The company Santa Catarina Indústria Conserveira, S.A, based in Calheta, São Jorge Island, was distinguished with five awards at the 5th National Competition for Canned Fish that took place in Santarém.
In this contest, the Azorean cannery won prizes in four of the products presented, including the most important prize of the event that distinguishes the "Best the Best" with the product “Tuna Fillet in Olive Oil with Ginger.” The initiative aims to distinguish, promote, recognise and disseminate traditional and genuine fish preserves that are exclusively produced in Portugal.
This prize was awarded to a product that is part of a range of speciality products at a contest intended to showcase high quality products. It distinguishes the “Tuna Fillet in Olive Oil with Ginger” as "the preserve of greater excellence."
In addition to this prize, awarded after a blind tasting of several sample from numerous Portuguese canneries, Santa Catarina won two gold medals with the products "Tuna Fillet with Ginger” and "Tuna Fillet with Azorean Chilli Pepper - 250 gr" in glass jar.
Moreover, the Azorean cannery also won two silver medals with the product "Tuna Fillet with Molho Crú" (Portuguese pickle sauce for fish), already distinguished in previous editions, and with the new product "Tuna Fillet with 4 Peppers."
As the recipient of the contest's main prize, Santa Catarina cannery is entitled to have its own stand, free of charge, at the 53rd National Agriculture Fair, which will take place in Santarém from June 2 to 12.
The preserves produced by Santa Catarina were considered by Greenpeace as the most sustainable in the English and Australian markets. This brand has managed to achieve recognition for winning major awards for its products.
Last year, for example, Santa Catarina was once again distinguished for its quality and innovation. For the first time, it won two stars at the Great Taste Award held in Cardiff, Wales, with the products "Tuna Fillet with Fennel Seeds" and "Tuna Fillet in Organic Olive Oil" in glass jar.
Santa Catarina is a tuna cannery that operates in the village of Calheta on São Jorge Island. It is also the island's largest employer with 130 workers, of whom 115 are women.