The company Santa Catarina Indústria Conserveira, S.A was recently distinguished with five prizes at the 3rd National Canned Fish Competition that took place in Santarém.

The Azorean canning won awards with all products submitted to the competition, including the most important event that distinguishes the "Best of the Best" with Tuna Fillet in Olive Oil with Fennel Seed.

The prize was awarded to Santa Catarina Cannery in the "Best Product" category with the gourmet product "Tuna Filet in Olive Oil with Fennel Seeds." This competition featured high-quality canned fish products.

The prize was awarded after the jury assessed 19 samples from several Portuguese canneries in a blind tasting event. Santa Catarina cannery also won two gold medals with the products "Tuna Fillet in Organic Olive Oil - 250 gr" in glass jar and the "Tuna Fillet with Molho Crú" (Portuguese pickle sauce for fish).

Moreover, the Azorean cannery also won two silver medals with the products "Tuna Fillet in Olive Oil With Fennel" and "Tuna Pâté with Oregano."
Being distinguished with the main award, Santa Catarina Cannery is entitled to have its exclusive stand, free of charge, at the National Agriculture Fair that will take place in Santarém from June 7-15.

In April 2013, the company Santa Catarina Indústria Conserveira, S.A was identified as a "brand that generates added value for the country" in the context of the project "Portugal Inspira," an entrepreneurial initiative that aims to promote Portuguese brands and products.

With the creation of a platform for the identification of national products and services, the project aims to disseminate high-quality products and services in the national market that sometimes are not identified as being national. The promotion of a conscious consumption with impact on the development of economy is another goal of this initiative.

Santa Catarina cannery, now included in this platform, is a tuna cannery that operates in the village of Calheta, São Jorge Island. It is also the island's largest employer with 130 workers, of whom one hundred are women.