Making Waves: First ASC & MSC Awards Honour Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture in Germany

For the first time, the non-profit organisations Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) have honoured individuals and companies in Germany along the supply chain for their exceptional dedication to sustainable fisheries and responsible aquaculture through their respective programmes.

“With these Awards, we aim not only to highlight standards but also to recognise the people and companies whose innovation and commitment make a real difference. The award winners clearly demonstrate that responsible fishing and aquaculture are already a reality today. As role models, they are shaping the future of the sector,” explains Dennis Wittmann, General Manager DACH at ASC.

Kathrin Runge, Programme Director DACH at MSC, adds, “The Awards are far more than a recognition within the industry. When communicated effectively, they also make outstanding commitment visible to the public. They send a strong signal externally, guiding both companies and consumers and encouraging them to choose sustainable seafood – a crucial driver for further progress.”

Making Commitment Visible

The selection of award winners followed a transparent process.  the share of MSC- or ASC certified products in the range were evaluated, along with the public commitment to sustainable sourcing of seafood through the two programmes, and the quality and intensity of internal and external communication. The assessment was based on activities during 2024/2025 to ensure consistent comparability.

“Many companies have impressively demonstrated how seriously they take sustainability in fisheries and aquaculture. This shows how deeply responsible practices are embedded in the sector today, and we sincerely thank them for that,” says Runge.

2025 Award Categories and Winners:

ASC Awards 2025

• ASC Supplier of the Year: Transgourmet
• ASC Retailer of the Year: Kaufland
• ASC Aquaculture Champion: Regal Springs
• ASC Seafood Brand of the Year – Chilled: MOWI
• ASC Seafood Brand of the Year – Frozen: Escal

MSC Awards 2025

• MSC Wholesaler of the Year: Deutsche See
• MSC Retailer of the Year: EDEKA
• MSC Seafood Brand of the Year: iglo
• MSC Herring Brand of the Year – Chilled: MERL
• MSC Herring Brand of the Year – Canned: Hawesta
• MSC Sustainability Champion: Dr Uwe Richter – Chairman of the German Deep-Sea Fishing Association and Managing Director of Westbank Hochseefischerei GmbH

“The Awards recognise outstanding achievements, but they also represent the many people, companies, and partners who work every day for our oceans, sustainable fisheries, and responsible aquaculture. Every contribution, whether visible on stage or quietly behind the scenes, makes a difference,” summarises Dennis Wittmann, General Manager DACH at ASC.

More about the Awards winners: ASC Awards, MSC Awards Germany 2025