Healthy new fish taste good and is eco friendly
USA: Ranked a "Best Choice" for sustainability, barramundi is making waves with a recipe in Oprah Magazine, an expansion into retail, and growing popularity among chefs and environmental groups.
Barramundi is being popularized in the US by Massachusetts-based sustainable aquaculture pioneer, Australis Aquaculture. This sweet and mild fish is a cook's dream and is now widely available in supermarkets and restaurants across the country.
Embraced by hundreds of discerning chefs across the country, Australis Barramundi entered the mainstream with an appearance in the June ‘08 issue of O, The Oprah (Winfrey) Magazine, and the launch of fresh and frozen barramundi products that are being introduced into major retail and club markets such as Costco, Whole Foods, Kroger, Harris Teeter, ShopRite and many others.
When barramundi first came on the scene three years ago, it was virtually unknown and almost impossible to find in the United States. The fish had long been prized in its native Australia for its versatility, sweet, mild flavor and moist, delicate texture. But it wasn't until Australis Aquaculture started farming it in one of the world's largest and most eco-friendly indoor fish farms near the Berkshires that it started to catch on.
Driven by heightened concerns over seafood safety and sustainability, plus increased consumer interest in healthy and convenient products, Australis is launching a retail and foodservice line of frozen barramundi to compliment its fresh, US-farmed product. The product is available in stand-up bags and bulk cases. Supply will come from high-quality sourced product from barramundi's native salt waters in Vietnam & Indonesia, as well as the company's own hatchery and grow-out operation in Central Vietnam that is expected to produce over 22 million pounds per year.
