The Global Aquaculture Alliance on Thursday announced that Kroger Co. has made Best Aquaculture Practices certification for farmed seafood a key element in its sustainable seafood sourcing policy.
One of the United States' largest supermarket companies, Kroger now requires its seafood suppliers to source product from BAP-certified aquaculture facilities and will soon require that the BAP seal appear on its private-label shrimp, tilapia and channel catfish.
Cincinnati-based Kroger, which operates about 2,400 stores in 31 U.S. states, began its partnership with the GAA in 2009.
"Kroger — and all those who utilize the BAP program — are to be applauded, as they are really making a difference in the sustainability of aquaculture on a global scale," said GAA Executive Director Wally Stevens. "We will continue to work with Kroger as its internal programs evolve and BAP adds news species."
The BAP program will soon implement certification for pangasius farms. Standards for salmon farms and mussel farms are also under development.
