The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) announced that more than 1,000 certified products are now available across 37 countries.
The milestone was reached in just more than two years since the ASC logo was launched.
“Since we launched the logo in April 2012, our partners have worked tirelessly towards making the ASC program a success in the global seafood market,” said Chris Ninnes, ASC 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 labeled 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 labeling program. 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 labeled 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.
“Edeka is committed to responsible aquaculture and welcomes the growing range of ASC certified seafood. The ASC program is an important step in transforming the aquaculture sector towards environmental sustainability and social responsibility,” said Rolf Lange, Edeka senior VP of corporate communications and public affairs.
“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,” said Ninnes.
The majority of the ASC certified fish products are pangaisus with 63 percent, followed by salmon at 23 percent and 14 percent are tilapia products. This spring, the first ASC certified salmon and pangasius products were launched in Japan.
