MSC-certified fish fingers. (Photo: Stock File/FIS)

Caterer now offers MSC-certified fish

UNITED STATES
Friday, October 12, 2012, 00:40 (GMT + 9)

Award-winning caterer Alliance in Partnership (AiP) has added a new accolade to its portfolio, with Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification.

AiP had been purchasing MSC certified fish for some time but, until they completed the ocean to plate traceability by getting MSC certified themselves, the fish could not be sold as MSC certified sustainable seafood. Their certification covering the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea contracts demonstrates AiP’s commitment to sustainable sourcing.

A certificate handover took place today and all of the schools will hold a special promotional day to celebrate the certification.

Amy Teichman, Group Development Chef for AiP at K&C, says: “With all of the clear health benefits such as low calories and healthy omega fats, fish make up a cornerstone of our healthy eating policy. By choosing MSC fish, we are helping to make sure that there are healthy fisheries and oceans around for our students’ lifetimes so that they may enjoy good health and good fish.”

Amy Teichman from AiP receives their certificate from certifier MacAlister Elliott and Partners' (MEP) Kat Collinson. (Photo: MSC)

Each day the catering managers are required to record their usage of fish and each month they must report their stock. They then compile a reconciliation of the usage vs. sales every month. It is a much regimented schedule, but it helps to ensure AiP knows how much fish they are using and where it’s going.

It’s also proved to be a good tool to help AiP see which fish the children prefer, helping to inform future menu items. The most popular item at present is the MSC certified Wild Alaskan Pollock Fish Fingers.

In addition, pupils benefit from the MSC’s ‘Fish and Kids’ educational project, which aims to bridge that divide, helping pupils to learn about sustainable food choices both in the classroom and the dining room.

David Weller, AiP Managing Director, says: “AiP is committed to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainable food. Logistically, we started by working closely with our supplier, 3663, who carry a wide range of MSC fish and were eager to bring in new items for us to use. We want our menus to send out the right messages.”

Ruth Westcott, Commercial Officer for the MSC, congratulated Alliance in Partnership on their certification: “It’s vital, when we’re buying seafood that we look, not just to this generation, but to future generations. Thanks to Alliance in Partnership’s commitment, these pupils will be learning about - and eating - sustainable fish as part of that future.”

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