The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services wants consumers to know that seafood from the Sunshine State remains safe and untainted by the oil spill. And the message comes just ahead of tens of thousands of Independence Day cookouts in the state.
To get the message out, the department launched a new commercial to back Florida's commercial fishermen and its advertising partnership with major grocery chains.
Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson pledged in June to promote Florida seafood.
Because of the extensive news media coverage of the Gulf situation, many consumers are confused about whether Florida seafood is being harvested and if it is available in stores and restaurants, said Bronson. We want consumers to know Floridas commercial fishermen are harvesting wholesome seafood products from clean waters. Florida seafood is safe, plentiful and available.
On Friday, the department unveiled a new commercial, to run in the Panhandle and online, promoting Floridas seafood industry. Officials from the department said they intend to distribute the commercial as widely as possible, hoping it will be picked up in other states.
Floridas commercial fishermen are also being helped through a partnership the department established with three grocery retailers, advertising Florida seafood in stores and in advertisements. Central Market/HEB, Kroger Stores and Publix Super Markets have agreed to run Fresh from Florida Seafood and Florida Gulf Safe logos to promote Florida seafood.
I am pleased that these retailers are partnering with our department to promote Florida seafood products, said Bronson. The extensive news coverage of the Gulf oil spill has left some consumers with the mistaken impression that Florida seafood is unavailable or in limited supply. This promotion will help get out the message that Florida seafood is safe, plentiful and available.
Floridas seafood markets and restaurants are in business, and they would greatly appreciate your patronage, said Bronson. Our seafood industry workers are doing their part, and we hope that consumers will help out by enjoying delicious Florida seafood at home and when dining out.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or (850) 727-0859.
