Hilton Singapore today announced that it is the first hotel in Asia to achieve Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) Chain of Custody certifications. As a MSC- and ASC- certified hotel, diners at the F&B outlets operated by Hilton Singapore can be assured that seafood dishes labeled with the respective ecolabels have been prepared with seafood sources that are sustainably caught and farmed.
First for both MSC and ASC
MSC is the gold standard for fishery certification for wild-capture fisheries in the world whereas ASC is one of the leading ecolabel and certification programs for responsibly farmed seafood. To date, no other restaurants in Singapore and in Asia have been certified by either program.
Kelvin Ng, regional director, Asia Pacific, MSC said: “We’re also proud to announce this major milestone in Singapore and would like to congratulate Hilton Singapore for taking the initiative to be evaluated according to the MSC Chain of Custody Standard. The message I would like to pass onto other restaurants and chefs is that it’s really easy to use sustainable seafood. Choosing sustainable seafood is about every day choices. It’s looking at alternative species and fish that have a certification from an internationally respected ecolabel such as the MSC.
“We would also like to take this opportunity to also reach out to all seafood lovers, to join us in this sustainable seafood movement and look out for the blue MSC Ecolabel when making your seafood choices.”
Peter Webster, general manager, Hilton Singapore said: “Sustainability is and remains a core pillar of Hilton Worldwide’s corporate responsibility strategy, Travel with Purpose. Today’s announcement underscores our commitment to enhance guest awareness about making sustainable seafood choices, and we are thrilled to be the first hotel in Asia to receive both MSC and ASC certifications.”
Webster added, “There is an urgency to protect the oceans from unsustainable fishing practices, and this is a shared responsibility. Collectively the hospitality industry has significant potential to raise consumer awareness, and advance responsible business operations at large – including the sourcing of sustainable seafood. We welcome and anticipate more hotels and restaurants to be part of this growing momentum.”
Hilton Singapore's journey towards sustainable seafood
Hilton Singapore’s journey towards sustainable seafood began with Hilton Worldwide’s global ban on shark fin at all restaurants and F&B facilities operated by its owned and managed properties on April 1, 2014. Shortly after, the hotel participated in the inaugural WWF Sustainable Seafood Festival in June 2014, presenting guests an opportunity to learn about the importance of making sustainable seafood choices, while enjoying the culinary creativity of its restaurants. This then led the hotel to apply for and achieve both ecolabel certifications, several months later.
Elaine Tan, CEO, WWF Singapore said: "Hilton Singapore was a valued participant in our Sustainable Seafood Festival last year and we are very encouraged that the Festival spurred them into becoming certified to serve the highest standards available for sustainably caught and responsibly farmed seafood. This is a great example of corporate leadership. With almost 90 per cent of the oceans already fished to or beyond capacity, there is an urgent need for more hotels and restaurants in Singapore to follow Hilton's lead, so that our planet's oceans can continue to be a source of sustenance for people here and around the world.”
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Sustainable seafood in Singapore
Prior to Hilton Singapore’s Chain of Custody certifications, consumers in Singapore only have the option of purchasing MSC-and ASC-certified seafood produce and products at selected supermarkets and seafood purveyors in the country. With Hilton Singapore leading the way to serve MSC-and ASC-certified seafood, consumers may soon expect more MSC- and ASC certified seafood choices when they dine out in Singapore.
MSC- and ASC-certified menu items are now available in Hilton Singapore’s F&B outlets - il Cielo Italian Restaurant, Glow Juice Bar and Café and the newly-opened Opus Bar & Grill. For more information and reservations contact +65 6737 2233 or visit www.singapore.hilton.com.