MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

“Argentine Sea, wild and austral”, the quality label planned for Argentine fish produce

The idea is that the label and seal identify Argentine produce with premium quality

Argentina is promoting the use of the distinctive label of “Mar Argentino, Salvaje y Austral”, for fishery produce traded by Argentine companies. The Federal Fisheries Council, CFP, is responsible for the implementation of the initiative which aims to incorporate the origin seal and promotional brochures.

 CFP has a draft resolution with the protocol to be followed by the entrepreneurs interested in incorporating it in their packaging. The initiative has been delayed two years from its original plan which was targeted to be launched in 2013.

The idea is that the “Mar Argentino” label and seal distinguishes fishery products exported from Argentina and becomes a symbol of quality, with the endorsement of the national state.

The next step is for consumers to recognize the seal and differentiate local produce “wild and austral” from those originated in aquaculture, and thus establishing a direct link between Argentine fish and premium quality.

In this context, the CFP temporarily approved the use of the label system for its exclusive implementation – until the protocol is finished -- in the stands of Argentine companies participating in trade shows and industry events.

“Given the different managers’ requests to include the distinctive label 'Mar Argentino' in the stands of Argentine companies in the next international fairs, it was unanimously decided to authorize its use” to the firms that request it, said CFP.

However “this will be temporarily and until the regulations on the protocol usage is completed, and only available in promotional brochures in the business stands,” the CFP decided at its latest meeting.

Likewise it was revealed that Argentine fishing sector companies will be experimenting with the “Mar Argentino, salvaje y austral” (Argentine Sea, Wild and Austral) at the Seafood Expo Southern Europe 2014 to be held in Barcelona, Spain, from 22 to 24 September.

Interested fishing companies have to make their request to the CFP Institutional Coordinating Agency stating “the company name, the date of the fair for which they are requesting its use, and the draft of the promotional brochure where the logo will be incorporated”. (FIS).-