National 2012 Fish Craft Championship.....

M&J Seafood nets a big catch at
2012 National Fish Craft Championship


M&J Seafood, the UK’s largest independent seafood supplier, congratulates fishmonger Gopal Nandy on being crowned British Fish Craft Champion at the prestigious National Fish Craft Championship, held in Cardiff on Sunday 2 September.

Gopal Nandy, who works at the seafood specialist’s branch in Smethwick, won the title which is organised by the National Federation of Fishmongers. Gopal competed along with seven of his colleagues from branches across the UK, taking first prize in the Dawnfresh Fisheries Championship and Falfish Fishmongers Championship, as well as being named the overall 2012 British Craftsman of the Year.

The competitors are tested on their speed and skill in the art of filleting and preparing a wide range of seafood, as well as their expertise in preparing the fish in readiness for use by the final consumer.

M&J Seafood entered eight competitors from seven branches across the UK and won a total of fourteen prizes on the day. Other notable winners on the day were Terry Martin and Tim Quinn, taking first prize in the M&J/MSC Championship and Morrisons Fish Craft Challenge respectively.

Neil Poxon, expert fishmonger and M&J Seafood Training Manager, ensures that all M&J Seafood’s fishmongers are skilled in the art of filleting, guaranteeing the highest standards and allowing fish and seafood to be prepared to exact specification. The website www.mjseafood.com features more than a dozen video tutorials, offering information and advice for those who wish to enhance their knowledge of filleting and fish and seafood preparation.

Clare Twiss, Head of Marketing, M&J Seafood said: “We are delighted for the whole M&J Seafood team and grateful for the recognition by the National Federation of Fishmongers. Our fishmongers work six days a week perfecting the art form of preparing and filleting. The awards are evidence of M&J Seafood’s high skill standards which our customers expect. Special congratulations must go to Gopal Nandy.”

M&J Seafood also sponsored the ‘M&J Seafood MSC Championship’ competition at the event which looks for an outstanding fishmonger who prepares fish for retail, catering or processing, using sustainable methods. The competition provides an ideal opportunity to display skills using fish that has been certified sustainable for the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

M&J Seafood responsibly source and supply the best of the world’s catch from well-managed and sustainable fisheries, sourcing products within UK and international regulatory guidelines, while maintaining a commitment to actively promoting greater variety and under-utilised species.

Clare Twiss, Head of Marketing, M&J Seafood, commented: “M&J Seafood were delighted to sponsor the ‘M&J Seafood MSC Championship’ competition at the National Fish Craft Championships. We have championed under-utilised and sustainable fish and seafood for more than 20 years. We are proud to support the industry by offering information and advice regarding sustainable sourcing and alternative fish species.”

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