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Eating trends leaving Aussies confused

  • New research reveals 63 per cent of Australians are  confused over which diet is best for people and the planet
  • To help make sense of it all, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) have joined forces to promote the biggest ever Sustainable Seafood Week (11-17 March)
  • The campaign is calling for consumers to join the #SeaTheFuture movement to help preserve our seafood for future generations

Australians are more bewildered than ever before when it comes to choosing foods that are best for people and the planet, with 63 per cent admitting they are keen to do the right thing but are confused by the number of diets, fads and ‘green’ claims available.

The volume of information is leaving Aussies questioning “should I give up meat?”, “is fish classed as meat?”, “what makes it sustainable?” and “is it good for me if I don’t know where it comes from?”

New research out today for Sustainable Seafood Week reveals that despite the confusion, 80% of Australians consider themselves as conscious consumers who genuinely care about where and how their food is sourced1.

What’s more, 81 per cent have actively changed their lifestyle, daily habits and diets to help protect the environment – with almost a quarter (23 per cent) having tried flexitarian and pescatarian meal plans.

As a nation, a massive 87 per cent admitted they would choose sustainable seafood over non-sustainable products knowing it would have a positive impact on the environment1.

Maintaining our oceans, rivers and lakes is critical if we are to provide food for a global population expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, which is why the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) are calling for seafood lovers to join a nationwide movement to #SeaTheFuture duringv Sustainable Seafood Week 2019.

The two leading international non-profit organisations have joined forces with a shoal of leading advocates and brands, including Coles, Woolworths, John West, SEA LIFE, Aldi and Taronga Zoo to bridge the gap of consumer confusion so that our children and grandchildren can continue to enjoy seafood for generations to come.

Anne Gabriel, MSC Oceania program director said that they want to simplify decision making for consumers so they can #SeaTheFuture and make a small change today, with a lasting impact for tomorrow.

“Sustainable Seafood Week gives us an opportunity to speak directly to Australian shoppers,” said Gabriel. “With consumers becoming more conscious than ever before, we want to show just how much of an impact they can make by looking for the blue MSC and green ASC labels – as a quick and simple way to identify sustainable seafood.

“The campaign encourages leading brands to come on board to bridge the gap between consumers intention, the available product range and their action.”

“This week is about telling the meaningful and compelling stories about the producers,” said Duncan Leadbitter, ASC commercial outreach manager. “This is not just a passing trend; the producers have embraced sustainability in their livelihoods and it’s important that seafood lovers do the same if we are to preserve our seafood for generations to come.”

“As an island nation, we have a deep-rooted connection to our oceans, waters, rivers, and lakes which makes this issue very close to our hearts,” said  Conservationist and campaign ambassador Laura Wells. “We want Australians all over the country to enjoy healthy, nutritious seafood while helping to protect our marine life. People can show their support for this message by sharing their own #SeaTheFuture snap and acting together to impact positive change.”

With 90 per cen of Aussies shopping for their seafood in supermarkets vs 35% at fishmongers it is important to get the backing from national supermarkets3 – to help the majority of Australians make the right choices.

said: “We believe our role goes beyond that of a traditional retailer, which is why sustainability is top of our agenda. The majority of our own brand seafood across our fresh, tinned and frozen ranges is now fully certified and stamped with the blue MSC or green ASC label, so our customers can have peace of mind that they are making the best choice for our future,” said campaign partner, James Whittaker, Coles head of responsible sourcing and quality

The MSC and ASC labels assure that your seafood has been caught or farmed with the best possible care meaning consumers can beat the confusion and rest assured when they shop for the blue and green labels. With 400+ certified MSC products and 100+ ASC products available nationwide, there is a product every taste and budget.

 

 

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