Seafood Industry Australia (SIA) recently announced that the Australian government is investing AUD 4 million (USD 2.8 million, EUR 2.4 million) into to the organization to fund a national marketing campaign to promote domestic seafood in the country – a move that will support the nation’s seafood industry as it recovers from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a press release, SIA said the money would help boost the seafood industry throughout the nation, especially during the global pandemic.
“Australian seafood is iconic, but it is not yet a brand. This campaign represents the industry’s move to establish Australian Seafood as a brand in its own right, and we couldn’t be any more excited to promote Australian seafood, to Australian consumers,” SIA Interim CEO Veronica Papacosta said.
“A national approach to marketing has been a long time coming, and it will be our job to ensure a united approach remains a focus for industry moving forward,” Papacosta added.
Papacosta said that the announcement of the funding came from Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, Agriculture Minister David Littleproud, Assistant Minister for Fisheries Jonno Duniam, and Queensland Liberal Senator Paul Scarr.
With the support, SIA and its members will work on delivering a 12-month national awareness program to provide a “much needed boost to the Australia seafood industry,” according to the organization.
The funding can also assist supply chain retailers and foodservice operators linked to the seafood industry, Papacosta said.
“This campaign will focus on one clear, simple message to eat Australian seafood,” Papacosta said. “So, let’s throw another prawn on the barbie and Eat Seafood, Australia!”
Earlier this year, SIA called on the Australian community to eat more seafood to help the industry during the coronavirus.
To cope with the pandemic, SIA said several commercial fishers have come up with innovative ways to improve their businesses, offering delivery and bringing more seafood to Australians while their at home.
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