Australians are more bewildered than ever before when it comes to choosing foods that are best for people and the planet, with 63% admitting they are keen to do the right thing but are confused by the number of diets1, 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% have actively changed their lifestyle, daily habits and diets to help protect the environment – with almost a quarter (23%) having tried flexitarian and pescatarian meal plans1.
As a nation, a massive 87% 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 20502, 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 during 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.
With 90% 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.
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.
1The MSC Survey was conducted by Pure Profile in February 2019
2 http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/news/population/2015-report.html
3The MSC Consumer Insights Survey was conducted by GlobeScan in January 2018
