Pioneers, excellence recognised at IceFish awards

Seafood processors Einhamar, Íslenskt Sjávarfang and Samherji were among the big winners at the 9th Icelandic Fisheries Awards, held on 18 September 2024, scooping the titles of Outstanding Icelandic Achievement, Outstanding Processor and Overall Outstanding Supplier, respectively.

Grindavík-based Einhamar’s award recognised its success in continuing to produce high-quality fish products locally, despite frequent shutdowns and serious infrastructure disruptions caused by the area’s recent seismic challenges.

Íslenskt Sjávarfang, operating in Kópavogur and Þingeyri without its own fleet, has excelled in the fresh fish market with premium products.

Samherji, meanwhile, has established a state-of-the-art fish processing facility in Dalvík, considered one of the most advanced in the world, supplying top-quality products to international markets.

Receiving the award for Outstanding Icelandic Skipper was Eiríkur Sigurðsson, skipper of Reval Viking. Working with Reyktal Fisheries, Sigurðsson has implemented new technologies to reduce the company’s carbon footprint. He has also pioneered innovative methods in light-trawl fishing.

First introduced in 1999, the awards recognise excellence within the Icelandic and international fishing industry. They showcase some of the most innovative and ground-breaking products in the market and reward outstanding service.

This year, hosted by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, and the City of Kópavogur, the ceremony rounded off day-one of the Icelandic Fisheries, Seafood & Aqua Exhibition (IceFish). The awards were sponsored by Vonin.

The event started by celebrating 40 years of IceFish, with a special award was presented to each of Icefish’s dedicated exhibitors: Atlas, Baader, Borgarplast, Fridrik A. Johnsson ehf. Marel, Danish Export Association. Eimskip, Fiskifrettir, Hampidjan, Olis, Hedinn, Saeplast, Slippurinn, DNG and Scanmar.

This year’s other award winners were: