Vietnam promotes sustainable pangasius

Fish buyers were able to tour the farm and processing facility, and attend a Pangasius Forum discussion, thanks to the Establishing a Sustainable Pangasius Supply Chain in Vietnam (SUPA) project.

“The ASC has the most robust fish farming criteria so the buyers could see how the farmers really care for the environment, for example, with water filtration systems, ensuring the conservation of the local wildlife, investing in their staff and working with the local community,” said Ngo Tien Chuong, programme coordinator, aquaculture, WWF Vietnam, a partner of the project.

The Pangasius Forum was well attended by buyers and producers, who heard discussions on the image of Pangasius and how ASC certification helps enhance that image and brings credibility to the product in the market place.

It’s a popular product in many European markets, especially Germany and the Netherlands, but pangasius is still confronted with a negative image, explained Esther Luiten, commercial marketing manager, ASC.

“Many Vietnamese pangasius producers have worked hard to improve their operations in response to criticism and have achieved ASC certification. We have heard from importing traders and producers that by gaining ASC certification they have retained business in Germany and, for some, orders have increased despite the challenges that the pangasius sector is facing,” added Ms Luiten.

There are not 44 ASC-certified pangasius farms and with ASC certification they have greater access to the European market.