes and M&J Seafood have continued to innovate in the seafood category, including introducing MSC British coley and Jersey MSC lobster, and converting all breaded plaice to MSC certified in the past year.