Aquaculture Stewardship Council launches first retail and restaurant promotion in Atlanta

Local seafood purveyors collaborate with global nonprofit for six-week “Summer Seafood Series” promoting flavorful fish and responsible sourcing

ATLANTA – Atlanta residents are diving into a summer of seafood thanks to a first-of-its-kind promotion presented by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and Inland Foods.

Launched this week and running until July 4, the “Sea Green. Be green. Summer Seafood Series promotion features two iconic seafood destinations in Atlanta, Kathleen’s Take And Atlanta Fish Marketdedicating the first weeks of summer to educating customers on the positive impacts of seafood farming done right. ASC is a global nonprofit organization that conducts the world’s most stringent certification and labeling program for responsibly farmed seafood, while the Georgia-based company Internal foods – an ASC Certified Company – is a leading supplier of premium food products to restaurants and grocers nationwide.

The Summer Seafood Series is the latest activation in ASC’s multi-year campaign to raise awareness, interest and understanding of the benefits of ASC’s Seafood Certification label among shoppers across the country. Atlanta is the first city in which ASC is running simultaneous promotions with area retail and restaurant operators.

Kathleen’s Catch – the fresh seafood market with two locations in greater Atlanta – and Fishmonger – an award-winning restaurant and market with three locations in Atlanta – are leading seafood promotions in collaboration with ASC via online and in-store education , seafood specialties, new dishes based on premium ASC-labeled fish and targeted activations on social networks. Each destination highlights various certified species, raised with care, designated by the ASC green label and distributed by Inland Foods. Species and farms include AVRAMAR branzino, Open Blue cobia, Verlasso salmon and Riverence Provisions trout.

Kathleen’s Catch will launch weekly specials on selected certified seafood with the addition of cooking classes, wine pairings and recipe ideas, including:

• May 24-30 and June 14-20: Verlasso salmon
• May 31 – June 6 and June 21-27: AVRAMAR branzino
• June 7-13 and June 28 – July 4: trout from Riverence Provisions

Fishmonger delights diners with chef-prepared dishes and specialties featuring AVRAMAR branzino and Open Blue cobia with a unique offering at each of their locations.

Exclusive ASC and Inland Dinner Inspires Atlanta Food Influencers

ASC and Inland Foods officially launched the campaign on May 21 with an invitation-only preview reception at Fishmonger’s Howell Mill store.

The tasting experience brought together more than 50 of Atlanta’s top media outlets, social influencers, culinary trendsetters and industry partners to learn more about the Summer Seafood Series promotion and what “Sea Green” means. Be green.”

Seafood lovers enjoyed a colorful and fresh summer selection of ASC certified and labeled seafood, carefully presented by Fishmonger’s culinary creatives. The multi-course dinner featured 10 courses, including responsibly grown whole AVRAMAR branzino, butterflyed and grilled with leeks in vinaigrette and herb oil, and Open Blue cobia ceviche with hibiscus ponzu, radish , chili pepper and pomegranate.

The management teams of ASC, Inland Foods, Kathleen’s Catch and AVRAMAR presented an unusual and exciting insight into how modern seafood farming, also known as aquaculture, can benefiting today’s shoppers in unexpected ways, while also revealing details of the new Summer Seafood Series promotion. The guest experience was enhanced with Open Blue’s 360° viewing glasses, which offered a virtual “swim” with cobia in the clear waters of Panama.

“Today’s shoppers are wondering where their food comes from, how it was produced and how it got to them,” said Athena Davis, director of marketing at ASC North America. “ASC is ready to respond at the Summer Seafood Series in Atlanta. Together with our promotion partners, we look forward to showcasing the journey of responsibly farmed seafood from ‘farm to fork’ through delicious dishes, summer specialties and raising awareness of how our own seafood choices can make a difference. As our first-ever joint retail and restaurant activation departs from Atlanta, we recognize the importance of community and recognize the hard work of Inland Foods, Kathleen’s Catch and Fishmonger, as well as our global agricultural partners AVRAMAR, Open Blue, Verlasso and Riverence, to ensure certified responsible seafood is an option at all our tables.

“Atlanta has become a vibrant, seafood-loving community thanks to the creativity and forward-thinking of businesses like Kathleen’s Catch, Fishmonger and many other local establishments that we are proud to call our customers. We are honored to partner with ASC for a summer seafood series that highlights the incredible flavors our city has to offer while making a global impact,” said Joël Knox, founder and CEO, Internal foods. “Inland’s mission has always been to prioritize sustainability by providing fresh, healthy food from a transparent, traceable and responsibly sourced supply chain. We look forward to educating Atlanta diners and shoppers on what this means and why it’s important over the coming months and beyond.

Following the Summer Seafood Series promotion, ASC returns to Atlanta September 15-18 to serve certified seafood pairings, made with Riverence Provisions trout, to 15,000 guests alongside premium wine producers at Atlanta Food & Wine Festival.

About the Aquaculture Management Council

Responsible seafood starts on the farm. The ASC green water label guarantees buyers that:

• The highest standards are in place to improve agricultural practices
• The seafood in store actually comes from certified farms
• Farms continue to meet the highest standards
• We are constantly working towards greater sustainability

ASC is the only certification program that can verify that your farmed seafood is what it says it is, where it comes from, how it was raised, and how it got to you. Learn more at SeaGreenBeGreen.com and follow @asc.usa on Instagram.

About Inland Foods

Inland Foods is a leading distributor of exceptional proteins and artisan provisions, proudly serving restaurants and retailers nationwide. Since its founding in 1977 as Inland Seafood, the now employee-owned company has remained steadfast in its commitment to innovation, quality and customer service, building on decades of expertise and industrial relations.

With a focus on sustainability and responsible sourcing, Inland Foods is committed to supporting local communities and protecting the environment for future generations. Through partnerships with trusted suppliers and rigorous quality control measures, the company provides peace of mind along with exceptional products.

In addition to its diverse inventory of fresh, frozen, smoked and specialty seafood, Inland also offers a full line of non-aquatic gourmet specialties, including antibiotic- and hormone-free meats, game and poultry, as well as locally sourced cheeses, oils, seasonal produce and much more.

For more information about Inland Foods and its premium offerings, please visit www.inlandfoods.com or search for Inland Foods on LinkedIn and Instagram.