Each year, Stolt Sea Farm (SSF) provides a 12-month scholarship to The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) to support talented chefs to develop their skills and promote the importance of quality ingredients and the joy of great seafood.
The scholarship is valued at US$5,000, and students studying for a bachelor in gastronomy specialising in seafood can apply by preparing an essay about their passion for seafood and aquaculture. SSF then selects the winner anonymously and invites the winning student to visit its operations in Spain. This month, the business welcomed the 2023 and 2022 scholarship winners, William Mahl and Allen Morales.
The guests were given a tour of SSF’s farms in Lira, Quilmas and Couso where they learned about Stolt Sea Farm’s sustainable farming methods and commitment to fish welfare and quality. They also visited SSF’s own hospitality school in Santiago de Compostela to learn more about preparing fresh turbot and sole and, of course, they tasted some delicious dishes!
Each year, SSF also provides fish to the CIA for its seafood training classes.
“This trip to Spain was an adventure of education that I will hold forever dearly in my heart,” said William. “The hatcheries and nurseries are mesmerising, the locations are stunning and, more importantly, the Stolt Sea Farm team is at the pinnacle of excellence and hospitality. Their perpetual drive toward sustainability and integrity is what makes Stolt Sea Farm stand out from the crowd!”
Allen added: “An educational trip full of rich culture, amazing fish, and a hospitable team with a passion for their sustainable product. It was a wonderful learning experience that I will never forget for the rest of my culinary career.”