The Seafish Quality Wholesaler Award seeks to drive up standards by rewarding companies providing high quality seafood produced and distributed in a first class environment.
The award is based on the existing Seafish Quality Processor Award scheme and is tailored in particular towards small to medium sized businesses operating in both the wet and frozen wholesale or distribution stage of the seafood supply chain.
Speaking at today’s launch, which took place at the Aquarium Restaurant, London, Seafish Chairman Andrew Dewar-Durie said: “The Seafish Quality Wholesaler Award sets a recognised UK standard that is independently audited and geared towards the 21st century marketplace.
“The award will not only help drive up standards throughout the chain, it’s also an important marketing tool. Running a wholesale or distribution business is fiercely competitive and our message to managers is to be a part of it, as maintaining standards will help put your business a step ahead.”
Stuart Dallison, Managing Director of seafood distribution company T Quality Ltd said: “T Quality’s ten sites across the UK will certainly all be applying to qualify for this award.
“We support Seafish in their desire to improve and raise the standards across all areas of the industry and we love the commonsense, practical and user-friendly elements of the new Quality Wholesaler Award Scheme. “
Seafish will give expert advice to companies to help them prepare for the award.
To qualify for the award, each company will go through an independent audit covering all aspects of its operation including premises, machinery and equipment, hygiene standards and management controls. The award scheme has two levels of qualification – entry level and higher level – to encourage continuous improvement. All those who qualify for the award receive a certificate and are entitled to use the logo to promote their business.
