The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) recognized leaders in responsible seafood at the 2026 Sustainable Seafood Awards Australia, held on 27 March. This year, Simplot brands John West, I&J and Birds Eye were awarded for advancing sustainability through transparency, clear communication on packaging, and consumer trust.
John West received the MSC Community Champion Award for its Trace Your Tuna initiative, which gives shoppers full visibility into where and how their tuna was caught through simple on-pack QR codes.
Birds Eye received the ASC Best Responsible Seafood Product Award for Steamfresh Prawns (Garlic Butter & Oil), recognized for making responsibly sourced seafood easy to spot and understand on the grocery store shelf.
I&J took home the ASC Best Responsible Seafood Brand Award, celebrating the brand’s rapid progress in expanding ASC certification and its long-term commitment as a sustainable seafood business.
“We’re proud to see our John West, I&J and Birds Eye brands recognized for making responsible seafood easier for people to find and understand,” said Phoebe Dowling, Director of Sustainability for our Global Food business.
“Sustainability is fundamental to our business. We take our responsibility to the ocean seriously, both as one of Australia’s leading seafood suppliers and as stewards of a vital global resource. Whether we’re sourcing seafood or growing fruit and vegetables, we’re focused on doing things the right way to support a more sustainable future.”
Judged by industry experts, chefs and sustainability leaders, the Sustainable Seafood Awards Australia celebrate organizations that are helping secure the future of fish by making responsible choices clearer and more accessible for consumers. Each category aligns with the ASC and MSC’s rigorous standards for wild caught and farmed seafood.
Together, these awards highlight the role transparency and trusted certification play in protecting oceans, supporting marine life and helping people choose seafood with confidence.
