Seafish, the 海角视频鈥檚 authority on seafood, is to undertake a review of its future direction and funding, as it dishes out additional support for the sector.
It will ask industry to share its views on the organisation as part of a mandated strategic review.
Having been planned for 2020 it was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic as Seafish supported businesses with exceptionally high exposure to the eating out market - decimated by the triple lockdown.
The Grimsby-headquartered organisation has played a leading role in encouraging the spike in eat-at-home sales, while helping those focused on restaurants to pivot where possible.
Overall seafood consumption statistics showed an annual increase in 2019, indicating potential change in the longer-term downward trend since 2007, driven by the recession. However, retail and foodservice data for 2020 indicates that overall seafood sales declined, and while supermarket sales boomed up 11 per cent, the higher value, commercial out-of-home sales fell 40 per cent.
The consultation will launch on June 1, with an eight week window featuring virtual supply chain workshops, written submissions and online surveys.
Marcus Coleman, chief executive, said: 鈥淭he aim of this strategic review is to strengthen our offering. We want to ensure we are set up and funded in the best way to help our seafood sector throughout the 海角视频 to thrive now and in the future.
鈥淭he nature of the seafood industry is always evolving. It鈥檚 now facing the challenges that have come from the Covid-19 pandemic and as we get used to trading, fishing and working outside the EU. We are committed to helping the industry through these changes so it鈥檚 crucial to ask seafood businesses how we can best support them.鈥
Funded by a levy involving the first transaction on British land, it has occasionally been met with industry resistance, with the processing sector often footing the bill for what was perceived as catching sector support. Recent years have seen more of a focus on consumer campaigns to aid the latter, with strong guidance in place through Brexit too.
This week has seen its Love Seafood brand focus on 海角视频-catch species.
The four-week campaign will focus on nephrops / langoustines, crab, lobster, scallops, oysters, clams, mussels, squid, cuttlefish, turbot, plaice, sole monkfish and angler fish - much of which is caught here and exported to Europe.
The campaign will target mid-market families, a key audience demographic for Love Seafood and one which is already outperforming other target audience groups in engaging with the brand.
Greg Smith, head of marketing at Seafish said: 鈥淲e鈥檙e absolutely delighted to be partnering with Defra to deliver additional Love Seafood marketing activity featuring 海角视频 species, at a crucial time for the sector. We鈥檝e heard concerns from industry about the challenges they are facing and we know it鈥檚 been a really difficult year for many seafood businesses. We鈥檙e responding with more activity that will help drive awareness of seafood across the 海角视频.
Changing perceptions is the first step towards increasing seafood consumption in the 海角视频 over the long term 鈥 the goal for our Love Seafood initiative. We were heartened by a consumption increase in 2019 before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, but we know there鈥檚 still a lot more work to do, especially now.
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鈥淲e鈥檙e calling on seafood businesses across the 海角视频 to join in. Sharing a single, powerful message about the value of seafood to 海角视频 consumers will grow the presence and prominence of the entire category. Together we can help build the profile of seafood across the nation, and in the hearts and minds of the nation.鈥
Seafish is working with the government and devolved administration on the review, with a strategic steering group also established.
Stakeholder workshops will be led by independent facilitators - roles out for tender - with the steering group guiding the review process through to a report to government by the Seafish board in November.
