MEDIA RELEASE - 17 SEPTEMBER 2010

SSA JOINS HEAVYWEIGHTS AS AN AUSTRALIAN MADE, AUSTRALIAN GROWN CAMPAIGN PARTNER

"Seafood Services Australia is excited at joining Qantas, Coles, Woolworths and Harvey Norman as an Australian Made, Australian Grown (AMAG) Campaign Partner," Ted Loveday, Managing Director, Seafood Services Australia said today.

"Australia produces world class seafood that is fresh, tastes great, is sustainably produced and good for your health. However, Australian producers are facing increasing competition and need to have their product strongly identified in the market place."

"94% of Australians recognise the Australian Made, Australian Grown logo and 85% trust it over any other country of origin labels - end of story."

"The Australian Made, Australian Grown logo clearly brands and labels Australian seafood. And it’s easy and inexpensive to register to use the logo and join the AMAG Campaign," said Mr Loveday

At the recent Australian Prawn and Barramundi Growers conference the Coles General Merchandise Manager for seafood stated that ‘Almost 100% of Coles' consumers have a preference for buying Australian – but they will buy the best value they can afford.’ Similar research has confirmed a growing trend in Australian consumer and retailer support for locally grown or harvested produce.

In 2009/10 378 Australian businesses joined the AMAG Campaign for the first time. The Australian seafood industry contributed significantly to this number and is represented by local businesses, such as, Tassal, Cleanseas Tuna and Seafarm Pty Ltd.

Roy Palmer, CEO of Seafood Experience Australia (SEA), Australia's seafood marketing body, reckons, "It's a great initiative and a key marketing tool for Australian seafood producers, as part of each business' marketing strategy."

"The Australian Made, Australian Grown Campaign and the 'Eat Seafood Twice a Week' promotion will feature prominently at the upcoming International Seafood and Health Conference and Exhibition to be held in Melbourne, 6 - 10 November 2010," Mr Palmer said.

For information on how to join the Australian Made, Australian Grown Campaign visit http://www.seafood.net.au or contact Seafood Services Australia directly on 1300 130321

For information on the upcoming International Seafood and Health Conference and Exhibition visit www.seafoodhealthconference.com or contact Roy Palmer on 0419 528733.