The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) has announced that more than 1000 products carrying the ASC logo are now available across 37 countries.
“Since we launched the logo in April 2012, our partners have worked tirelessly towards making the ASC programme a success in the global seafood market. It is wonderful to see their efforts pay off,” said Chris Ninnes, ASC’s CEO.
“Most recently, the first ASC certified freshwater trout has been introduced by Migros, Switzerland’s largest retailer. I also look forward to the first ASC labelled shrimp products later in the year. And, it should not be long before the first certified bivalve will be available in the market.
“ASC’s growth is testimony to the dedication of our partners, the farms and companies that choose to participate in the ASC certification and labelling programme. Thanks to their solid commitment and fantastic support, as well as the hard work of our broader stakeholder base we have accomplished more in two years than was ever imagined.”
The three ASC labelled products pushing the number over the thousand mark were Marine Harvest Boulogne’s Carrefour Filets de pangas sans arêtes décongelé 240g farmed by Vinh Hoan, Sainsbury's lightly dusted basa fillets 265g, and Anova Seafood’s product sold by EDEKA, Pangasius Rückenfilets 250g.
According to Mr Ninnes: “It has been hugely encouraging to see our figures increase steadily. The support of major retailers such as Carrefour in Belgium, Sainsbury’s in the United Kingdom and Edeka in Germany’s is of utmost importance in driving the improvements in aquaculture.”
The majority of the ASC certified fish products are pangasius at 63%, followed by salmon at 23% and 14% tilapia products. This spring, the first ASC certified salmon and pangasius products were launched in Japan, with the number of ASC labelled products in Asia and the rest of the world steadily rising.
