The MSC is an international non-profit organisation, which recognises and rewards efforts to protect oceans and safeguard seafood supplies. There vision is for the next generation to continue enjoying seafood and oceans full of life. By marking products that meet their standards with the Blue Fish label, customers can buy with the knowledge that they are supporting a sustainable market.
Products that are marked with the MSC Blue Fish label mean that: the seafood is fully traceable to a sustainable source and the product comes from a wild-catch fishery that has been certified to the MSC’s standard.
Procurement Business Manager at Nottingham University, Nicola Penn said: “We are delighted to have received the MSC University of the Year award for the second year. Students are increasingly demanding more sustainably sourced and healthier food options of campus, and we really take pride in providing sustainably sourced food.”
The MSC award highlighted this consensus showing that millennials are leading the way in supporting sustainable seafood. Research showed that in the UK 52% of 18-34 year olds preferred to choose eco-labelled fish and seafood in comparison to the 37% of over 55 year olds.
Commercial Officer at Marine Stewardship Council Loren Hiller said: “As one of the first universities to offer sustainable seafood to their students since 2012, it’s fantastic to see the University of Nottingham winning the University of the Year award for the second year.”
The MSC awards also recognised supermarkets, chefs and frozen food suppliers who are supporting sustainability. Supermarket of the year was award to Sainsbury’s for having the largest range of MSC certified products. Fish counter of 2018 was awarded to Waitrose for their large selection of products and species, and Birds Eye was named frozen brand of the year for their commitment to sourcing certified fisheries. It was not only suppliers and retailers picking up awards, as chef Mitch Tonks was recognised for advocating sustainable seafood.