Louisiana Seafood To Begin Using A New Brand Name

This week marks the launch of a new brand name that is aimed at distinguishing Louisiana seafood from other seafood's across the nation. Behind the brand name is the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, LSU AgCenter, Louisiana SeaGrant, Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board and fisheries industry leaders.

The new seafood brand called The Louisiana Certified Seafood Program will be attempting to give a specialty to the state, such as how Idaho is famous for potatoes and Maine is famous for lobsters. The same idea will be applied for Louisiana seafood.

LDWF Assistant Secretary Randy Pausina said,

Consumers are paying more attention to their seafood choices, particularly where it’s from and how it’s sourced.  People are demanding transparency in the seafood industry, so we’re giving it to them. This program is three years in the making and demonstrates our Department’s strong commitment to ensuring Louisiana’s delicious seafood will continue to be recognized as the world's finest.”

In addition, the program has even set up goals needed to complete it's primary focuses.

• Develop a NATIONALLY recognized brand that distinguishes Louisiana seafood from seafood of another origin;
• Certify and increase consumer confidence that branded seafood is from the Gulf of Mexico, landed, processed and packaged in Louisiana; and
• Promote and market all participants and seafood labeled with this logo.

LDWF Commissioner Mike Strain says,

We encourage buying and promoting Louisiana products whether it’s in stores, farmer’s markets or restaurants. Our goal is to make sure Louisiana residents seek home grown products to keep our industry strong. People at home and abroad want our produce and seafood because the quality speaks for itself."

People in the seafood industry are welcome to visit the website in order to learn more about branding and processes needed to become part of the program.