People are eating more fish, according to new research from industry body, Seafish. Consumption of oil-rich fish, which is packed full of omega 3, has risen by 10 per cent since 2004 and the number of people eating shellfish has risen by eight per cent.
Children are increasingly becoming fish fans, with a 23 per cent rise in consumption by kids under six and 11 per cent more under-16s now eating seafood on a regular basis.
However, despite these positive trends, only 28 per cent of people overall eat fish twice a week, as recommended by the Food Standards Agency.
Consumers who took part in the survey revealed that sustainable sourcing of seafood is an issue high on their minds, with two out of three preferring to eat locally-sourced fish. However, the research also showed that only 10 per cent of shoppers think about environmental concerns every time they buy seafood.
The new research has been revealed to mark the start of Seafood Week 2007 which runs from 5-12 October. Restaurants, bars, schools, fish and chip shops, supermarkets and fishmongers across the country will be celebrating with special offers and events to remind customers of the fantastic people behind the £5.2 billion industry.
Now in its seventh year, Seafood Week is backed by a host of well-known chefs, foodies and celebrities including Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Antony Worrall Thompson, Nick Nairn, Brian Turner, Aldo Zilli, Tom Parker Bowles, Annabel Karmel, Gabby Logan and Nell McAndrew.
Chris Stevens, commercial manager at Seafish said: “Seafood Week is the perfect platform to remind consumers of the important health benefits of eating the recommended two portions of fish a week. It’s also an ideal opportunity to highlight the importance of buying seafood from sustainable sources.”
For further information on Seafood Week and to find out what’s happening in your area, log onto www.seafish.org/2aweek. Each day, a different aspect of the industry will be highlighted on the website, along with new recipes showing how easy it can be to eat two portions a week. There will also be daily free prize draws, celebrity quotes and top tips.
