Neil Perry and Walker Seafoods launch tuna product line

Tuna Australia member Walker Seafoods Australia has partnered with renowned chef Neil Perry to launch a new product line of preserved local tuna for sale in Australian supermarkets.

Walker’s Tuna features sustainable Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified preserved Albacore tuna caught in the pristine waters off Mooloolaba.

"This collaboration marks a significant milestone in promoting sustainable seafood practices in Australia," said Walker Seafoods Australia co-founder Pavo Walker.

Committed to excellence and sustainability

Walker Seafoods Australia, founded in 2002, is a Queensland-based tuna company operating along the east coast of Australia.

They source tuna from the Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery, extending from Cape York in Queensland to the South Australian/Victorian border.

It is a Commonwealth Fishery managed by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, which ensures sustainable use through the Harvest Strategy and Total Allowable Commercial Catch limits.

Walker's Tuna product range.

"If it [preserved tuna] is not MSC certified, it's very unlikely to be sustainable, regardless of what the label claims,” said Walker Seafoods Australia co-founder Heidi Walker.

“Currently, there is no Australian tuna available in the tuna aisle of any major Australian supermarket."

Another Tuna Australia member Little Tuna, based in Cairns, has been producing and selling canned Australian tuna since 2017. It’s available in over 100 stores across Australia and via their website.

Collaborating with Neil Perry

Neil Perry has a longstanding commitment to sustainable Australian produce and nurturing local producer relationships.

"Working with Heidi and Pavo to bring such an incredible product to market has been a truly rewarding experience,” he said.

The quality of Walker's Tuna is exceptional, and preserving it in Australian first cold pressed olive oil only enhances the flavour profile of the Albacore tuna.

“Australians deserve to enjoy the best truly sustainable produce from their own backyard," said Neil.

High-quality Australian produce

Neil has been a long-time supporter of Heidi and Pavo, with Walker Seafoods Australia’s fresh fish consistently featuring on the menu at Margaret and Next Door.

"While catching up with Neil in Sydney, I noticed Baker Bleu had started to feature Walker Seafoods tuna on their menu, which Neil had been preserving himself,” said Heidi.

“I asked Neil if he would be interested in partnering with us to produce the product on a larger scale, and that's how Walker’s Tuna was created.”

Perry's expertise in preserving their fresh tuna in these kitchens was the catalyst for this partnership.

"Neil's involvement has been invaluable. His vision for sustainable and high-quality Australian produce aligns perfectly with our vision at Walker's Tuna,” said Heidi.

Neil Perry's preserved tuna with poached eggs on toast.

Where to get Walker's Tuna

Walker’s Tuna will be available nationally in supermarkets, specialty gourmet food stores, and local providores.

The product will be offered in two formats: first, in a 70g no-drain pouch with 15g of protein, launching in early August, and later, in early September, in a 200g glass jar of premium Australian Albacore fillet in first cold pressed olive oil, also available with chilli.

A commercial food service size in first cold pressed olive oil will be available in a 3kg pack, and Walker’s Tuna will accept pre-orders for these.