Fish City Celebrates Double Win at the 2025 MSC & ASC UK Awards
Belfast, Northern Ireland — Fish City is proud to announce a remarkable double win at the 2025 Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) UK Awards, held on the 22nd of October at the historic Signet Library in Edinburgh. The Belfast seafood restaurant was named MSC UK Marketing Champion of the Year, while Aaron Norton, Fish City’s Social Media Manager, was honoured as MSC UK Foodservice Champion of the Year.
These awards celebrate businesses across the UK leading the way in seafood sustainability — from responsibly sourcing ingredients to inspiring others to make ocean-friendly choices.
The annual MSC and ASC Awards, now in their 12th and 5th years respectively, bring together partners and stakeholders from across the sustainable seafood world. Sponsored by Seafood Scotland, the event recognised organisations demonstrating true leadership in safeguarding seafood supplies for future generations.
The MSC UK Foodservice Champion of the Year, awarded this year to Fish City’s Aaron Norton, recognises a foodservice business that has gone above and beyond in serving MSC labelled products on their menu. And the MSC UK Marketing Champion of the Year Award, was awarded to Fish City for partner marketing efforts that featured the MSC and championed the importance of seafood sustainability, generating consumer awareness around the blue MSC ecolabel.
These accolades recognise the breadth and depth of Fish City’s efforts in leading the national conversation on seafood sustainability and ocean health: from Fish City’s community engagement with its educational Kids Club and dedicated sustainability training programme for staff, to prominent campaign collaborations on its social channels and spreading the message of certified sustainable seafood in the local, national and international press.
“We’re beyond thrilled and deeply honoured by this recognition,” said John Lavery, owner of Fish City. “As a small family business and independent restaurant, it means the world to us to be celebrated alongside so many incredible, forward-thinking people who are passionate about protecting our oceans. Sustainability has always been at the heart of what we do, and these awards affirm that commitment.”
Guests at the ceremony enjoyed a menu featuring ASC-certified Isle of Mull oysters, ASC-certified gin-cured salmon, and grilled MSC Scottish plaice, showcasing the very best of responsibly sourced seafood. The Fish City team also had the opportunity to connect with friends and colleagues from across the fish and chip industry, sharing ideas for a more sustainable future.
MSC UK Award Winners also included: Tesco— Supermarket of the Year, Northcoast Seafoods— Retail Supplier of the Year, Ocado— Online Brand of the Year, Asda— Marketing Campaign of the Year, Princes— Seafood Brand of the Year, The Scrap Box— Newcomer of the Year, Brakes and M&J Sysco companies— Foodservice Supplier of the Year, Poole Harbour Clam & Cockle Fishery— the Ocean Leadership Award, and MSC Product of the Year— Waitrose’s No.1 Moules Marinière with Wild Garlic & Chardonnay.
Fish City extends heartfelt thanks to the MSC and ASC for their continued leadership, to Seafood Scotland for sponsoring the event, and to its loyal customers and local community for their ongoing support.
“These awards belong to our entire team, our guests, and our suppliers,” added John. “Together, we’re working towards a healthier, more abundant ocean for generations to come.”
About Fish City
Located in the heart of Belfast, Fish City is an award-winning seafood and fish & chip restaurant dedicated to serving sustainable, high-quality seafood. Proudly certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), Fish City champions sustainable sourcing and innovation in seafood dining.