Category: News

Quarter 3 2013 Newsletter

September 13, 2013

Global Food Traceability Center, Seafood Consumer Research Study, LinkedIn and the Mike Voisin Memorial Fund

SIRF Announces Completion of Seafood Consumption Study

September 12, 2013

Consumer Research Used to Produce Educational Videos

Virginia Tech’s Department of Food Science and Technology is releasing research that examines consumer attitudes towards seafood culinary preparation. The work, sponsored by the Seafood Industry Research Fund (SIRF) was used in the development of educational videos that address gaps in consumer knowledge and barriers to purchasing seafood.

“There are many seafood lovers out there who don’t even know it yet,” said SIRF Chairman Russ Mentzer. “For some, seafood can seem challenging. This research helps identify exact consumer concerns, letting us know where the industry needs to focus our educational efforts and how to reach new customers.”

The research finds many consumers simply don’t know how to buy and prepare seafood at home. Further complicating things many are also confused about the health benefits. “This project epitomizes SIRF’s goals of research and action,” said Mentzer. “The research portion highlighted consumer stumbling blocks and the videos actively cover these reservations, providing the consumer with information and practical knowledge.” The online videos give viewers a synopsis of seafood’s health benefits and the various types of seafood available, in addition to demonstrations on various seafood preparation methods with advice on techniques and food safety.

To view Virginia Tech’s Department of Food Science and Technology’s SIRF sponsored online videos, follow the links:

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The Seafood Industry Research Fund (SIRF) was established in 1964 to fund research grants to colleges, universities and other institutions for research related to the seafood industry and the consumers of its products. SIRF is supported entirely by voluntary contributions from individuals and companies in and related to the seafood industry.

Quarter 2 2013 Newsletter

June 26, 2013

Omega-3 Cancer Research, Decomposition Testing for Tuna and Mahi Mahi and the Mike Voisin Memorial Fund

SIRF Board Announces New Member

June 6, 2013

Mary Larkin, Diversified Business Communications

June 6, 2013- McLean, VA- The Seafood Industry Research Fund (SIRF) has announced that Mary Larkin, of Diversified Business Communications, has been named to its Board of Directors.

Ms. Larkin is Group Vice President & Publisher of Seafood Business Magazine and SeafoodSource.com, and oversees the International Boston Seafood Show, Seafood
Barcelona, the Asian Seafood Exposition and the European Seafood Exposition. She will contribute a wide-reaching knowledge of the domestic and international seafood industry to SIRF.

“Mary Larkin is a tremendous addition to the SIRF Board,” said SIRF Chairman Russ Mentzer. “Her marketing and communications acumen will be key to helping rebrand
SIRF as an industry focused group that addresses business concerns.” Larkin has been asked to help with the process of redefining SIRF’s image and broadening its appeal. “I am excited to join the SIRF Board,” said Larkin. “SIRF has an important impact on research that is beneficial to the seafood community. I look forward to raising SIRF’s visibility and contributing to the Board.”

Diversified Business Communications is a media company that educates and strengthens business communities through international trade and consumer events, trade publications and e-media. Mary Larkin joined Diversified in 1995 as an account executive. She now manages Diversified’s portfolio of seafood tradeshows and seafood trade publications.

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The Seafood Industry Research Fund (SIRF) was established in 1964 to fund research grants to colleges, universities and other institutions for research related to the seafood industry and the consumers of its products. SIRF is supported entirely by voluntary contributions from individuals and companies in and related to the seafood industry.

SIRF Board Announces the Mike Voisin Memorial Fund

May 23, 2013

Seafood Leader Honored for Lifelong Contribution

May 23, 2013- McLean, VA-The Seafood Industry Research Fund (SIRF) Board of Directors has announced the establishment of a new fund commemorating the late Mike Voisin, owner of Motivatit Seafoods, Inc.

A champion of the Louisiana Seafood Community, Mr. Voisin helped found the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board in 1984, giving a unified voice to a vital and iconic Gulf Coast industry. In addition to the Lousiana seafood community, Mike Voisin acted as a spokesman for the entire seafood community serving on multiple boards and as a past chair of the National Fisheries Institute.

Mike Voisin passed away in Houma, LA February 2, 2013 of complications arising from a heart attack.

SIRF Chairman Russ Mentzer commented on Mike Voisin’s passing and the establishment of his memorial fund saying, “Mike’s involvement in our business was second to none. Everyone recognized him as a person of character and action. SIRF is honored to create a fund in Mike’s legacy and grateful to give back to seafood as he did so many times throughout his life.”

The money received for the Mike Voisin Memorial Fund will be used to support future research projects on the benefits of seafood, aquaculture, as well as food safety. If you wish to make a pledge or donation, please contact Geraldine Daniel at gdaniel@nfi.org or at 703-752-8890. You may also donate through the SIRF website.

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The Seafood Industry Research Fund (SIRF) was established in 1964 to fund research grants to colleges, universities and other institutions for research related to the seafood industry and the consumers of its products. SIRF is supported entirely by voluntary contributions from individuals and companies in and related to the seafood industry.

Quarter 1 2013 Newsletter

April 26, 2013

SIRF Hockey Fundraiser, Dr. Jae “Surimi Man” Park, Jack Kilgore Living Tribute Fund