First Asian shrimp farm ASC certified

The family company, which was set up in 1996, was the first shrimp farm to enter the ASC programme for Shrimp Standard – a new standard launched earlier this year.

“It’s quite a step to have the first Asian certified shrimp now available. Vietnam is the third biggest exporter of farmed shrimp globally, with around 90 per cent of its total volume exported,” said Chris Ninnes, CEO, ASC.

“For us, gaining ASC certification reinforces to others that we do manage our business responsibly. It’s also makes good business sense; ASC certification gives you market entry that offers new opportunities,” added Ngo Quoc Tuan, vice president, Quoc Viet. “And, our customers now have the confidence that the shrimp they buy from us comes from a farm that meets the most rigorous global criteria for responsible farm production.”

Quoc Viet supplied 15,000 tonnes of shrimp in 2013 with a target of 20,000 tonnes in 2014. The business is currently in the process of expanding its plant to scale up production to 25,000 tonnes by 2015.

The company supplies customers across the US, Japan, EU, Australia, Canada, Korea and other countries.

Through ASC certification, shrimp farms aim to measurably reduce adverse impacts on the environment and local communities by preserving wetlands and mangroves; addressing the transfer of viruses and reducing disease; bringing cleaner water and ensuring the responsible use of water; ensuring the responsible use of feed; and addressing biodiversity issues.

Quoc Viet is working with WWF Vietnam to support local small scale shrimp farms which also aim to achieve ASC certification. The WWF project helps farmers to improve their operations and capacity to achieve ASC certification.