Tai Foong USA is the first company in the U.S. to source and sell ASC certified tilapia under its Northern Chef brand.
The Seattle, U.S.-based firm’s Northern Chef Tilapia Fillets 10-ounce product have been on sale since mid-May this year across the country in Sprouts Farmers Market, Ingles Markets, Tops Friendly Markets, Lucky's Markets, Nugget Markets, Fresh Thyme Farmers Markets, and through the Harvest Meat Company. Tai Foong expects to distribute to an additional 5,000 stores this year.
Davy Lam, Tai Foong president, said that the ASC certified tilapia has become the number one seller in the Northern Chef finfish line of products due its high quality, clean taste and responsibly farmed attributes.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer our customers responsibly farmed tilapia,” Lam said. “The ASC logo on the pack ensures that the fish has been certified against the most robust standard in the market. Tai Foong is committed to promoting environmental and social responsibility. The ASC program supports our responsible sourcing policy and provides our customers with a greater choice. Therefore, we also plan to offer ASC certified shrimp in the US market once it is available.”
“I am delighted that the first product with the on-pack ASC logo is now available in the United States,” said Chris Ninnes, ASC CEO. “Thanks to Tai Foong’s commitment and vision to provide US consumers with responsibly farmed Tilapia, consumers are in turn rewarding the commitment of the farms through their seafood purchases.”
“It is encouraging to see new countries enter the ASC program. The U.S. is a leading global market so this marks a major milestone for the ASC. I look forward to more US companies sourcing ASC certified products and the ASC program expanding further in this important market in the years to come.”
