ASC, MSC name UK winners for excellence in seafood responsibility
By Undercurrent News | Oct. 24, 2025 09:53 BST
The Aquaculture Stewardship Council and the Marine Stewardship Council have named their latest UK leaders in responsible aquaculture and fisheries
The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) have celebrated the UK's champions of responsibly farmed seafood and fishing at their fifth annual awards.
ASC winners included:
Retailer of the Year: J. Sainsbury, for its 100% commitment to ASC-certified seafood.
Retail Supplier of the Year: New England Seafood International, recognized for making certified seafood more accessible.
Brand of the Year: Birds Eye, for promoting ASC-labelled products and consumer trust.
Newcomer of the Year: BioMar, for advancing sustainable aquaculture practices.
Product of the Year - Consumer Choice: Mowi Scottish salmon fillets, voted by nearly 1,000 UK consumers.
While the MSC winners were:
Ocean Leadership Award: Poole Harbour Clam & Cockle Fishery, for its innovative use of drones.
Foodservice Supplier of the Year: Brake Bros and M&] Sysco companies
Foodservice Champion of the Year: Aaron Norton, social media manager of Fish City
Newcomer of the Year: The Scrap Box
Product of the Year: Waitrose & Partners moules mariniere with wild garlic and chardonnay
Seafood Brand of the Year: Princes
Marketing Champion of the Year: Fish City
Marketing Campaign of the Year: Asda
Online Brand of the Year: Ocado
Retail Supplier of the Year: Northcoast Seafoods
Supermarkets of the Year 2025: Tesco (gold), Lidl (silver) and Iceland (bronze).
George Clark, MSC program director for the UK and Ireland, said: "Year by year, we're seeing the major supermarkets source, promote and sell more sustainable seafood than ever before. The science is clear, it's what customers want, and rewarding the efforts of responsible fishing fleets that are helping to protect our fish stocks while recognizing those that bring it to our homes and plates, is such a pleasure."
"These awards highlight the people transforming the seafood industry. Together, we can make aquaculture a force for good, for farms, fish, people, and the planet," added Maud van den Haspel, ASC general manager for the UK and Benelux.
The UK market continues to embrace responsibly farmed seafood, with 857 ASC-certified products now available, a 19% increase since October 2024. The number of ASC-certified farm sites rose by 15% to 83, alongside three certified feed mills.