We are thrilled to announce that Simplot Australia’s Manni Kalisperis, Procurement Category Leader was presented the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2023 Sustainable Seafood Awards Australia. The annual awards are run by the international non-profit Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) in partnership with the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC).
Coinciding with Sustainable Seafood Week (27 March – 2 April 2023), the awards celebrate the organisations and individuals who work to ensure seafood stocks are safeguarded for future generations. The awards recognise impact, commitment, progress and leadership in sustainable seafood production practices.
Manni’s Lifetime Achievement Award is a testament to his enduring passion and commitment to seafood and sustainability. From an early age, Manni has valued the importance of sustainable fishing as grew up in a fishing family in Williamstown, Victoria.
Since he began with Simplot Australia more than 20 years ago, Manni has played an integral role in our procurement function, working tirelessly to advance the sustainability of our seafood sourcing practices and supporting the development of our Responsible Seafood Sourcing Program.
When the John West brand become part of Simplot Australia’s portfolio in 2003, Manni worked with the brand’s Procurement Team and in conjunction with the MSC, ASC and WWF-Australia to advance seafood sustainability across multiple species.
Manni was part of the team, which led to John West in Australia being the first brand in the world to use 100% Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified for all skipjack tuna products within their shelf-seafood range. Since then, on average more than 80 million cans of John West MSC tuna have been consumed by Australians each year.
Simplot Australia also received special recognition at the event for trailblazing efforts in responsible seafood sourcing.
