June 3rd 2010

Young's Fish for Life programme wins top European environment award

At a prestigious ceremony in Brussels last night (2nd June), European Environment Commissioner, Janez Potocnik, announced the Findus Group/Young's Fish for Life programme for seafood sustainability as the overall winner of the 'Management' category of the European Business Awards for the Environment.

The Awards jury said: "This initiative sets a benchmark for responsible fishery management, promoting and sharing best practices both locally and internationally, with strong involvement of employees and other stakeholders."

Chris Britton, CEO of the Findus Group, says, "This is fantastic recognition for Fish for Life which places it amongst the very best environmental initiatives in Europe. Being declared a winner underlines the point that Fish for Life is much more than just a consumer label for our products - it is a committed and multi-faceted programme intended to support genuine improvement in fish sustainability."

The biennial awards are given in four categories and recognise European businesses that make a particular contribution to sustainable development by combining innovation, economic viability, environmental concern and social responsibility. The winners were chosen from 141 entries from 24 EU and candidate countries. This is the highest number of entries since the European Business Awards for the Environment were launched in 1987.

Fish for Life was initiated in 2006 by Young's Seafood and has since been adopted across Findus Group's operations in continental Europe. It encompasses detailed criteria and a stringent assessment process to ensure that all fish is responsibly sourced and highlighted as such on Young's and Findus packs through the Fish for Life logo. The programme also drives extensive engagement work with fisheries to support best practice and long term sustainability.

The programme was the only British entry to reach the pan-European stage out of eleven UK winners named in London in March. It beat two other entries from Austria and Turkey to take the overall prize.

Richard Benyon Defra minister for Fisheries said:

"This is an excellent achievement for Young's and recognises their hard work in using sustainable fish in their products.

Conservation and support for the fishing industry must work hand-in-hand if we are to have a thriving UK fishing industry and a vibrant marine environment.

UK fishermen are leading the way in improving sustainability. We will continue to work with the industry, including Young's to deliver sustainable and profitable fisheries."

"Everyone at Defra would like to offer our congratulations to Young's on their outstanding success at the European Business Awards for the Environment and hope that the lead Young's have taken in sustainably sourcing their fish can be replicated across the industry."