Alfa Fishing received an award in the growth-stage category at the 2015 Fish 2.0 Competition Finals and Sustainable Seafood Innovation Forum in the US
The Forum honors companies that demonstrate sustainability, innovation and support for local communities.
Based on the island nation of Vanuatu, the company generates income for rural youth and urban women through supplying fresh seafood to both high-end restaurants and low-income households.
CEO Alfred Kalontas said, “Coming around the world was more than worth it. I founded my business with a mission. I was trying to build up a brand, to build up a team, create transparency and build an ethical business. I was on my own. This helped me mold it, as if in the palm of my hand.” –
Alfa Fishing was one of six winners that came from 170 initial applicants, which were winnowed down to 18 finalists and 19 runners-up.
Each winner received a $5,000 cash prize. They and the other 31 businesses competing at the finals are also eligible for Professional Service Awards ($150,000 total, plus an additional $45,000 for Pacific Islands businesses) and Open Door Prizes, which provide unparalleled access to top-level industry buyers and analysts, training and other connections. These prizes will be announced by mid-December.