The awards are now in their 16^th year and celebrate exemplary primary producers who are demonstrating innovative farming methods with a distinct focus on provenance, seasonality and sustainability.

They use a land based aquaculture model which has resulted in one of the lowest environmental footprints in the industry.

In 2020, Aquna entered the awards in the category From the Sea but did not place. However this year, they stood out from hundreds of other entries in the same category to secure the coveted top spot.

Aquna's corporate affairs manager Lynsey Reilly said winning state winner was the result of an extremely hardworking team across all aspects of the business.

"We're chuffed to be named as a State Winner in what's considered to be the pinnacle food awards in Australia - and be recognized in the caliber of the best producers in the country," Ms Reilly said.

Aquna Murray Cod is known for being a high quality, versatile fish product and as state winners, have now been invited to showcase their winning cod for judging on the national stage in June.

This judging will determine who has the best cod in all of Australia.

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According to Ms Reilly, the win is especially phenomenal as Aquna as it exists today is only four years old. In equal measure, Aquna has been able to size up to the sizeable operations of more well established, and older, aquaculture businesses along the NSW coastline.

Ms Reilly said that ultimately Aquna hopes that the recognition bought on by winning the delicious Harvey Norman Produce Awards will see Aquna's Murray cod be the fine dining fish of choice not just in Australia but across the globe.

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